When they heard these things, they became enraged and ground their teeth at Stephen. But filled with the Holy Spirit, he gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. Look, he said, "I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!" But they covered their ears, and with a loud shout all rushed together against him. Then they dragged him out of the city and began to stone him; and the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul. While they were stoning Stephen, he prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." Then he knelt down and cried out in a loud voice, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." When he had said this, he died.                       ~ Acts 7: 54-60

Each year December 26th remembers Stephen, the first deacon recorded in the Bible, who was stoned to death for his service to Jesus and the eternal kingdom.  Deacons were chosen and consecrated by the Apostles to help God’s people with the social ministry issues that they were facing.  Stephen and the other deacons tended to the physical needs of those who were looking to the early church for hope and health.  Today, deacons continue to be vital in the church’s work of sharing God’s love.

When our church was formed 50 years ago, those first members of this church chose to honor Stephen in the name of this new Lutheran church constituted in Seminole county.  As the church carries the name of St Stephen, it reminds us of the importance of living our faith in Jesus in action each day.  Therefore, we do our best to tend to and care for the social and physical needs of those in our community.  From our support of the Sharing Center and Second Harvest, to the Homeless Coalition, to the many mission outreach collections that take place throughout the year – when we engage in such ministries we are carrying forward the legacy of St Stephen.

The St Stephen window above the Altar was unveiled on October 10, 1993 for the 20th Anniversary of the church.  This window depicts the powerful moment of St. Stephen's martyrdom. Like Jesus on the cross, with his arms tautly extended, his head arched back, there is a powerful cry for God's mercy on his executioners. The radiant light surrounding Jesus, whose arms are extended toward Stephen in welcome, also encircles the upper portion of Stephen's face and arms. Stephen's face is ablaze with glory. The city of Jerusalem, also lit by a heavenly light, is placed to Stephen's right.  To the left is the pyramid of executioners hurling their heavy stones, some of which are lying on the ground around Stephen's legs. A small stream, symbolic of the living water of Baptism flows through the lower portion of the window. By the time it reaches the far left, it is red with Stephen's blood. This blood of the martyrs has been considered the seed of the Church, so red flowers bloom, symbolizing new life, love and the fruitfulness of the early Church.  May our hearts be filled with the same conviction and commitment as we live our lives each day!