our ministries.
PRODUCE DISTRIBUTION
Helping to sustain the health and wellness of the communities we serve is essential our ministry. One of our immediate, and now an ongoing response to the food insecurity brought on by the 2020 public health crisis is distribution of food; fresh, free of cost and to anyone in need.
Every Wednesday, we, along with wonderful volunteers, prepare boxes of fruits and veggies from 9AM-10:30AM and distribute them from 10:30AM-11AM to individuals and families in need.
We’re always welcoming volunteers! Join us in serving our community hope and nutritious food.
MASTER GARDENER PROGRAM
Master gardeners are volunteers from the community who are trained by the University of California Cooperative Extension specialists and other qualified instructors using research-based information to promote environmentally responsible and sustainable horticultural practices in the home, community and school landscapes.
St. Stephen’s is a host site for the UC Master Gardener Program of Los Angeles County. The program holds panels, workshops and gardening hours on site.
DELANEY WRIGHT FINE ARTS PRESCHOOL - HOLLYWOOD
Delaney Wright is proud to be one of the premier preschools in Los Angeles. We are one of the only preschools in Los Angeles that emphasize learning and development through the lens of the fine arts. This means that we hope to show children that learning is a lifelong passion through music and movement, storytelling, science and technology, and equality amongst all. Our beautiful community gardens are filled with a plethora of delicious, organic vegetables and lush fruit trees and our large playgrounds and classrooms are equipped with all children need to learn and PLAY!
We serve children from the ages of 18 months through 5 years of age and we offer year-round enrollment, because life is year-round. Our staff members are chosen for their responsiveness and nurturing abilities as well as their education in early childhood education and vast experience as teachers. We keep our student to teacher ratio low to provide the most personal experience for the children as we can.
Hope Garden
The Garden at St. Stephen's was the result of extended activism and advocacy from the parish and local community. With help from then council-member Eric Garcetti, a bountiful, beautiful source of food and green-space for the neighborhood grew in place of a derelict alley. The garden is maintained in partnership with the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles and its Seeds of Hope ministry. The Hope Garden serves as a beautiful space for our community to grow, an abundant source of produce to share, an a hands-on education area for our preschool. The garden is also home to a seedling and microgreens operation that helps to sustain this ministry!
Sacred resistance
We believe the gospel is an inherently justice-focused message. In his ministry, Jesus organized and educated his followers while advocating clearly and radically for the poor, neglected, oppressed, and persecuted. At St. Stephen's, this sort of Sacred Resistance is a preeminent extension of our efforts to live out Jesus' call. We don't shy away from discussion of politics, current events or involvement in direct action and advocacy for the advancement of social justice.
Father Jaime serves as co-chair of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles Task Force on Sanctuary and Sacred Resistance.
music ministry
Springing out of a now-retired Saturday Jazz Mass, St. Stephen's band and choir is filled with industry professionals and avant-garde creatives. The music at St. Stephen's is a blend of traditional hymns and modern anthems - You're as likely to sing Marley's "Don't Worry 'Bout a Thing" as the timeless "Sweet Chariot".
The Music ministry extends beyond mass with guitar lessons, concerts, and our annual Good Friday Project.