Directions and Info
Getting to the church
St. Stephen’s United Methodist Church is located at 9203 Braddock Road, between Rolling Rd. and Guinea Rd. The church itself is set off of the road behind some trees but is well-marked with signs. From Braddock Rd., turn onto Bradfield Dr. and make an immediate left into the St. Stephen’s parking lot.
Where do I park?
Plenty of parking is available on our site, and special visitor parking spots are available at the main entrance. If you enter the parking lot from the Bradfield Dr. side, proceed to the stop sign and turn right into the main parking area. On Sundays, at the main entrance you will notice “friendly people” to greet and help you find what you need.
What should I expect?
You will find friendly people genuinely searching for relationship with one another and Jesus Christ; a worship service full of inspiring music; time to focus upon God in your life; an engaging sermon time; a great place for kids of all ages and smiles. Name tags are available at the front door, including first-time guests (you add your name). We value getting to know one another and serving Christ together in tangible ways. Whether you are new to “the church scene” or quite familiar with it, we are here to help one another grow in Christ through relationships, study, and encouragement to serve the needy in our world.
How should I dress?
You are invited to wear what is comfortable for you. In the Traditional Worship Services (8:30 am and 11 am), people tend to be a little more “dressy,” but you will find a mixture of casual and dress. In the Contemporary Worship Service (called The Source, 9:45 am) you will find people dressing casually.
Do I need to bring anything?
No. Bibles are provided in the pews, but you are also invited to bring your own Bible.
When should I get there?
Sunday services begin at 8:30, 9:45, and 11 a.m. The main Sunday School time is 9:45 am with other adult classes also available at 8:30 am. People at the front doors will be happy to assist you in finding Sunday School rooms and other facilities (like coffee!). We suggest that you plan to arrive 5 – 10 minutes early to allow for parking and finding your way around.
What about my children?
Children are welcomed with open arms! In worship, they are specifically included as much as possible. During the Traditional Worship services, a special time with children on the altar steps is a part of our regular worship (except for Communion Sundays). Our nursery cares for babies from one week to three years old during all services. "Godly Play" is a place for toddlers between age 3 - second grade during the 11:00 am worship service time.
Also, St. Stephen’s has other excellent preschool, children and youth ministries. The children's ministry offers classes at 9:45 am. At the 11:00 am worship hour, children leave worship to attend a special children's worship time after the Children’s Time at the altar. (First time guests for the children's worship time are asked to be accompanied by parents for sign-in.) Junior High and High School students meet for Sunday School at 9:45.
Who are the Pastors and how can I meet them?
Our Senior Pastor is Rev. Jeffrey P. Mickle ('Pastor Jeff'). Our Associate Pastor is Rev. Melissa Porter-Miller ('Pastor Melissa'). Both are ordained elders with the United Methodist Church. Our pastors rotate in preaching and worship leadership responsibilities across all three worship services. If you leave your name and phone number on the registration pad, one of the pastors will probably contact you. You are invited and welcome to call the church office to meet with the pastor for conversation or help.
When is Holy Communion served and who can participate?
Holy Communion is celebrated on the first Sunday of each month in all three worship services. All who genuinely want to follow Christ are invited to participate. Ushers will assist you in knowing “what to do.” If you are not able to walk forward, let the usher know, and communion will be brought to you in the pew.
At the Traditional Worship Services, Communion is celebrated by coming to the altar rail as the usher directs, kneeling, receiving a piece of the bread and dipping it in the grape juice, and eating. The pastors will then send us forth as a group from the altar rail back to our seats. Prayer teams are available at stations on the outer aisles for any who have needs or concerns for which they want to have prayer. In the Source (our contemporary service), ushers invite rows of people to come forward in a line to receive a piece of the bread, dip it into the chalice of juice and return to their seats.