• Gary Gerard
  • Pastoral Visit from Bishop Jennifer
  • Pastoral Visit from Bishop Jennifer
  • Pastoral Visit from Bishop Jennifer
  • Coffee Hour with Phyllis and Annette
  • Corn Chowder July 2024
  • Charles Gaston serving as Lector for Morning Prayer
  • Dedication of the Mary Ellen and Gary Gerard Fellowship Hall
  • Gary & Mary Ellen Gerard's Family
  • Rev Bargiel and Mary Ellen Gerard
  • Corn Chowder July 2024
  • Corn Chowder July 2024
  • Corn Chowder July 2024
  • 2024 Shakespeare reading of "Romeo and Juliet"
  • 2024 Shakespeare reading of "Romeo and Juliet"
  • Holy Hike
  • 50th Wedding Anniversary Celebration for Ken & Peggy Meyer
  • Blessing the Animals
  • Coffee Hour
  • Three in the congregation in POWER RED
  • Reid at the Indiana State Fair 2023
  • Coffee Hour - October 2023
  • Tom Straw
  • Staubitz Family
  • Scott's 40th Birthday
  • Reid - our golfer
  • Outdoor Joint Worship Serivce with St. John's Church
  • Cindy's Mini Choir 2019
  • Charles Huck 2022
  • 2023
  • Receiving New Members with Bishop Jennifer 7-11-2019
  • Outdoor Worship
  • The White Family
  • Outdoor Worship with Rev. Dr. Joanna and Rev. Dr. Beth
  • Outdoor Worship with Bish, Liz, and Brian, our musicians
  • Our ZOOM meetings
 

Welcome

St. Stephen's Episcopal church is a welcoming church located in the historic community of New Harmony, Indiana.  Please join us every Sunday morning at 10:00 a.m.  Our Worship Service is also streamed lived on Facebook at 10:00 a.m. CST

VISIT our FACEBOOK PAGE and watch our Worship Services at:

Facebook Page Link is HERE

The church office is open on Mondays 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

and on Wednesdays 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Rev. Mary Bargiel

765-721-3037

mbargiel@me.com

 

 

Announcements

  • Rev. Mary Bargiel

    Rev. Mary Bargiel

    765-721-3037

    mbargiel@me.com

     

  • FOOD PANTRY - February 19, 2026

    Thursday, February 19, 2026

    The Food Pantry needs grocery bags. 

    A basket is in the parish hall to receive your donated bags.

  • HOLY EUCHARIST with Rev. Mary Bargiel Feb 22, 2026

    HOLY EUCHARIST

    with Rev. Mary Bargiel

    February 22, 2026

     

     

  • CHAIR YOGA on Mondays and Thursdays

    CHAIR YOGA

    9:00 a.m. on Mondays and Thursdays

    Chair Yoga is a gentle form of yoga that is practiced sitting on a chair

    or standing using a chair for support.  Good for all ages and levels.

  • NEWSLETTER Jan 18- Jan 24, 2026

    Week of January 18 - January 24, 2026

    CASTING OUR NET

    ST. STEPHEN’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH

    PO Box 173, 512 Granary St. New Harmony, IN 47631 (812) 682-4604 

    Rev. Mary Bargiel   765-721-3037      mbargiel@me.com

              Website: ststephensnewharmony.org

    Facebook: New Harmony St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church

    You may give online by visiting our website  or by texting SSNH to 73256 

    A SAFE PLACE FOR ALL TO LOVE, LEARN, AND LIVE THE WORD OF GOD

    _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

     

     


      **LITURGICAL CALENDAR** 

     

     

     

     

     

    January 18

    The Second Sunday

    after the Epiphany

    Isaiah 49:1-7

    Psalm 40:1-12

    1 Corinthians 1:1-9

    John 1:29-42

    January 25

    The Third Sunday

    after the Epiphany

    Isaiah 9:1-4

    Psalm 27:1, 5-13

    1 Corinthians 1:10-18

    Matthew 4:12-23

    February 1

    The Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany

    Micah 6:1-8

    Psalm 15

    1 Corinthians 1:18-31

    Matthew 5:1-12

    February 8

    The Fifth Sunday

    after the Epiphany

    Isaiah 58:1-9a

    Psalm 112:1-9

    1 Corinthians 2:1-12

    Matthew 5:13-20

    February 15

    The Last Sunday

    after the Epiphany

    Exodus 24:12-18

    Psalm 2

    2 Peter 1:16-21

    Matthew 17:1-9

     

     

     

     

                                                         ANNOUNCEMENTS

    • ASH WEDNESDAY, February 18th.
    • FOOD PANTRY, Thursday, February 19th
    • VESTRY, February 22nd.
    • The Deadline for  submissions for the newsletter and the bulletin is at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday.  Newsletters will be distributed on Wednesday afternoon.

     

     

     

     

      Do you want to sign up for a Sunday ministry or check the schedule? 

    The JANUARY Liturgy VOLUNTEER SIGN UP SHEET is available here

     Please use this link or if you need assistance, 

    contact a member of the Liturgy Planning Committee.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     


     

    • PRAYERS for the church, its members, and its mission. 
    • Sean Rowe, our Presiding Bishop; Jennifer, our Bishop.
    • Mauricio, Bishop of our companion Diocese of Brasilia.
    • For The Standing Committee of the Diocese of Haiti, and especially for Saint Andrew’s Parish and the School in Mithon.
    • For the Venerable Jean Michelin.
    • The nation and all in authority.
    • The welfare of the world.
    • Richard & Margaret; Audrey; Ann; Scott; Rachel; Jane; Coty; Norman; Ed; Kathy R.; Ryan Seaton; Kim; Ellie B.; Irma; Mary Ellen; Loretta; Michele W.; Donna C.; Jane S.; Cindy
    • All who suffer from hardships - physically, emotionally, or financially. 
    • Those serving in the military: EB, Caitlyn, Brady, Jackson, Holden, and all who serve.
    • Safety in travel: EB; Benton; Reid; Airline personnel; Truck Drivers; Delivery persons.
    • Those who have died:  All who have died in disasters and all who mourn them; all who have died from violence.
    • For all the blessings of this life: For the many activities our Parish has enjoyed together and within the greater community over the past year.  For vision and forward motion of St. Stephen’s.

     

     

     

    →  To add to the prayer request list, click HERE

     

     

    For those celebrating 

    BIRTHDAYS in January:

     

    Jan  3 - David Campbell

    Jan 11 - Phyllis Westfall

    Jan 17 - Lee Ann Cox

    Jan 24 - Jeremy Harris

    Jan 24 - Wendy Huck

    For those celebrating 

    ANNIVERSARIES in January:

     

    Jan  2 - Mike & Hope Staubitz

    Jan 15 - Wayne & Terri Hall

    Jan 23 - Richard & Margaret Diemer

     

    Click this link for the latest news

     Indianapolis Episcopal Diocese NEWS

     

     



    You will notice some changes

     in our sanctuary!

    The grand piano has been moved

     from the Parish Hall

     into its new home

     in the sanctuary.

    We pray its new location

     will lead to more piano usage.

     

     

  • January 25, 2026 BULLETIN for MORNING PRAYER

    Morning Prayer

    St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church |

    New Harmony, Indiana

    January 25, 2026 | 10:00 a.m.

    The Third Sunday after the Epiphany

     

    Welcome to worship. Please join in speaking the bolded words.

     

    Prelude                                              Liz & Bish Mumford

    Announcements

     

    The service begins with the ringing of the bell; the people stand as able.

     

    I will give you as a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.                             Isaiah 49:6b

     

    God is love, and where true love is                                           H576

     

                   God is love, and where true love is

                   God himself is there.

     

    Here in Christ we gather, love of Christ our calling.

    Christ, our love, is with us, gladness be his greeting.

    Let us fear and love him, holy God eternal.

    Loving him, let each love Christ in one another.

     

                   God is love, and where true love is

                   God himself is there.

     

    When we Christians gather, members of one Body,

    let there be in us no discord but one spirit.

    Banished now be anger, strife and every quarrel.

    Christ, our God, be always present here among us.

     

                   God is love, and where true love is

                   God himself is there.

     

    Grant us love’s fulfillment, joy with all the blessèd,

    when we see your face, O Savior, in its glory.

    Shine on us, O purest Light of all creation,

    be our bliss while endless ages sing your praises.

     

                   God is love, and where true love is

                   God himself is there.

     

    Confession of Sin

     

    Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.

     

    Silence may be kept; all kneel as able for the confession.

     

    Most merciful God,

    we confess that we have sinned against you

    in thought, word, and deed,

    by what we have done, and by what we have left undone.

    We have not loved you with our whole heart;

    we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves.

    We are truly sorry and we humbly repent.

    For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ,

    have mercy on us and forgive us;

    that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen.

     

    The Officiant remains kneeling and says

     

    Almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us all our sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen us in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep us in eternal life. Amen.

     

    The Invitatory and Psalter

     

    All stand as able.

     

    Lord, open our lips.

    And our mouth shall proclaim your praise..

     

    Officiant and People

    Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Alleluia.

    The Lord has shown forth his glory:

    Come, let us adore him.

     

    Venite, said responsively by half verse          Psalm 95:1-7

     

    Come, let us sing to the Lord;

              let us shout for joy to the Rock of our salvation.

    Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving

              and raise a loud shout to him with psalms.

    For the Lord is a great God,

              and a great King above all gods.

    In his hand are the caverns of the earth,

              and the heights of the hills are his also.

    The sea is his, for he made it,

              and his hands have molded the dry land.

    Come, let us bow down, and bend the knee

              and kneel before the Lord our Maker.

    For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture and the sheep of his hand.

              Oh, that today you would hearken to his voice!

     

    The Response   Dominus illuminatio        (Psalm 27:1, 5-13)

        Psalm is said responsively by half verse. Remain seated.

     

    The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom then shall I fear?
    the Lord is the strength of my life;
    of whom then shall I be afraid?

    One thing have I asked of the Lord; one thing I seek;
    that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life;

    To behold the fair beauty of the Lord
    and to seek him in his temple.

    For in the day of trouble he shall keep me safe in his shelter;
    he shall hide me in the secrecy of his dwelling
    and set me high upon a rock.

    Even now he lifts up my head
    above my enemies round about me.

    Therefore I will offer in his dwelling an oblation with sounds of great gladness;
    I will sing and make music to the Lord.

    Hearken to my voice, O Lord, when I call;
    have mercy on me and answer me.

    You speak in my heart and say, "Seek my face."
    Your face, Lord, will I seek.

    Hide not your face from me,
    nor turn away your servant in displeasure.

    You have been my helper; cast me not away;
    do not forsake me, O God of my salvation.

     

    The Lessons

     

    The people are seated.  A period of silence will follow each reading.

    First Reading                                       Isaiah 9:1-4

    A reading from the book of Isaiah.

     

    There will be no gloom for those who were in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he will make glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations.

     

    The people who walked in darkness
    have seen a great light;

    those who lived in a land of deep darkness--
    on them light has shined.

    You have multiplied the nation,
    you have increased its joy;

    they rejoice before you
    as with joy at the harvest,
    as people exult when dividing plunder.

    For the yoke of their burden,
    and the bar across their shoulders,
    the rod of their oppressor,
    you have broken as on the day of Midian.

     

    Reader           The Word of the Lord.

    People            Thanks be to God.

     

    Canticle 11    The Third Song of Isaiah

    The canticle is read responsively by half verse; all stand as able.

     

    Arise, shine, for your light has come,

              and the glory of the Lord has dawned upon you.

    For behold, darkness covers the land;

              deep gloom enshrouds the peoples.

    But over you the Lord will rise,

              and his glory will appear upon you.

    Nations will stream to your light,

              and kings to the brightness of your dawning.

    Your gates will always be open;

              by day or night they will never be shut.

    They will call you, The City of the lord,

              the Zion of the Holy One of Israel.

    Violence will no more be heard in your land,

              ruin or destruction within your borders.

    You will call your walls, Salvation,

              and all your portals, Praise.

    The sun will no more be your light by day;

              by night you will not need the brightness of the

    moon.

    The Lord will be your everlasting light,

              and your God will be your glory.

     

    Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.

     

    The Second Reading

    The people sit.

    A reading from the book of First Corinthians

                                                           (1 Corinthians 1:10-18)

    Now I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you be in agreement and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same purpose. For it has been reported to me by Chloe’s people that there are quarrels among you, my brothers and sisters. What I mean is that each of you says, “I belong to Paul,” or “I belong to Apollos,” or “I belong to Cephas,” or “I belong to Christ.” Has Christ been divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius, so that no one can say that you were baptized in my name. (I did baptize also the household of Stephanas; beyond that, I do not know whether I baptized anyone else.) For Christ did not send me to baptize but to proclaim the gospel, and not with eloquent wisdom, so that the cross of Christ might not be emptied of its power.

     

    For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

     

    The Word of the Lord.

    Thanks be to God.

     

    Silence may follow.

    The people stand as able.

     

    Canticle 21      You are God                Te Deum laudamus

    The canticle is read responsively by half verse; all stand as able.

     

    You are God: we praise you;

    You are the Lord: we acclaim you;

    You are the eternal Father:

    All creation worships you.

    To you all angels, all the powers of heaven,

    Cherubim and Seraphim, sing in endless praise:

    Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,

    Heaven and earth are full of your glory.

    The glorious company of apostles praise you.

    The noble fellowship of prophets praise you.

    The white-robed army of martyrs praise you.

    Throughout the world the holy Church acclaims

    you;

    Father, of majesty unbounded,

    Your true and only Son, worthy of all worship,

    And the Holy Spirit, advocate and guide.

    You, Christ, are the king of glory,

    The eternal Son of the Father.

    When you became man to set us free

    You did not shun the Virgin’s womb.

    You overcame the sting of death

    And opened the kingdom of heaven to all

    believers.

    You are seated at God’s right hand in glory.

    We believe that you will come and be our judge.

    Come then, lord, and help your people,

    Bought with the price of your own blood,

    And bring us with your saints

    To glory everlasting.

     

    Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.

     

    Gospel Reading

    The people are seated.

     

    The Holy Gospel of our Savior Jesus Christ according to Matthew.                                         (Matthew 4:12-23)

     

    When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. He left Nazareth and made his home in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, so that what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled:

     

    “Land of Zebulun, land of Naphtali,
    on the road by the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles—

    the people who sat in darkness
    have seen a great light,

    and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned.”

     

    From that time Jesus began to proclaim, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”

     

    As he walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fish for people.” Immediately they left their nets and followed him. As he went from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John, in the boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets, and he called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed him.

     

    Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and curing every disease and every sickness among the people.

     

    The Word of the Lord.

    Thanks be to God.

    Homily                               Hope Staubitz

     

    The Apostles’ Creed

    All stand as able for the creed.

    I believe in God, the Father almighty,

    creator of heaven and earth.

    I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.

    He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit

    and born of the Virgin Mary.

    He suffered under Pontius Pilate,

    was crucified, died, and was buried.

    He descended to the dead.

    On the third day he rose again.

    He ascended into heaven,

    and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

    He will come again to judge the living and the

       dead.

    I believe in the Holy Spirit,

    the holy catholic Church,

    the communion of saints,

    the forgiveness of sins,

    the resurrection of the body,

    and the life everlasting. Amen.

    The Peace

    All stand.

     

    The peace of the Lord be always with you.

    And also with you.

     

    The Ministers and People may greet one another in the name of the Lord.

     

    Offertory

    The people are seated.

     

    Let us with gladness present the offering and oblations of our life and labor to the Lord.

     

    During the offertory (or at your own convenience), please consider giving to St. Stephens at the following link: https://onrealm.org/StStephensEpisc/-/give/now or by texting SSNH to 73256 and following the prompts. All donations go towards sustaining our church operations and our ministries.

     

    Offertory Anthem                              Liz & Bish Mumford

     

    Doxology                                                  H380 v. 3

     

    Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;

    Praise Him, all creatures here below;

    Praise Him above, ye heav’nly host;

    Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

    Amen.

     

    The Prayers

     

    The people stand or kneel as able for the prayers.

     

    Officiant

    The Lord be with you.

    People

    And also with you.

    Officiant

    Let us pray.

    Officiant and People

    Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name,

    thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

    Give us this day our daily bread.

    And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.

    And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

    For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory,

    forever and ever. Amen.

    The Suffrages

     

    Save your people, Lord, and bless your inheritance;

              Govern and uphold them, now and always.

    Day by day we bless you;

              We praise your Name for ever.

    Lord, keep us from all sin today;

              Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy.

    Lord, show us your love and mercy;

              For we put our trust in you.

    In you, Lord, is our hope;

              And we shall never hope in vain.

     

    The Officiant and People say responsively

     

    The Collects

    A Collect for the Renewal of Life

     

    O God, the King eternal, whose light divides the day from the night and turns the shadow of death into the morning: Drive far from us all wrong desires, incline our hearts to keep your law, and guide our feet into the way of peace; that, having done your will with cheerfulness during the day, we may, when night comes, rejoice to give you thanks; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

     

     

     

    A Collect for Guidance

    Heavenly Father, in you we live and move and have our being: We humbly pray you so to guide and govern us by your Holy Spirit, that in all the cares and occupations of our life we may not forget you, but may remember that we are ever walking in your sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

     

    The Prayers of the People: Intercessions

     

    In peace, we pray to you, Lord God.

     

    Silence

    The leader and people pray responsively.

     

    For all people in their daily life and work;

    For our families, friends, and neighbors, and for those who are alone.

     

    For this community, the nation, and the world;

    For all who work for justice, freedom, and peace.

     

    For the just and proper use of your creation;

    For the victims of hunger, fear, injustice, and oppression.

     

    For all who are in danger, sorrow, or any kind of trouble;

    For those who minister to the sick, the friendless, and the needy.

     

    For the peace and unity of the Church of God;

    For all who proclaim the Gospel, and all who seek the Truth.

     

    For Sean Rowe, our Presiding Bishop; Jennifer, our Bishop; Mauricio, Bishop of our companion Diocese of Brasilia.  For The Standing Committee of the Dioceses of Haiti, and especially for Saint Andrew’s Parish and the School in Mithon. For or the Venerable Jean Michelin, and all bishops and other ministers;

    For all who serve God in his Church.

     

    For the special needs and concerns of this congregation.

     

    Silence

     

    The People may add their own petitions

     

    Hear us, Lord;

    For your mercy is great.

     

    We thank you, Lord, for all the blessings of this life.

     

    Silence

     

    The People may add their own thanksgivings

     

    We will exalt you, O God our King;

    And praise your Name for ever and ever.

     

    We pray for all who have died, that they may have a place in your eternal kingdom.

    Silence

     

    The People may add their own petitions

     

    Lord, let your loving-kindness be upon them;

    Who put their trust in you.

     

    We pray to you also for the forgiveness of our sins.

     

    Silence may be kept

     

    Leader and People

    Have mercy upon us, most merciful Father;

    in your compassion forgive us our sins,

    known and unknown,

    things done and left undone;

    and so uphold us by your Spirit

    that we may live and serve you in newness of life,

    to the honor and glory of your Name;

    through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

     

    Lord Jesus Christ, you stretched out your arms of love on the hard wood of the cross that everyone might come within the reach of your saving embrace: So clothe us in your Spirit that we, reaching forth our hands in love, may bring those who do not know you to the knowledge and love you; for the honor of your Name.  Amen.

     

    The General Thanksgiving

    Officiant and People

    Almighty God, Father of all mercies,

    we your unworthy servants give you humble thanks

    for all your goodness and loving-kindness

    to us and to all whom you have made.

    We bless you for our creation, preservation,

    and all the blessings of this life;

    but above all for your immeasurable love

    in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ;

    for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory.

    And, we pray, give us such an awareness of your mercies,

    that with truly thankful hearts we may show forth your praise,

    not only with our lips, but in our lives,

    by giving up ourselves to your service,

    and by walking before you

    in holiness and righteousness all our days;

    through Jesus Christ our Lord,

    to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit,

    be honor and glory throughout all ages. Amen.

     

    They cast their nets in Galilee                                       H661

     

    They cast their nets in Galilee

         just off the hills of brown;

    such happy, simple fisherfolk,

         before the Lord came down.

     

    Contented, peaceful fishermen,

         before they ever knew

    the peace of God that filled their hearts

         brimful, and broke them too.

     

    Young John who trimmed the flapping sail,

         homeless, in Patmos died.

    Peter, who hauled the teeming net,

         head-down was crucified.

     

    The peace of God, it is no peace,

         but strife closed in the sod.

    Yet let us pray for but one thing—

         the marvelous peace of God.

     

    Almighty God, you have given us grace at this time with one accord to make our common supplication to you; and you have promised through your well-beloved Son that when two or three are gathered together in his Name you will be in the midst of them: Fulfill now, O Lord, our desires and petitions as may be best for us; granting us in this world knowledge of your truth, and in the age to come life everlasting.  Amen.

     

    The Dismissal

     

    Officiant

    Let us bless the Lord.

    Thanks be to God.

     

    The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost, be with us all evermore.  Amen.                                                    2 Corinthians 13:14

     

    Postlude                                               Liz & Bish Mumford

     

    Announcements

    • ASH WEDNESDAY, February 18th
    • FOOD PANTRY, Thursday, February 19th
    • VESTRY, February 22nd.
    • DEADLINE for submissions for the newsletter and bulletins is 9:00 a.m. on Wednesdays.

     

     

    Thanks to those serving!

    Altar Guild, Peggy Meyer

    Greeter, Phyllis Westfall

    Facebook Greeter,

    Tech Coordinator, Carol Stratton

    Officiant, Hope Staubitz

    Lector, Mike Staubitz

    Intercessor, Hope Staubitz

    Music, Liz & Bish Mumford

    Homilist, Hope Staubitz

     

    Offertory, Gloria, Doxology, Sanctus, & Communion Anthem

     used with permission © Windelm Music.

    W

    St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church

    A safe place for all to Love, Learn, and Live and Word of God