THE BEGINNING

St. Stephen’s Church was dedicated for God’s glory in the year 1972 by then Bishop Sargent in Jalahalli village. It all began in 1960’s when a group of believers from surrounding areas met in homes for worship. This house Church was affiliated to Church of South India (CSI). The Church catered to the needs of the community and thus began to grow both in quantity and quality. The place became too congested and a need for a proper Church building arouse so that none will be left out to worship the Lord. With God’s help the Church was built and named after the great disciple Stephen. After a glorious and eventful 40 years, today the Church has 130 families. The worship service and other programmes like Sunday School, Youth Fellowship and Women’s Fellowship are conducted regularly.

Our motivation is drawn from Matthew 22:37- 40 where Jesus says, “‘You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’…. ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ Thus emphasizing Gospel in action! Former Archbishop of Canterbury William Temple goes on to say "The Church is the only organization that exists for the well being and fraternity of its non-members”.

OUTREACH PROGRAMS

The Church is involved in various community service programs, some of them are listed below:

1. Care for the poor, needy, depressed and downtrodden:

Free comprehensive pre-school education to the underprivileged and marginalized children who are in age group of 3 to 6 years. These children are provided with lunch, uniforms, school bags, play articles and Christmas gift. The Gospel is preached in action. Supporting Home of Hope (AutoRaja), a home for the Destitute, and other Orphanages.

2. Medical Camps: Once in three months we conduct free medical camps for those who cannot afford to pay for their treatment. The advance cases are referred to hospitals.