St. Stephen’s Come & See Welcomes the Community

St. Stephen’s Church is hosting “Come & See,” three evenings of Christian storytelling and music, open to the community, on Aug. 27-29. Each evening will begin with an informal supper at 5:30 (outdoors, weather permitting), followed by worship at 7, and will end with dessert. St. Stephen’s developed the program in concert with Christ Church of Redding.                  

Come & See is intended as a time-out, a means of renewal in an increasingly hectic world.Guest preacher throughout will be the Right Rev. Stephen Cottrell, Bishop of Chelmsford, England, who has written widely on evangelism, spirituality and discipleship and is a sought-after speaker around the Anglican Communion.                                                            

The Sunday session will focus on the Loving God, Monday on the Liberating God and Tuesday on the Life-Giving God. Music on Sunday will be by the FCC Worship Band, which got its start in 2007 at the First Congregational Church. Monday’s musicians will be guitarist Garry Hartline and his wife, Ginny, on vocals. Music on Tuesday will be by the Jesse Lee Worship Team, which leads worship at the Methodist Church’s contemporary service.                                        

The Rev. Whitney Altopp, rector of St. Stephen’s, explained the timing for the event: “We chose August because it is a month when we are more willing to allow ourselves a period of rest and reflection. Comes & See is designed to provide participants with an opportunity to find their footing as they rediscover themselves ― just in time for September!”                                  

Admission is free. Reservations, although not required, would be appreciated. Contact the church office at 203-438-3789 or visit the St. Stephen’s Church Facebook page and click on Events.