Through annual events, St. Stephen UCC cultivates unity

SANDUSKY — A congregation that eats together stays together.That's how St. Stephen United Church of Christ likes to cultivate fellowship and promote unity."If you can eat together (as a congregation), that's a great thing," Pastor Jerry Fenske said.Each year, parishioners gathers for its annual Strawberry Festival and sauerkraut suppers, which began as fundraisers in the 1950s and are open to the public. In December, the church annually hosts its Christmas Bazaar, during which vendors sell homemade items and more for Christmas gifts. Profits from admission fees go toward the church's food pantry, which serves area families.St. Stephen UCC started in 1882 and was originally known as the German Evangelical Protestant St. Stephen Congregation of Sandusky, according to church historian Karen Miller. It's believed the church was likely named after Saint Stephen, the first Christian martyr.The church formed in downtown Sandusky in a building where Chesapeake Lofts now stands. In February 1882, services were moved to a building at Jefferson and Lawrence streets. St. Stephen UCC opened its current building in 1964 in time for the Christmas Eve communion service. In 2012, the church celebrated its 130th anniversary.Stained glass windows line the church's sanctuary and portray Jesus in before and after the resurrection.The church's worship services occur at 8 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. Sundays. Between services, Sunday school occurs at 9 a.m. during the school year and Bible studies are offered each month. Fenske, from Wisconsin, has led the church since 2010.About 150 people of various ages attend St. Stephen UCC on Sundays, who are welcoming, Fenske said. The church is home to St. Stephen Kiddie College, a Christian preschool program the church has provided for more than 50 years.Under Fenske's leadership, the church began a pulpit exchange with St. Stephen's African Methodist Episcopal Church in Sandusky close to Martin Luther King Jr. Day. During this time, pastors from both churches preach at the other church.St. Stephen UCC supports Care and Share, Crossroads homeless shelter, has adopted Hancock Elementary to assist them with its needs. Area nonprofits like Girl Scouts, Special Olympics and Friends of Pipe Creek use the church as a meeting place.To better serve its younger population, a youth group was started a couple of years ago. Today, about a dozen students are involved, For younger children, St. Stephen UCC hosts its KICK (Kids in Christ Kingdom) program Sundays evenings. Once a month, the church hosts a family night with food and games. Get to know St. Stephen United Church of ChristAddress: 905 E. Perkins Ave., SanduskyPhone number: 419-626-1612Website: ststephenucc.orgFacebook: St. Stephen United Church of Christ (@StStephenUCCSandusky)Reach reporter Caitlin Nearhood at nearhood@sanduskyregister.com, follow her on Twitter @CaitlinNearhood and on Facebook.com/CaitliNearhoodThe sanctuary inside St. Stephen United Church of Christ in Sandusky on Wednesday, May 8, 2019.Pastor Jerry Fenske poses for a portrait at St. Stephen United Church of Christ in Sandusky on Wednesday, May 8, 2019.Pastor Jerry Fenske poses for a portrait at St. Stephen United Church of Christ in Sandusky on Wednesday, May 8, 2019.The sanctuary inside St. Stephen United Church of Christ in Sandusky on Wednesday, May 8, 2019.The outside of St. Stephen United Church of Christ located on 905 E. Perkins Ave. in Sandusky, Ohio on Wednesday, May 8 2019.