HOME
VISITORS
CLERGY & STAFF
WORSHIP & MUSIC
HELPING OTHERS
ALL ARE WELCOME
SPIRITUAL GROWTH
OPERATIONS
NEWSLETTER
CALENDAR
VESTRY
HISTORY
12-STEP GROUPS
MAP & DIRECTIONS
WEDDINGS
FACILITIES
CONTACT US
Thinking about visiting our St. Stephen's?

First of all, we'd love to have you. We're a welcoming group of people who always enjoy visitors from next door or across the world.

Here's where to find us.

Here's a schedule of our worship services.

About the Episcopal Church

St. Stephen's is an Episcopal Church. The Episcopal Church is the American descendant of the Church of England and is part of the worldwide Anglican Communion. The Episcopal Church represents a balance of Roman Catholic traditions with the insights of the Protestant Reformation, making it one of the more inclusive denominations of the Christian family. The Episcopal Church maintains the historic three-fold ministry of bishops, priests and deacons. These ministries include married and single persons, both male and female

The word "episcopal" refers to overseeing by a bishop. This concept first started in New Testament times. Today, our bishops are the successors to the apostles, and are a visible symbol of the continuity of the faith we hold with the first apostles.
Beyond Iowa, St. Stephen's is part of the Episcopal Church in the United States. Our roots are in the Church of England congregations in the American colonies. Many of the Founding Fathers of this country were also leaders in the organization of the Episcopal Church in America. It is not surprising, therefore, that our church's constitution, canon law, and the structure of our deliberative bodies resemble the national Constitution and legislative structures.
Outside of our national borders, we are part of the worldwide Anglican Communion, with its spiritual center in the Church of England. All Anglican Churches share a heritage and theology that find their source in the uniqueness of the English religious experience. The Book of Common Prayer, our fundamental liturgical resource, along with a deeply held commitment to the historic Christian faith in scripture, creed, ministry, and sacraments are the foundations of that experience.
Self descriptions aside, the best way to understand the Episcopal Church is to enter its life. Go to its services and follow the Prayer Book. The Episcopal Church is most of all a worshiping church. The worship of Almighty God - and the impact such worship has on our relationship with the rest of creation - is finally the one great work of the Church and the one great argument for its existence.
Here are some links that are full of information for those who are new to the Episcopal Church:

Episcopal Church Seeker Center

Peek Through the Window of the Episcopal Church

Episcopal Church, USA

How to Speak Episcopalian: A glossary of some of the strange terms we use. For example, what's the deal with wardens? Do Episcopalians need prison professionals to keep them in line? Find out at this site.
Episcopal Life: An independently edited, officially sponsored monthly newspaper of the Episcopal Church, offering news of regional, national and international events, feature articles on Christian ministry, personal profiles, columns on theological opinion and reflection, a forum for dialogue, book and film reviews and a monthly column by the presiding bishop.

Other links we like:

The Lectionary Page The complete current Sunday Lectionary in a simple calendar format.

The Bible Gateway Searches for words, phrases, and passages from several different Bible translations, including the New International Version, King James Version, New American Standard Bible, and New English Version.