Why choose to serve God at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Schuylerville, NY?
Location, Location, Location
The Village of Schuylerville is located on the Hudson River and the Champlain Canal system. This affords us with waterfront dining opportunities, a boat launch for water sports and even a yacht basin. Located just 9 miles east of the world-famous city of Saratoga Springs, listed as one of the top small cities in the country, Schuylerville sits within the largest agricultural district in Saratoga County giving it a rural feel. With just under 1500 residents living within the village limits it’s a place where one can become an active member of the community and get to know their neighbors. Schuylerville is a historic village where the British Army surrendered their arms after being defeated by the colonial forces following the Battle of Saratoga, widely recognized as being the turning point of the Revolutionary War. The annual Turning Point Parade is just one of the fun community activities to be enjoyed each year. The Schuylerville School District is well regarded while being small enough to give students a sense of belonging, and large enough to offer students opportunities of enrichment.
Active and Supportive Congregation
Small and Mighty is the way we like to describe ourselves. Being a small congregation, we have a high percentage of parishioners who are active in our church community outside of Sunday worship services, including service on the vestry, helping with our missions, cleaning the church and preparing the church for services with proper linens among other duties. As a pastor for St. Stephen’s, you’ll be supported by a team of parishioners.
Ecumenical Community
As mentioned above, Schuylerville is a village of just under 1500 residents, but it has five active churches; in addition to St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, we have a catholic congregation at Norte Dame Visitation, the Old Saratoga Reformed Church, the United Methodist Church and Risen Hope Community Church, plus within 5 miles of Schuylerville are the Quaker Springs United Methodist Church, Bacon Hill Reformed Church and the Fort Miller Reformed Church. An ecumenical group of pastors from these churches meets twice a month to share upcoming events and plan combined services during Lent. As a pastor at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, you won’t be isolated, but rather you’ll be part of a community of pastors.
Financially Stable
At our monthly vestry meeting you’ll always hear, “The bills are paid.” Not only are we able to pay the bills, over the past 12 years we’ve made major investments in both the church and the parish house, including remodeling the parish house kitchen and the second floor apartment, plus repairs to the stained glass windows, church roof, parking lot and rebuilding the steeple.
Eager to Grow
Our community includes generational members and new members who are dedicated to the preservation and growth of a vibrant small church. We’re not satisfied with the status quo and we look forward to having more families join our parish. In recent years we have had a few new families with small children join us, so to make them feel comfortable we took out a few of the back pews and brought in a rug, and quiet toys for the children. We are receptive to new ideas to spur growth.
