Bringing Our Vision to Life
The Second Century Campaign is rooted in a simple but powerful goal: to create a church home that fully reflects who we are – and who we are called to be.
These planned projects are not about changing who St. Stephen’s is. They are about removing barriers, strengthening ministry, and creating space for what God is already doing among us to flourish.
Together, these improvements will help ensure that St. Stephen’s remains a place where all can gather, grow, and belong for generations to come.
A Church That Says: All Are Welcome
To fully embody our commitment that All Are Welcome, we are reimagining how people enter, move through, and experience our space.
These projects focus on accessibility, visibility, safety, and connection – so that every person, at every stage of life, can participate fully in the life of this community.
Key Improvements
- A new, fully accessible main entrance
Located alongside our historic narthex, this entrance will provide a welcoming, visible, and easy-to-use point of arrival—with space designed for gathering and connection. - A centrally located elevator and stairwell
Creating seamless access between levels of the church and Chapel Wing, making the entire building more usable for all. - Improved pathways and interior connections
Wider corridors and clearer flow between the Gathering Space, Commons Room, and key ministry areas—making navigation intuitive for both longtime members and first-time visitors. - A visible, welcoming entrance along Wooddale Avenue
Enhancing safety and clarity for those entering our active lower level—especially for families, children, and community groups.
Why this matters:
Because welcome begins long before someone sits in a pew. It begins at the door—and in the ease with which every person can fully belong once they enter.
Renewing Our Spaces for Ministry
Our buildings have faithfully served this community for decades.
Now, thoughtful renewal will allow them to support the next century of ministry with flexibility, beauty, and purpose.
These projects focus on creating spaces that are warm, functional, and adaptable—spaces that reflect the vitality of our community and the sacredness of what happens within them.
Key Improvements
- A renovated and expanded Gathering Space
With larger windows and doors opening to the lawn and Minnehaha Creek, this space will be filled with natural light and deeper connection to the beauty that surrounds us. - New, accessible restrooms
Thoughtfully located to serve the Chapel Wing and Gathering Space, supporting hospitality for all ages and needs. - Dedicated and refreshed ministry spaces
Updated areas for children, youth, music, and worship preparation—designed to support multiple ministries happening at the same time. - Modernized building systems (HVAC and infrastructure)
Improving comfort, energy efficiency, and sustainability—caring for both our people and God’s creation.
Why this matters:
Because ministry doesn’t happen in abstract—it happens in real spaces.
Spaces that are welcoming, functional, and beautiful allow community, formation, and worship to thrive.
Honoring Our Past. Building Our Future.
Throughout every aspect of this work, we are guided by a shared commitment:
- To preserve the sacred beauty and historic character of our church
- To honor the generations who built and sustained this place
- To prepare a strong and faithful foundation for those who will come after us
We are not starting over.
We are building forward—faithfully, thoughtfully, and together.
A Place for What Comes Next
These planned projects are not simply improvements to a building. They are an investment in:
- lives being transformed in Christ
- children discovering faith
- youth finding belonging
- music lifting hearts
- neighbors being served
- community gathering in joy and in sorrow
This is how we prepare St. Stephen’s for its second century – by making space for all that God is still calling us to become.
Be Part of What We Are Building
Come experience the vision firsthand.
Campaign gatherings are a chance to connect, hear the story behind these plans, and explore what this moment means for you and for our community.
