About
For over 127 years, Saint Stephen’s UCC has been a mainstay in Harrisonburg. As the gateway to downtown, Saint Stephen’s is a faithful congregation with an extravagant welcome! You can expect traditional worship, beautiful music, biblical preaching, and a generous orthodoxy from our church.
Saint Stephen’s is a place of acceptance, peace, and joy for all. Our church is richly varied, with people of different ages and backgrounds committed to following Jesus and sharing his love through worship, missions, education, and fellowship.
Our congregation has a favorite song entitled, “No Matter” by Roger P. Miller, which explains the deep-seated values of our open and accepting church:
Refrain
No matter who, no matter what, no matter where you are on the journey of life; you’re welcome, welcome in this place.
No matter who, no matter what, no matter where you are on the journey of life; accepted, welcomed by God’s grace.
Verses
1. For we are family, meant to be purposed for eternity. Born in love, from above, God’s community.
2. And in diversity, unity, harmony for all to see. Justice and equity, God’s community.
3. Together we will sing, worship bring, hands and hearts outstretched to all. Jesus praise, hearts ablaze, listen to God’s call.
4. The God who spoke through Christ, speaks to us; listen to our Savior’s call. Welcome home, welcome in, welcome on and all.
When you visit Saint Stephen’s, you will see the words of Jesus inscribed above the Communion Table, which read, “Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” We want Saint Stephen’s to be a sanctuary where you can find rest for your soul, forgiveness of your sins, assurance of your faith, and encouragement for your journey.
Beliefs
Our congregation is a member of the denomination called the United Church of Christ. Saint Stephen’s UCC is passionate in our impulse toward unity and living into the prayer Jesus prayed for his followers: “That they may all be one” (John 17:21).
Our Statement of Faith serves as a testimony to faith, not as a test of faith. It speaks to the promises of God, the teachings of Jesus, the work of the Spirit, and the call of the Church as a joyful act of worship, not as a legal document to create a litmus test for who’s in and who’s out. In essentials of faith there is unity; in non-essentials there is diversity; in all things there is charity. Our creed is love.
Statement of Faith
We believe in God, the Eternal Spirit, who is made known to us in Jesus our brother, and to whose deeds we testify:
God calls the worlds into being, creates humankind in the divine image, and sets before us the ways of life and death.
God seeks in holy love to save all people from aimlessness and sin.
God judges all humanity and all nations by that will of righteousness declared through prophets and apostles.
In Jesus Christ, the man of Nazareth, our crucified and risen Lord, God has come to us and shared our common lot, conquering sin and death and reconciling the whole creation to its Creator.
God bestows upon us the Holy Spirit, creating and renewing the church of Jesus Christ, binding in covenant faithful people of all ages, tongues, and races.
God calls us into the church to accept the cost and joy of discipleship, to be servants in the service of the whole human family, to proclaim the gospel to all the world and resist the powers of evil, to share in Christ’s baptism and eat at his table, to join him in his passion and victory.
God promises to all who trust in the gospel forgiveness of sins and fullness of grace, courage in the struggle for justice and peace, the presence of the Holy Spirit in trial and rejoicing, and eternal life in that kingdom which has no end.
Blessing and honor, glory and power be unto God. Amen.
Leadership
Through the dedication of our elected leaders, staff members, musicians, and volunteers, we are committed to modeling the ethics of Jesus, rendering grace-filled pastoral care, promoting justice and unity, nurturing relationships, and helping others seek, meet, and follow God.
Church Council
Nancy Cornwell, President
Tom Dawson, Vice President
Jane Garber, Secretary
Kay Acker, Member
Patti King, Member
James McHone, Treasurer
Rev. Craig Janney, Pastor
Trustees
Tom Dawson
David Frye
Jane Garber
Rev. Craig A. Janney
Pastor
Craig began his ministry with us in April 2020. He has over 20 years of ministry experience, serving in numerous ministry positions, including as pastor, campus minister, athletic chaplain, student minister, and music minister.
Rev. Janney received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Religion from Chowan University and a Master of Divinity from Gardner-Webb University. He is a certified church consultant, interim minister, and coach. Craig also serves as President of Greenfields Church Consulting.
Craig and his wife, Amy Snider, reside in Harrisonburg, Virginia. They have a daughter, Tinsley, and two rescue dogs, Zuma and Stella.
Maria Blair
Church Secretary
Maria began her service as church secretary in 2013 following her retirement as a school administrator. She grew up in Saint Stephen's and has served the church in many capacities - Council, committee chair, Sunday School teacher. Presently, she serves as Treasurer of the Shenandoah Association and on the Board of Directors for the Central Atlantic Conference.
Maria graduated from Longwood College with a degree in sociology and history and earned her Master of Education degree in elementary education from Bowie State University. Ms. Blair has also received various credentials from the University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, and James Madison University.
Maria lives in Harrisonburg, but travels often to Georgia to spend time with her son and granddaughter.
A tradition of faith, community, and hospitality for over 127 years.
OUR VISION
United in Christ’s love,
a just world for all.
OUR MISSION
United in Spirit and
inspired by God’s grace,
we welcome all, love all,
and seek justice for all.
OUR PURPOSE
Love one another
as Christ loved us.