Welcome to St. Stephen’s!
Office Hours:
Monday – Wednesday: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Click here to schedule an appointment with the Rector.
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Click here to watch an introductory video about our church.
Since our founding more than 200 years ago, St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Forest has welcomed people to this sacred place in the shadow of the Blue Ridge Mountains. No matter who you are or where you are on your journey, YOU are welcome here. We invite you to experience for yourself the joy and presence of God’s real and abiding love. If you are looking for a church to call home, we would love to have you with us at St. Stephen’s!
Worship with Us
Sunday Services and Education
8:30am – Holy Eucharist I (spoken)
9:30am – Adult Forum and Bible Study (September through May)
10:30am – Holy Eucharist II (with music and live on YouTube)
Calendar
Recent Sermons
Sermon for the Sixth Sunday after Pentecost (July 5, 2026)
Gospel: Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30) Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. This verse has long been of particular importance to me, as on several occasions I found myself living into this invitation in a new – and yes, unexpected – way. If there’s…
Sermon for the Fifth Sunday after Pentecost (June 28, 2026)
Gospel: Matthew 10:40-42 I can’t remember the moment in my life when I first heard someone say “Welcome!” to me. It most certainly took place, but at age 56 the memory of it has faded and I can’t remember it no matter how hard I try. Something in the back of my mind, though, makes…
Sermon for the Fourth Sunday after Pentecost (June 21, 2026)
Gospel: Matthew 10:24-39 Thirty years ago I was a junior at the University of South Alabama in Mobile, more than halfway toward finishing my undergraduate degree and just a few months away from getting married. At that point I still lived on campus and so trips to the dining hall for lunch were a daily…