Before Jesus returned to Heaven to the Father, he instructed his Disciples, later known as the Apostles or “sent ones”, to:
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age. (Matthew 28:18-20)
This is known as the Great Commission, and it is the primary mission Jesus gave us to continue his work on earth, to proclaim to all nations that Jesus Christ is risen from the dead and that he is Lord and Savior of all — and we call all people to be made his disciples through the sacrament of Baptism.
In addition to this calling, we as Christians are to live out our faith in the world by loving and serving others as Jesus did while on earth. We reflect this service for God by being engaged with our community and in particular by being ministers to those in need through various service projects and events.
We are active members of our community in various ways. We are members of Downtown Sherman Now! a non-profit dedicated to revitalizing downtown Sherman, and through it involved in many local community events and activities.
As an active presence in Sherman, we seek to be "salt and light" as Jesus commanded, opening up opportunities to bring the Gospel to all people. In addition, below are some specific ministries we have throughout the year. Sign up for our newsletter for the latest news on all other special Missions, Evangelism, and Outreach initiatives.
Beyond our official ministry, many of our members are actively involved in various community organizations. No matter where you are we are all ambassadors for Jesus Christ, representing our Lord and Savior to the world and calling others to be his disciples.
Community Involvement
School Partnership
We have an increasing partnership with Wakefield Elementary in our neighborhood. We have an annual supply drive in the Fall, a "Chrismon Tree" to collect toys and food at Christmas, and are looking for other ways to support the parents, teachers, and children in Sherman.
Want to help immediately? We collect "Box Tops for Education" so if you have some drop them off!
Grayson County Crisis Center
We are active supporters of the Grayson County Crisis Center in several ways.
1- We regularly collect towels for the women and children who come to the center - please donate in our Parish Hall!
2- We support them through our Christmas in July booth in connection to our towel drive
3- We put on a community fish Fry in Lent to support them financially
4- We take up a special donation in Lent using "Mite Boxes" to donate to them
Food Pantry Collection
In our continuing outreach program to share in our abundance, we will be sending our donated food and other much needed items to the local soup kitchen, “The Dining Car.” When doing your regular shopping please remember those in need and put a few non-perishable items in your basket. Our big blue shopping basket (located in the Parish Hall) is there to collect your donations.
Meals on Wheels
Several in our congregation are involved with Meals on Wheels, want to help? Contact the office at office@saintstephenssherman.org for more information!
Fall Halloween Carnival
Kids want Halloween and Parents want safe and age appropriate, so each Fall we provide both to the community!
Every October we put on a Halloween Carnival for all ages. We have a "haunted house" that's still just scary for the kids but without the gore and with a moral lesson at the end, and the Carnival Americana with games and prizes. All of this is free (but we accept donations) and we even have concessions.
