About Us
Who We Are
St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church is a small, historic parish with a big heart for worship, community, and service. For over 120 years, we have been part of the spiritual life of Erwin, gathering regularly for worship, fellowship, prayer, outreach, and Christian formation.
I have heard from so many members a similar reason for joining St. Stephen’s: they came just to “try it out,” and they stayed because they were welcomed wholeheartedly as brothers and sisters in Christ.
Come, discover your spiritual gifts, worship with us, serve others, and join with us in our mission, “To Know Christ and Make Him Known.” God loves us all – no exceptions – and we seek to do the same.
What We Believe
As Episcopalians, we believe in a loving, life-giving, liberating God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We are a Christian community rooted in Scripture, enlivened by the Spirit, and guided by tradition and reason. We follow the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, whose life, death, and resurrection saved the world. In the words of our Baptismal service, we strive to seek and serve Christ in all persons. St. Stephen’s is a parish within the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina and part of the worldwide Anglican Communion.
We believe that God loves you – no exceptions.
The Episcopal Church embraces a legacy of inclusion, aspiring to share and exemplify God’s love for every human being. Laypeople and clergy work together in leadership and governance.
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The Book of Common Prayer is a treasure chest full of devotional and teaching resources for individuals and congregations, but it is also the primary symbol of our unity. We, who are many and diverse, come together in Christ through our worship, our common prayer.
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The Bible is our foundation, understood through tradition and reason, containing all things necessary for salvation. Our worship is filled with Scripture from beginning to end. Approximately 70% of the Book of Common Prayer comes directly from the Bible.
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In the two foundational statements of faith—the Apostles’ Creed used at baptism, and the Nicene Creed used at communion—we join Christians throughout the ages in affirming our faith in the one God who created us, redeemed us, and sanctifies us.
Our History
Founded in 1905 by William Allen Erwin, St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church has been a faithful presence in Harnett County for more than a century. After a devastating fire destroyed the original building in 1922, members of the community saved the altar and rebuilt the church, reopening its doors in 1923. The parish hall was added in 1928, and many of the historic features that shape our worship today — including the stained glass window of Jesus the Good Shepherd and our 1941 Austin pipe organ — remain central to our life together. Throughout the years, the church has carefully preserved its heritage while making updates that ensure the building remains welcoming and accessible to all.
Our history is not only about buildings, but about faithful service. St. Stephen’s helped establish Hospice care in the community, has supported local students through the Andrew Brooks Memorial Scholarship, and continues in active partnership with ECHO (Erwin Churches Helping Others) to address food insecurity. Rooted in our motto, “To Know Christ and Make Him Known,” we remain committed to worship, outreach, and Christian formation for all ages. While we cherish our storied past, we are always looking ahead — confident in the ways God continues to guide St. Stephen’s into the future.
Our Leadership
The Rev. Juliana Lindenberg, Rector
I grew up in a small and loving Methodist church in Orlando, where early on I developed a deep faith in God, a love for worship and music, and a respect for the fact that being a church member is more than attending on Sunday morning. My great-grandfather was the church custodian, so my sister and I not only attended every service and Sunday school and youth activity we could, but spent many afternoons after school helping to clean the church. As an adult looking for a church in a new state, I found the Episcopal church. I knew nothing about the Episcopal church or the way of worship there, but that congregation welcomed me with open arms, guided me as I learned about the worship, and invited me into music ministry . Years later I was ordained as an Episcopal priest in the Diocese of West Tennessee. I have served in many ministry roles both inside and outside of the church over the years, including in a shelter for the unhoused, as a geriatric (Alzheimer’s) researcher for the VA Medical Center, as a chaplain in hospitals, an elementary school and a retirement community, and of course as a parish priest. I began as half-time Rector at St. Stephen’s in May 2024.
My husband David and I have been married since 2000 and have two adult sons, Noah and Gabe. When I am not working, I enjoy taking long walks with David and our dogs, reading, watching movies, and spending time with our extended family who live near us in Cary.
Jennifer Trainer, Sexton
I grew up in New Jersey and moved to North Carolina in 1990. I am married to Frank and have two daughters, Elaine and Ava. I have been attending St. Stephen’s since 2005. I have been the Sexton of the church for 10+ years.
Michael Wimberly, Organist
I am a Harnett County native that has been a local organist for the last 35 years. I have served in many area churches as a part-time organist/choirmaster. I was organist for St Stephen’s from 2002 until 2007 and then again from 2019 until present day.
Lexi Cox, Financial Secretary
I'm a New England transplant, living in NC since '92. I moved to Erwin in September of 2022 and started attending St. Stephen’s that December. Since that time, I've helped with various ministries, including working with the children's programs, Faithful Fellowship (youth and young adult group), and ECW (Episcopal Church Women). With a background in management and BA accounting, I was asked to join the church staff as Financial Secretary in 2026.
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Vestry
Kelly Strickland, Senior Warden
Johnny Honeycutt, Junior Warden
Linda McKenzie, Assistant Treasurer
Elizabeth Linker, Secretary
Marianne Wright
Grace Zyla
Jeanne Healy
Bear Chiavacci
Jessup Overton
Treasurer
Kathy Tuttle
