St Stephen’s was founded in 1950 by a group of families and individuals who were settling in an expanding and growing Orinda. The church was the first resident of the neighborhood, which is why the road we’re on is called “St Stephen’s Drive,” and over 65 years we have grown as a church with a strong sense of local community.
We strive to maintain the character and identity of our own community, while at the same time recognizing that the family of God extends beyond whatever border or culture or nationality we happen to have been born into.
At the same time, we are constituent members of the Episcopal Church in the Diocese of California, and by extension are also connected globally to the worldwide Anglican Communion. The model of church identity and membership offered by that communion is one of local expression and global partnership.
Finally, beyond congregational boundary, beyond denominational affiliation, we are followers of Jesus, seeking to pattern our lives after his example, and grow in faith, hope, charity, generosity, trust, and love for the sake of the world’s reconciliation. You are welcome here.
St. Stephen’s is a parish of believers and spiritual seekers who find joy in worshiping and serving our community. In the Episcopal tradition, we come together, deeply committed to our life in Christ and one another. Hospitality–in the breaking of bread at communion, at coffee hour and in helping those in need–is at the heart of our shared life in faith. We invite you to join us in our mission to know, to love and to serve Christ.
We are an energetic community of individuals, families, couples; middle aged, young and not so young. Our common participation in the life of St. Stephen’s church is what binds us together, whether through service opportunities, community gatherings, volunteering for the church or preschool, or simply finding a reason to hang out together.
Through worship, opportunities to learn and to serve, and plenty of just getting together for fellowship and fun, we grow in faith and encourage one another in our commitment to Christian community. There’s more to Church than Sunday, and more to community than sharing a zip code.
Join us!