UWF presents 2025 Special Mission Recognitions
On Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025, St. Stephen’s United Women in Faith unit presented their annual Special Mission Recognitions. These recognitions honor members of the church family who have gone above and beyond in their devotion to church life and community missions.
If you missed the presentations, you can read more about each of the honorees below.
Susan Johnson
Our first recipient has been a member of St. Stephen for over 25 years. Our honoree received several nominations this year for both past and present work within our church as well as in our community at large. This person is both a dreamer of ideas as well as someone who initiates, organizes, and brings people together to accomplish great goals.
Throughout their service to St. Stephen, this nominee has shown great love and care for people of all ages and stages in life. They have been a Stephen Minister and youth counselor, planned retreats for youth and women, and directed our church’s 50th anniversary celebration. Outside of these four walls, their heart for service can be felt in their work for the homeless and for students of all ages.
Moses had a hail storm. Noah had a flood. The disciples had a squall. So as not to be outdone, our nominee has planned events for our congregation and had to reschedule or postpone because of Hurricane Florence, Ice & Winter Storm, a flood with random power outages, and a couple of pandemic related issues just to name a few. Even so, she is filled with sun and radiates warmth to those who know her.
A loving spouse to George, a caring mother to Trey and Sydney, a doting grandparent to Lyla and Stella, a dear friend to me and many others, she most of all is a faithful believer and servant. Our first recipient is Susan Johnson.
Will the escort please bring Susan forward?
— Written and presented by Elizabeth Barger
Some of Susan’s many involvements and accomplishments:
- Disciple Bible Study participant
- Stephen Minister
- Youth Counselor for 15+ years as well as a Lead Coordinator for Confirmation & later Middle School Youth programs
- an Attendee & Leader on many Youth Retreats and Garden City weeks
- Creator of beautiful End of Year Videos for multiple Youth Banquets
- Liaison & Coordinator for Outreach to Greenway Park Elementary School
- Lay Liturgist
- Tutor at Rama Road Elementary
- Planner and Implementer of our last two Women’s Retreats
- Coordinator and Planner of multiple Youth Banquets
- Designer & Director of St. Stephen’s 50th Anniversary Celebration
- Event & Volunteer Coordinator for the non-profit Juvenile Diabetes Foundation
- Member of Journey and Expressions Sunday School Classes
- Member of evening Circle: Sacred Connections
- Room In The Inn Volunteer as well as Lead Linens Coordinator
- Church Mouse
- Eastway Middle School Liaison where she helps to organize Back to School Luncheons, Staff Appreciation Events, Mission Workdays, Lunch Buddies, Christmas Market for Student Shopping, and more.
- St. Stephen Wedding Committee Director
- Heart Math Program Coordinator at Rama Elementary School
Chip Stout
As did many of our members, our second recipient became involved at St. Stephen at the suggestion of his daughter who was active in our youth group. He began in a big way – by using his construction skills on Appalachia Service Project. Since then, there’s been no stopping him. Over the years, he has become an important mentor to the kids on many ASP trips as well as for the confirmation classes.
The preschool teachers call him “the guy,” because he’s the guy who can do anything, from simple repairs to transplanting a tree to shoring up the retaining wall on the playground. He built them an ice cream cart and his marionettes, complete with stage, are a favorite at the preschool and other children’s gatherings. The preschool director describes him this way: “his kind heart can be felt … through his laughter – which he does often! He is a kindhearted, selfless, gracious friend of the preschool.”
Have you ever wondered who built the shelter and picnic tables in the back of the church? It was our recipient. It is a wonderful gift to St. Stephen and can be used by anyone. He and his wife have turned their backyard into a tranquil, enchanted garden which they graciously and frequently open to church groups. His landscaping skills have also been put to good use on our grounds by transplanting plants from his garden. He is always willing to share his God-given gifts and the gifts of the beautiful natural world. Just ask the staff – once a week in the summer, he brings them vases of flowers from his garden.
Our recipient is always available to drive the church vehicles for any group who needs him. Healing Hearts considers him a special friend because he often drives them on outings, even picking up those members who no longer drive.
His many gifts of service to St. Stephen are done in the background, with no fanfare and no expectation of praise. They are done because of his love for St. Stephen and its members.
The next time our Chip Stout gives you a peppermint before worship, thank him for all he does as well. Chip, please come forward.
— Written and presented by Dale Carpenter