| Welcome to St Stephen Episcopal, Oak Harbor On this page you will find several items of interest to our guests including our schedule, upcoming events, contacts, and more. |
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"As Christians, we believe that all people have been made in the image of
God. We believe that God loves each and every person with an infinite,
never-ending, unconditional love.
As members of the body of Christ, we acknowledge each person’s unique
and valuable contribution as we seek together to build up that body in
love.
As members of the Anglican Communion, we celebrate the gift of our
diversity and are committed to being a broad Church that accepts and
welcomes difference. We acknowledge our need of God’s forgiveness for
the sins and failings which harm our shared witness in the world. We
believe our unity is rooted in our baptism in Christ, and we will seek to
maintain that unity through the grace of the Holy Spirit who lives and works
in each one of us.”Inclusive church
All are welcome in this community of faith, hope, and love. We trust that
you will experience Christ’s presence among us. We believe that God is
commissioning us to celebrate and extend the love of Jesus Christ
through strong liturgy, warm fellowship and meaningful education for all
ages. Worship is the most important thing we do. Through worship, God
defines who we are and empowers us to love neighbors near and far. Our
encounter with the risen Lord, Jesus Christ,also inspires us to care for
each other and to enjoy one another’s company. Please join us for
worship at St. Stephen. You may contact us at 360 679 2023 or our rector,
The Rev Rachel Taber-Hamilton at 360 632 0489.
God. We believe that God loves each and every person with an infinite,
never-ending, unconditional love.
As members of the body of Christ, we acknowledge each person’s unique
and valuable contribution as we seek together to build up that body in
love.
As members of the Anglican Communion, we celebrate the gift of our
diversity and are committed to being a broad Church that accepts and
welcomes difference. We acknowledge our need of God’s forgiveness for
the sins and failings which harm our shared witness in the world. We
believe our unity is rooted in our baptism in Christ, and we will seek to
maintain that unity through the grace of the Holy Spirit who lives and works
in each one of us.”Inclusive church
All are welcome in this community of faith, hope, and love. We trust that
you will experience Christ’s presence among us. We believe that God is
commissioning us to celebrate and extend the love of Jesus Christ
through strong liturgy, warm fellowship and meaningful education for all
ages. Worship is the most important thing we do. Through worship, God
defines who we are and empowers us to love neighbors near and far. Our
encounter with the risen Lord, Jesus Christ,also inspires us to care for
each other and to enjoy one another’s company. Please join us for
worship at St. Stephen. You may contact us at 360 679 2023 or our rector,
The Rev Rachel Taber-Hamilton at 360 632 0489.
All Saint's Chapel
| St Stephen Episcopal Church meets in All Saints Chapel across the parking lot from what was once the main sanctuary of the church. You may wonder why we are meeting in the chapel instead of the main sanctuary. In 2004, the group that was operating as the vestry of St Stephen Episcopal Church voted to leave the Episcopal Church and establish themselves under a foreign bishop in Brazil, thus forming a group called, "St. Stephen’s Anglican Church". They continue to occupy the church buildings, claiming ownership. The Episcopalians who did not agree with those actions found themselves searching for an opportunity to worship together. We were “a church without walls”, and in 2005 we began celebrating the Eucharist in private homes. With support from retired Bishop Sandy Hampton,The Rev Charles Forbes, and The Rev Rachel Taber-Hamilton, we formed a new vestry and began rebuilding our congregation. After meeting in private homes for 1 1/2 years, we were allowed back into All Saint's Chapel in January 2007 to worship in the first St Stephen Episcopal church building built in the 50's. Even though the agreement reached between the diocese and the so-called Anglican group states we should share the building "in the spirit of reconciliation", as of Oct 2007 the Episcopal congregation has been allowed to use the building four times. For each event held in the main sanctuary, we have been told the time and given specific instructions on how we could use the facility. Two of those services were funerals for previous members of St Stephen Episcopal Church; the other two services include a baptism and the celebration of a new ministry when The Rev Rachel Taber-Hamilton was installed as Rector of the congregation. We continue to worship in the 19x19ft chapel, using the seven pews and 5 hymnals which were left for our use. We are a small group and cramped in our worship place, but we welcome you to worship with us at St Stephen Episcopal Church in Oak Harbor and we hope you may find a spiritual home with us. |
St Stephen Episcopal Church, Oak Harbor, is a fully supporting member of the Episcopal Church, U.S.A.. We are not affiliated with the Anglican Communion Network, nor with any schismatic or reform movement or group which protests the Faith and Practice of the Episcopal Church, U.S.A.. We are a family centered, lay led, clergy guided, Christ governed community of Christians. We invite you to join us in our worship and service of Almighty God. Episcopal worship is rooted in an appreciation of the Holiness of God. A God who communicates himself, and yet is beyond our knowing. Divinity expressed in the humanity of Jesus has opened our way to the heart of God. Baptism is our intentional immersion into the Love of God. Our responsive relationship is sealed in the outward and visual sign of baptism. It is an eternal covenant and an inward grace is bestowed. |
| Smiles To Welcome You |
| For more information on Episcopal worship, please explore these online resources: What To Expect When You Visit What Makes Us Anglican An Outline of Faith What Is The Episcopal Church (USA)? |
| The Rector: The Rev Rachel Taber- Hamilton Sunday Services: 10 AM Coffee Hour -11AM All Saints Chapel at 555 S. E. Regatta Dr., Oak Harbor, WA Mailing Address: P.O. Box 2754 Oak Harbor, WA 98277 Information Phone: 360-279-0715 |
To really understand what happened
at St Stephen Episcopal Church, read
the following guidelines, set forth by
the leadership of those who trained
others to seize property and buildings.
at St Stephen Episcopal Church, read
the following guidelines, set forth by
the leadership of those who trained
others to seize property and buildings.
| Pray daily for the return of our church home. |