Through the vision and foresight of Bishop Kirk Smith, a plan was set in place to maintain and grow this small but wonderful spiritual community. In the summer of 2009 a team was assembled to bring Sunday services to the faithful few. Because the church could not sustain a full-time priest, a plan was put in place to keep the doors open until the day when prosperity returns to the area. A collection of postulants, both for the priesthood and the diaconate, volunteered to serve on a rotating basis. Each member would travel to Gila Bend to hold a Sunday morning prayer service, with consecrated elements used for the Eucharist. This team, now beginning its second year is a win-win situation for all involved. The Gila Bend congregation continues having services with may different leaders sharing their particular styles of holding services as well as preaching. The team members gain invaluable experience and the knowledge that they are serving in a "Christ-like" ministry. Because St. Stephen's has two members of the team, we have "adopted" Epiphany as a sister church.

Beyond the Sunday services we have completed and/or planned many other ways to help out not only the church but the community. We plan to have a "church clean-up" day soon as well as a diaper/baby formula drive, health information workshops (medical as well as dental), a blessing of the animals and movie nights.

There is guarded hope as far as the economics of the area. There is still strong talk of a solar power plant being built close by. This would provide many needed jobs. We as a Diocese and church want to support everyone in the community, now and into the future.

For more information contact John Christopher.