The Church of the Nativity and St. Stephen

The Church of the Nativity and St. Stephen is a welcoming Episcopal congregation in central Pennsylvania, serving the communities of Newport and Thompsontown. With Sunday services at 9:30 a.m. and a commitment to outreach, this parish offers a blend of traditional worship and community engagement. Learn more.

The Church of the Nativity and St. Stephen is a loving and inclusive Episcopal parish located in Newport and Thompsontown, Pennsylvania. With a membership of about sixty households, the congregation is dedicated to serving the communities of Juniata and Perry counties through worship, fellowship, and extensive outreach programs. About Us

Faith Tradition and Worship

As an Episcopal church, the parish follows the liturgical traditions of the early Christian Church. Services are held at 9:30 a.m. every Sunday, primarily at The Church of the Nativity in Newport, though some services take place at St. Stephen in Thompsontown. Worship Times

Outreach and Ministries

The parish is actively involved in community initiatives, including:

• Episcopal Commons and Gardens: Providing housing and activities for low-income elderly and disabled individuals.
• Community Food Pantry: A food box at the church parking lot for community members to access or contribute to.
• Adopt-a-Highway Litter Pickup: Annual clean-up efforts in Little Buffalo State Park.
• Prayer Squares and Crosses: A comfort ministry offering handmade items to those in need.
• Support for Local Organizations: Contributions to over 30 local and national causes, including the American Cancer Society, Bread of Life Outreach, and the Perry County Animal Rescue. Ministries

Facilities and Events

The church features historic buildings, including St. Stephen's, known for its Tudor-style architecture. [Review](Review 3). Services at St. Stephen's occur on special occasions like Christmas Eve, Memorial Day, and the first Sunday of select months. The church also hosts coffee hours after services in the Undercroft. Facilities

Welcoming Newcomers

The parish emphasizes inclusivity, welcoming all individuals regardless of background. Visitors are encouraged to join in worship and community activities, with friendly parishioners and a warm rector, as noted in recent reviews. [Review 1].

The Church of the Nativity and St. Stephen in Newport, Pennsylvania, offers a welcoming Episcopal community rooted in tradition and active outreach. First-time visitors will encounter friendly parishioners, a warm rector, and a blend of historic architecture with modern community initiatives like a food pantry and housing support for those in need.

Pros

• Emphasizes inclusivity and warmly welcomes newcomers with friendly parishioners and approachable leadership
• Combines traditional Episcopal worship with meaningful community outreach programs
• Features historic Tudor-style architecture and a cozy Undercroft for post-service gatherings
• Maintains clear Sunday service times at 9:30 a.m. with occasional special services at St. Stephen's site
• Supports over 30 local and national causes through ministries like Episcopal Commons and the Community Food Pantry