I'm starting to think he really did use the words "job" and "Vegas" in a single sentence, while talking to someone else. It was a long time after whatever conversation that was, when the person had to remember what was said. But like you say, blowing smoke.
Being that finding a job was Steven's primary concern, it would be a legitimate reason for missing church. In fact, it would be the ONLY legitimate reason he could give, for missing church.
I see organized thinking, either in him locating that parking space by himself, or in someone else directing him to that location.
Remember, you're the one that always talked me out of him parking there randomly