“Let all that you do be done in love.” (1 Corinthians 16:14)
Over the past two years, the St. Stephen’s community has found new ways to uphold each other in love. From our food sharing table, where parishioners give and receive fresh produce and other staples; to church members who help ensure everyone is safe and welcome at our services; to Loaves and Fishes and Food Justice DMV, which provide hot meals and groceries to hundreds of neighbors every week. Each of these efforts began in response to a crisis, but continued in the months and years that followed. That is the work of the church – steady, humble, compassionate. While many well-intentioned efforts fade after the world’s attention moves on, we continue to show up for each other in steadfast, faithful love.
Every gift offered in support of St. Stephen’s is an expression of that love. In 2027, we need to raise $360,000 to continue our parish’s ministry. This money keeps the lights on and water running; supports the work of our clergy and staff; and makes sure our doors stay open for community events. Your pledge is a commitment to maintain St. Stephen’s as a place of welcome, hope, healing, and belonging for all who enter.
We want to thank you for your faithful presence at St. Stephen’s. We are blessed by every member of this community, and grateful that nearly all of our parish members make an annual gift of money and/or volunteer time. Will you pledge your next year’s giving to help us plan the budget for the year ahead?
Pledge here by October 11th, 2026 using the button at the top of the page.
If you have any questions about the church’s budget or pledging, a member of the Stewardship Committee would be happy to talk with you.
Thank you for your faithfulness, your generosity, and your love for St. Stephen’s.
In steadfast love,
The Stewardship Committee
Why I came to St. Stephen's...
I...found the church I didn't know I needed. A church where I fully belonged, where my kids could belong, where we as a family belonged...SSI is the one place that unexpectedly, wonderfully, felt like coming home.
...and why I support it:
I don't take for granted what a blessing it is to have
found this place. This small congregation in this beautiful, rickety, old building is the keeper of a
particular tradition and revelation of the kingdom in this city, a very precious treasure in a very
fragile clay jar. And I want to help keep that treasure and fan back into flames that gift...so that those others in the D.C. area who need this church can find it and find a home here too.
- Liz Foster, a member of St. Stephen's
Why I come to St. Stephen's...
I come to this place for community, to remember
that I am not alone in the Universe. That the world is larger than my own problems. That I have
God, and I have friends to help me through...I formed deep community here, based on shared interests and values.
...and why I support it:
Every gift - financial and otherwise - that I have given to this place has been a source of growth for me. How might God help you grow into yourself with your next step of faith? Is it your development as a leader? Your creative and artistic talents? Is it gratitude and generosity through service to others and financial giving? I think God often wonders what we will do.
- John Linn, a member of St. Stephen's
