How is St. Stephen Called to Serve?

"Let your light shine before others, so that they may see

your good works and give glory to your Father in

heaven." — Matthew 5:16

As the summer winds down and students return to school, this season naturally invites us to reflect on new beginnings. Over this past year, we have experienced many changes, but we have also discovered something important: God has continued to be faithful and to bless us. With those blessings, let us ask ourselves, “How can we be a blessing to others?”

The prophet Jeremiah wrote to God's people living in exile, "Seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you... for in its welfare you will find your welfare" (Jeremiah 29:7). So how can we seek the welfare of our city from the corner of Fulton and Dressler?

St. Stephen’s has partnered with the Akron-Canton Foodbank, Habitat for Humanity, and

other local nonprofit organizations. But I wonder what else God might have in store for us. Are there schools that need mentors or volunteers? Could we partner with organizations that support foster families, veterans, individuals experiencing homelessness, refugees, or those struggling with addiction or mental health challenges? Could we support teachers at the beginning of each school year? Could we provide respite for caregivers or create opportunities that simply remind our neighbors they are seen, valued, and loved?

Rather than asking, "What programs should we have?" perhaps we should ask, "What needs exist in our community that God has uniquely equipped St. Stephen Martyr to meet?" Every congregation has a unique calling—a niche where its gifts, passions, and resources intersect with the needs of its neighbors. Discovering that calling may require creativity, prayer, listening, and a willingness to think outside the box.

In the coming months, I'd love to hear your ideas. What needs do you see in our community? What organizations are making a difference? Where do you sense God calling us to serve? Together, let's dream, pray, and imagine what it might look like for St. Stephen Martyr to become even more known—not simply as a church on the corner, but as a congregation whose love for Christ overflows into the lives of our neighbors. May God continue to bless us so that we may be a blessing to others.

Pastor Andrew