Welcome to St. Stephen’s!
Office Hours:
Monday – Wednesday: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
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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 Ninth Sunday after Pentecost (July 26, 2026)
Gospel: Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 In writing this sermon I found myself moving from a very particular set of questions that I started with to a completely unexpected answer at the end. For me, it was a strong example of how reflection and thought lead to revelation, often in the most unexpected moments. So allow me…
Sermon for the Eighth Sunday after Pentecost (July 19, 2026)
Gospel: Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 Last week our Gospel passage was about scattering seed and seeing what grows, and where. I took one additional step and talked about dealing with trying to scatter seed on shifting ground. Today, we’re back with another agricultural parable from Jesus, one that takes me back again to memories of my…
Sermon for the Seventh Sunday after Pentecost (July 12, 2026)
Gospel: Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 At the outset let me say this: I’m no gardener. My thumbs are anything but green. Together with my poor hunting and fishing skills, gardening is that third area that reflects why it’s good Amy and our kids haven’t had to rely on my abilities for survival. But my parents did…