Outreach and Service Opportunities
At St. Stephen’s, we believe in living our faith through action and service to the wider community. A wide range of outreach events takes place throughout the year, offering diverse opportunities for members of our community to give back, support others, and grow in faith together. Whether you’re looking to make a difference locally or contribute to broader causes, there’s a place for you here. Join us in our mission to spread love, support, and kindness in all that we do.
Here are some of the ways you can join us in serving others:
Boys Home of Virginia: We support Boys Home of Virginia (located in Covington) through financial donations and gifts of supplies needed by the staff and residents of that community.
Community Blood Drives: Twice each year, in February and August, we partner with the American Red Cross to host blood drives in the church’s Parish Hall. Parishioners assist with donor check-in, provide refreshments, and support donors and Red Cross Staff as needed.
Community Blessing of the Animals: On the first Saturday of each October, our Rector holds a community blessing of the animals to offer blessings for the beloved pets in our families and prayers for those pets who have died during the previous year.
Community Pancake Supper: Each year on Shrove Tuesday (the day before the start of Lent), we host a pancake supper open to the community. The event is free although donations are gratefully accepted and used to support a designated charity or area service organization.
Community Trunk or Treat: Each year on the Saturday before Halloween, members of the congregation, family, and friends park and decorate vehicles in the church parking lot before welcoming families from throughout the area for a time of fellowship and fun in a welcoming environment. Visitors can also have family photos taken with a Halloween backdrop, and they’re invited to vote on their favorite decorated vehicle.
Interfaith Outreach Association: In addition to our Rector and parishioners serving on the board of directors, we support Interfaith Outreach Association through volunteer activities, fundraising, and collecting items needed by the families served through IOA programs.
Meals on Wheels: Members of the congregation offer their time to volunteer for deliveries for area residents served by the Meals on Wheels program.
Miriam’s House: Each winter, parishioners take part as a team in the Coldest Night of the Year fundraising walk on Rivermont Avenue (Lynchburg) in support of Miriam’s House and their homeless solution programs.
Society of St. Andrew: Parishioners support the feeding programs of Society of St. Andrew through donations and taking part in gleaning opportunities held at area orchards and farms throughout the year.
Thanksgiving Meals for Area Schools: Each November, we partner with four local elementary schools to provide complete Thanksgiving dinners for families in need. There are two opportunities to help with this: advance assembly and preparation of the meal boxes, and distribution of the boxes to families on pickup day.
St. Stephen’s also partners throughout the year with other community organizations, offering space and support for meetings and gatherings. In the past we’ve hosted community art programs, visits by participants in the University of Lynchburg’s LIFE@Lynchburg program, and a series of seminars on aging-related topics in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association of Central and Western Virginia.
If you’d like to learn more and perhaps join us in serving the wider community, please email the Parish Office at ststephensforest@mail.com or call (434) 525-5511.