Outreach

Loving Our Neighbors

Outreach is an essential part of our life together at St. Stephen’s. Through gifts of service, financial support, and prayer, our parishioners respond to the needs of others—in our local community, throughout our diocese, and around the world.

Our call comes from Jesus’ words in Matthew 25, reminding us that when we feed the hungry, welcome the stranger, care for the sick, and serve those in need, we encounter Christ among us.

Outreach is more than providing assistance; it is about building relationships, honoring the dignity of every person, and sharing God’s love through meaningful action. Everyone has something to offer, and together, our gifts can make a lasting difference.

‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.’ Matthew 25:40

Serving From St. Stephen's

Rice & Beans

On the third Saturday of each month, St. Stephen’s offers bags of rice, beans, and other non-perishable items to neighbors in our community who could use a little extra support. Parishioners gather the Sunday before to pack the bags, making this a shared ministry of generosity and care. Donations are welcome at any time and may be placed in the brown bins located outside the nave.

Community "Freedge"

Our Freedge is a community refrigerator where neighbors can share fresh food freely and with dignity. While shelf-stable items are always valuable, the Freedge makes it possible to offer essentials such as milk, eggs, produce, cheese, and prepared meals. Take what you need and leave what you can—no questions asked. It’s one simple way we can care for one another and be good neighbors.

Child Development Center

The Child Development Center is a central ministry of St. Stephen’s, reflecting our commitment to nurturing young children and their families. We share our space and life together, with clergy offering weekly chapel and the parish supporting the center in meaningful ways—from seasonal celebrations like Easter to everyday acts of care and connection.

UAH Canterbury Club

St. Stephen’s is grateful to share our space with The Canterbury Club, the Episcopal campus ministry at The University of Alabama in Huntsville. As students discern their faith during a pivotal season of life, we are honored to provide a place for community, reflection, and spiritual growth.

Serving Across Our Community

North Alabama Coalition for the Homeless (NACH)

http://www.nachcares.org

Each fall, St. Stephen’s participates as part of NACH’s Blanket and Cold Weather Gear Drive, gathering blankets, coats, jackets, gloves, socks, and sleeping bags. And other items that our homeless neighbors will need during winter.

Huntsville Assistance Program (HAP)

http://www.huntsvilleassistanceprogram.org

HAP is a group of Christian congregations that desire to provide a ministry of assistance and referrals to needy individuals and families in Madison County. This ministry focuses on the non-homeless and strives to achieve its mission by the pooling of volunteers, information, and financial resources of its members. St. Stephen’s contributes financially to HAP.

Serving Across the Diocese of Alabama

Sawyerville Day Camp

http://www.sawyervilledaycamp.org

Sawyerville is a free day camp for children and youth ages 6-14 living in Hale County. Campers are offered a safe space to learn, pray, and play. Transportation, meals, and snacks are provided. Daily activities include Bible lessons, games, arts and crafts, and every camper’s favorite—swimming. At the beginning of the session, each camper receives a free water bottle, backpack, bathing suit, pool towel, and a book of their choosing. These items are lovingly donated by Episcopal parishes around the diocese (including St. Stephen's), and they are a beautiful sign of hospitality for the campers.

Serving Across the Globe

Two men carrying an injured person on a stretcher through water.

Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD)

www.episcopalrelief.org

For over 75 years, the Episcopal Church, through ERD, has responded compassionately to the suffering in our world by strengthening local churches and empowering communities to fight poverty, hunger, and disease with sustainable, LOCALLY driven solutions. Over 90% of donor dollars go DIRECTLY to programs in the field! Every spring St. Stephen’s proudly has a special offering dedicated to ERD.