January 27, 2026 //
Even on a truly Minnesota-cold winter morning, the warmth of our parish community was on full display at St. Stephen’s Annual Parish Meeting which took place on January 25. More than 100 parishioners gathered in person at the Edina Country Club, with 25+ additional households joining via Zoom, making for a lively, joyful, and uplifting morning together.
The meeting opened on a musical note, with members of our Parish Choir offering a beautiful reminder of how deeply music is woven into the life of our community. Their voices set a celebratory and prayerful tone for the gathering.
We also mark leadership transitions in the life of the parish. Outgoing Senior Warden Geoff Gothro reflected on the vitality of parish life at St.
Stephen’s and the meaningful progress made through years of prayerful strategic planning – faithful work that has shaped and strengthened our community and now finds expression in the Second Century Capital Campaign, which is well underway.
Looking ahead, incoming Senior Warden Lisa Korslund shared her excitement about stepping into the role and spoke to the shared vision for St. Stephen’s future. She lifted up the parish’s commitment to being a place of welcome and care—supporting our neighbors through outreach, tending to one another in times of joy and challenge, and continuing the countless ways we pray for and with each other as a community of faith. Lisa also took the opportunity to offer heartfelt words of gratitude as she recognized Geoff, giving thanks for his faithful leadership and steady service to St. Stephen’s.
During the meeting, parishioners elected new Vestry and Standing Committee members, continuing our shared commitment to thoughtful and faithful leadership. A full overview of the newly elected slate is available here: ststephens.com/news/2026-leadership-slate/
In his remarks, our Rector The Rev. Tom Cook, reflected on the healthy and vibrant life of the parish and spoke about the Second Century Capital Campaign as being rooted in who
St. Stephen’s is – a community shaped by its life of witness and its commitment to following the way of Jesus. He reminded the parish that this campaign is not about buildings alone, but what our parish’s life together makes possible. “Everything that our parish is about,” he shared, “is worth what we do — for what is here now, and for what is coming in the life of our church and our community.”
One of the most joyful moments of the morning came with the presentation of the Rector’s Cup— reimagined this year as a pie plate! Fr. Tom will soon fill it with the pie of choice for this year’s recipients: the St. Stephen’s Moms’ Group, recognized for their welcoming spirit, generosity, and the many ways they nurture connection and community within parish life.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who made the Annual Parish Meeting possible – our speakers, musicians, organizers, volunteers, and tech support team. We give special thanks to our outgoing leaders for their service, and to those stepping into new roles with generosity and faith. And congratulations again to the Moms’ Group on this well-deserved recognition.
For those who were unable to attend, printed copies of the Annual Report and the updated Parish Photo Directory are available for pickup at church.
