Seasons of the Spirit: Lent/Easter 2020 (Issue 35)

SPIRIT LENT/EASTER | SPRING 2020

S A I N T S T E P H E N ’ S E P I S C O PA L C H U R C H

THERE IS MORE

Th devil left him, and suddenly angels came and waited on him. Matthew 4:11

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don’t always feel attended by angels. In fact, there are times when I feel desperately alone. But like many people, there have been times when I have sensed that there was much more going on in my life than I could possibly understand.

In the Old Testament, Joseph told his brothers that God had been at work in their lives, in ways they couldn’t fathom: what his brothers intended for harm, God had used for good (Genesis 50). And in

By Gary D. Jones the New Testament, Paul told Christians, who saw so much sufferin in the world, that the whole creation is groaning, as if in birth pangs, and that all things are actually working together for good (Romans 8). Clearly, something is going on.

So I understand why some who study consciousness say that our minds might well function as reducing valves—there’s no way for mortals to take in the full glory and grandeur of this life, so our minds only allow a small portion of reality to filte into our awareness, reducing it all to something we can handle, lest we be overwhelmed.

I have had a few experiences throughout my life when I was simply shocked by a sense of Presence so powerful that it startled me. Years ago, I spoke about one of those experiences in a Sunday morning forum presentation. Someone had asked me if I believed in angels, and I used my experience of startling Presence to say yes, I did.

My profession of belief drew the derision of a fellow priest and theologian who approached me later. He scoffe that he couldn’t possibly believe in winged beings with haloes. “I don’t know that angels are winged beings with haloes,” I replied. “I only know that I have had the experience of powerful, loving Presence that I cannot explain.”

Some people no doubt explain such experiences as examples of our minds playing tricks on us. I just happen to be one of those who believes in angels, instead.

Th great theologian John Calvin said that every one of us has a thousand angels tending to us. Calvin speculated that angels might not be separate beings as much as they are “the effecti e attention of God.” I don’t know. For me, this is another instance of my inclination to believe in something I can’t understand or talk about very well, or at all.

Tha ’s the way it is with the things of God, I believe. If you could understand them and articulate them, if these things were reasonable and easily grasped, what good would they be? What kind of power would they have? Wouldn’t they be, by definition more earthly than heavenly? More mundane than divine?

As Christians have affirm through the ages, the things of God are not things you can ever grasp; instead, these are things that grasp you. Words and concepts can describe earthly realities, but they utterly fail when it comes to divine or heavenly realities. Angels, demons, God…this is how we talk about realities that we intuit, feel, and know in our bones are real but that we can never adequately express.

In fact, it wouldn’t surprise me if we are being tended by angels all the time, even when we are feeling desperately lonely. Th problem, or maybe the gift, is our limited perception. “Now we see as in a glass darkly, or as in a mirror dimly,” St. Paul says.

“Now we know only in part,” even though we have the strongest feeling and conviction that we are fully known.

Maybe our limited perception is a gift. If we could see our attending angelic host, our brains might completely short circuit; we might experience a kind of psychotic break, brought on by the floodin of our minds with more than they could handle. As William Blake said, “And we are put on earth a little space, / Tha we may learn to bear the beams of love.”

The e are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, / Tha are dreamt of in your philosophy.

Hamlet 1.5.167-8

We can’t bear it all now, but we are learning.

Years after I had spoken about angels in the Sunday Forum, a parishioner came to see me. She apparently had been stewing about something for a long time, and only recently got up the courage to make an appointment to speak with me. She did not want anyone to know why she had asked to see me; it was all very mysterious.

After she entered my offi quietly, she began a little hesitantly. “Several years ago, you mentioned that you have had ‘experiences.’ You said you have had a powerful sense of loving Presence…I have, too.” And we talked for over an hour about what we knew but could not understand, what we believed but could never adequately express.

We’ve been put on this earth a little space, and some of us sense the truth of something Hamlet said to his friend: “The e are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, / Tha are dreamt of in your philosophy.” Yes, there is more. ✤

in this issue: Rector calls new vicar Catechesis to Confirmation a joyful journey For children and adults: Solemn Communion Icon workshop now offer two classes New youth minister joins family ministry team Youth outreach opportunities, year-round Art auction, a cappella concert return An Epiphany pilgrimage to our southern border Feed and be fed: St. Stephen’s food ministry Lenten retreat to be led by brothers of SSJE Than you!

RE:work marks one year with much to celebrate

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Rector calls Will Stanley to serve as vicar

By Sarah Bartenstein

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he rector has called the Rev. William S. Stanley to serve as vicar of St. Stephen’s Church. Will joins the staff on Ash Wednesday, February 26.

is a gifted preacher, a kind pastor, an accomplished musician, a fine liturgist, al accompanied by a keen wit and good sense of humor (a necessity in parish ministry).

I have let him know how blessed he is to be coming to St. Stephen’s. It will be a joy to see how his ministry blesses your wonderful congregation.”

Will had been serving as associate rector for pastoral care and formation at All Saints, Beverly Hills. Previously he was associate to the rector for pastoral care and community connections at St. Cross Episcopal Church in Hermosa Beach, California, and curate and assistant to the rector at Holy Innocents’ Episcopal Church in Atlanta.

Will came to Gary’s attention through several clergy colleagues who have worked with Will, including the Rev. Robert Dannals (a nominee for bishop here in 2006), the Rev. Geoff ey Hoare (who has served in our diocese, as well as the Diocese of Atlanta, and is now at St. Alban’s in Washington, D.C.). Th ough his own conversations with Will as well as those who know him best, Gary came to believe that Will would be a wonderful addition to our staff. ut first, he b ought him to St. Stephen’s in mid-January for a visit during which he spent considerable time with the executive committee of the vestry, other vestry members, parish leaders, and staff

Will Stanley The ewanee alumnus is a graduate of Berkeley Divinity School at Yale, and grew up at St. Columba’s in Washington, D.C. Coming to DC-adjacent Virginia is a bit of a homecoming after being so far away.

From his time in Atlanta, Will knows the Rev. Penny Nash and the Rev. Steve McGehee, and he worked with Chris Edwards at Christ Church, Greenwich during his time at Yale. He also knows Brent te Velde from Yale’s Institute of Sacred Music, where they were classmates. So while he is new to this role, he is already known to many in the parish.

That includes our missionaries, eidi Schmidt and Monica Vega, now serving in Argentina but at one time living and working in South Africa. At age 18, Will traveled to South Africa to visit them, learn about their work, and continue to work on discerning his own call to ministry.

Heidi says, “I remember how open and courageous he was and how he immersed himself in whatever we threw him into, how he connected with the children, especially through the music which is one of his passions and many gifts. He rolled with it all.”

Heidi recalls his speaking to them about his call to the priesthood then. “I was astounded at his clarity about what he and God wanted. And many years on, already ordained, how speaking with him revealed even more steadfastness and genuineness for his call from God, his journey clearly deeply rooted in this life where he found great joy.”

Heidi reflects, “That y and love is expressed in all of his life—he wears it, lives it, and it is a beautiful thing to witness and experience.”

Acknowledging that the job of vicar is a big one, Heidi says Will is “a big soul for a big job.”

Heidi and Monica are excited that their lives will cross with Will’s again in “this beautiful community of St. Stephen’s, whose lives are intertwined with ours.”

The ev. Jay Sidebotham, executive director of Renewal Works, who is known to many at St. Stephen’s as a visiting speaker (and as the husband of Frances Murchison, who has led wellness workshops and retreats here), has known Will since St. Stephen’s new vicar was a young child. “It brings a big smile to learn that a favorite parish and a favorite priest have found each other,” Jays says. “I’ve known Will Stanley for years, in fact, before he started kindergarten. He spent a lot of time in our home in D.C., and I confess that I sometimes regard him as one of my kids.

He’s a remarkable young man.”

Jay notes, “I’ve known for a long time that he was called to the priesthood. He

Beauty, back to God

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ne of my finest teachers, the poet Linda regg, died a year ago at the age of 76. I knew her a decade before that when we lived in the same neighborhood and took walks and went to thrift stores and talked about poetry. Sometimes she’d call me to say, “Would you like to come over?

I have some cheese and a few pistachios to share.”

We’d sit on the front porch, even in winter, so that she could smoke cigarettes, and we’d talk about

By Allison Seay everything. Specificall , Linda believed deeply in four things: She believed in nature—living in it, looking at it; she believed in the sacred—in trying to find it; she belie ed in love—even when failing at it and in it; and she believed in poetry—which was always trying to make contact with all of it.

It was from Linda that I first learned about what I call True Silence or that I firs understood the diffe ence in silence and quiet, silence and simply noiselessness. It was from Linda that I learned that the diffe ence was peace and that the diffe ence mattered.

It was also from Linda that I learned to appreciate D.H. Lawrence’s old poem, “The White Horse,” which goes like this: The outh walks up to the white horse, to put its halter on / And the horse looks at him in silence. / They a e so silent, they are in another world.

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Allison Seay, associate for religion and the arts, observed, “Will Stanley has whatever that quality is that makes one feel at home even at first meeting. I will say of hi what I say of those I most admire: I trust him. And I know already that he is coming here to love us well.”

In the churches where Will has served, he has focused on a number of diffe ent areas of ministry, including youth and young adults, pastoral care, adult formation, and outreach. While at All Saints, he became more drawn to the complexities and opportunities of working in a large parish. In fact, most of the churches he’s served have been quite large, if not as large as St. Stephen’s.

He is excited about coming to St. Stephen’s, he says, for the opportunity to serve in such a large and vibrant parish—he notes that this parish is “really big but has depth and substance”—as well as to learn from Gary. While he is young, Will believes that he is ready for the challenge.

“I am thrilled and humbled to accept this call as vicar of St. Stephen’s Church! Your life and ministry inspire me, and I look forward to coming among you as one who listens and cares. I can’t wait to see what God has in store for us.”

Gary is looking forward to this new chapter, as well. “Will’s energy and enthusiasm are infectious. His wisdom and spiritual insight are inspiring. And his desire to connect meaningfully with people and his eagerness to grow and learn as a parish priest convey a humility that the church and world need desperately.”

About Will’s role, Gary explains, “A vicar is a trusted clergy person who functions as a kind of chief operating offic , who helps ensure both attention to detail and faithfulness to vision.

“In a parish of our size and complexity, it can be challenging to maintain our spiritual center and equilibrium, while tending to the souls of so many people from diffe ent walks of life. The ole of vicar is inevitably shaped by and takes on the personality of the one who holds the position, but having the trust and confidenc of the rector are central. Will has that from me.

“St. Stephen’s has had two outstanding vicars in my time here—David Anderson and Weezie Blanchard. I still think of these two priests with gratitude and admiration.

Like them, Will is a very smart, deeply faithful, and obviously caring priest who will be beloved here.”

Gary says, “We could not be happier about welcoming Will to St. Stephen’s.” ✤

I’m thinking of this as I remember Linda, now in another world; when she died we had not been in touch for years, yet her death was a new kind of silence: the True Silence of Linda-lessness.

When I found out about her dying, it was the morning of the first day of spring, the equinox, when day and night are almost exactly balanced, the earth’s axis aligned with the center of the sun so that the hours of lightness and of darkness are as close to equal, as near to perfect, as they ever are.

Linda would love that. As I do.

I want to share with you what she first sha ed with us, her poetry students, and what later became a longer published essay called “The A t of Finding.”

I am made of the landscape in northern California where I grew up, made of my father’s uninhabited mountain where my twin sister and I spent most of our time as small children with the live oak trees, the stillness, the tall grass, the dry smell of the hot summer air where the red-tailed hawks turned slowly up high, where the two of us alone at ten did the spring roundup of my father’s twentysix winter-shaggy horses. Down below there were salmon in the stream that ran by our house, the life of that stream and the sound of it as we lay in our bunks at night, our goat and the deer standing silently outside in the mist so many mornings when we awoke. The elements of that bright world a e in my poetry now … present as essences. They operate invisibly as energ , equivalents, touchstones, amulets, buried seed, repositories, and catalysts. They function at the generating level …to impregnate and pollinate the present—provoking, SEASONS OF THE SPIRIT

Catechesis to Confirmation: a joyful journey

By Kathy Tappen

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esus said, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27). We are the sheep who hear and recognize God’s voice because we know him as our Shepherd. If we are to recognize the “still small voice” of God (1 Kings 19:12), we must belong to him.

As Palmer Hall filled with prospective mentors, I noticed my friend and fellow catechist, Valerie Abbott, was among those in attendance. She shared that her daughter Bridie was now in 9th grade and would begin Confirmation preparation in a few weeks. Though I didn’t say anything, I immediately began to hope that I could be Bridie’s mentor. I left the meeting excited about the possibility of spending time with the teen version of the curly-haired little girl whose sparkle regularly graced the atrium on Sundays along with her enthusiasm for the Parable of the Leaven “work.”

Bridie was one of the children who was fascinated by the mystery of the Kingdom of God and endlessly enjoyed the work associated with the Parable of the Leaven, listening to the words, “The Kingdom of Heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of flour until all of it was leavened” (Matthew 13:33). At three and four years of age, she would carefully prepare the two bowls of dough, one with just flour and water and the other with flour, yeast, and water. Then she would wait—sometimes patiently, sometimes not so much—and engage in other work during our hour in the atrium, until it was time for the unveiling of the two bowls and the excitement of seeing the risen dough. Though this happened time and again without fail, it was always accompanied by awe and joy and wonder: how is the Kingdom of God like the yeast in the flour? The yeast can’t be taken out of the flour and the flour can’t be taken away from the yeast. The yeast has transformed the flour and water. What could this mean?

Shortly after that meeting in Palmer Hall, I was thrilled to learn that I would be Bridie’s mentor. As we re-connected over the Wonderful Wednesday supper, she shared that what she remembers most about her time in the atrium was always wanting to make the dough and to see if the dough would rise every time—it always did!

Bridie and I have now spent time together listening to Michael Sweeney talk about Baptism, the Rev. Whitney Edwards talk about prayer, and the Rev. Gary Jones talk about the Eucharist. We’ve texted and chatted after church. Though we are just getting to know one another again, I still see the sparkle and inquisitive nature she had as a small child; now it is accompanied by a sense of humor, self-

Kathy Tappen in the atrium at about the time Bridie Abbott (shown in the small photo in the left column) was taking part in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.

confidence, and strong faith. Since our time in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, Bridie’s faith has continued. It’s a joy to know she’s continued to be active in our church youth programs as an usher and an acolyte. She has also accepted a call into the Parish Youth Ministries program for the Diocese of Virginia, which strives to enable young people to be full and active participants in the life of the Church.

Having the opportunity to listen, pray, and wonder alongside Bridie through the Confirmation process, and witness firsthand how God is leading her during this time of her life is a blessing that has reenergized my spirit and reminded me that we grow when we see what Christ is doing in and through the experience of others. We are once again sharing in a joyful journey.

Bridie was in first grade when she moved from the Level 1 atrium into the newly established Level 2 atrium next door, so her memories of her time in both spaces are now intertwined.

When asked how she feels about being reconnected with the person who was her first catechist, Bridie shared, “I think it’s cool that the person I started out with at church is the Bridie and Kathy before the person matched with me for Confirmation.” ✤ January Confirmation semina

Sarah Bartenstein

Through Allison’s words, I heard the still, small voice of God calling me back into the sheepfold. The role she so beautifully and thoughtfully described felt familiar and similar to that of a catechist. Serving as a catechist had been a deeply meaningful experience for me. Though the next step was to attend an informational meeting before making a commitment, I already knew that I was being called. I began to wonder to whom I might be assigned. Would I know him or her? Could it be a child I once served in the atrium, when we first began offering Catechesis of the Good Shepherd here at St. Stephen’s? Might I explore God again through the lens of a teenager? What would that be like?

Doug Buerlein

In August, I was invited to consider becoming the mentor of a young person preparing to be confirmed (a “confirmand”). Allison Seay described the role as “a co-wonderer in a life of faith...an authentic, non-judgmental, open, gentle, and loving mentorship—in the lives of teenagers as they navigate a morally ambiguous world and seek to understand their responses and responsibilities to a demanding, hyper-connected, and often chaotic society.”

GOOD TO KNOW •The bisho ’s visit, which includes Confirmation of outh like Bridie, as well as adults, is scheduled for Sunday, May 17.

• Would you like to serve as a Confirmation mento , or as a catechist in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd? Contact Allison Seay, aseay@ststephensRVA.org or 804.288.2867.

instigating, germinating, irradiating—in the way the lake high up in the Sierra mountains waters the roses in far away San Francisco.

Your resonant sources will be diffe ent from mine and will differ f om those around you. They may be our long family life, your political rage, your love and sexuality, your fears and secrets, your ethnic identity—anything. The point is not what they are but that they are yours. Whatever these sources are, you must hunt them out and feed your poems with them, not necessarily as topics, subjects or themes, but as the vital force that fuels your poems…

The a t of finding in poet y is the art of marrying the sacred to the world, the invisible to the human.

As I said, she was a fine teache .

In one of her last public appearances, Linda retold some of the stories I had already known. She read “The White Horse” poem for everyone, she spoke of her four things—nature, the sacred, love, and poetry—but she also said something that struck me as particularly poignant that I had not heard her say before.

She explained how it was she discovered, as a young girl, what she would like to do with her life. She was, as she said, lying down on the loam under a big tree and had read the line from a Gerard Manley Hopkins’ poem that goes, “Give beauty back, beauty, beauty, beauty, back to God” and she knew that was it—she’d spend her life making beauty, writing it, then giving it back.

S A I N T S T E P H E N ’ S E P I S C O PA L C H U R C H

LENT/EASTER | SPRING 2020

In this solemn season of Lent we are offe ed these 40 days to reflect on what it means to be in the wilderness, what it means to sacrifice, to gi e up, to hunger and thirst, 40 days of heightened awareness that we are dust and will go back to dust.

It inspires me—as it must have inspired Linda—to think of my life as an offering this way, an offering of some beaut , some reverence, a life lived imperfectly but in search of the sacred, in honor of love. Perhaps it’s all we can do anyway: “give beauty back,” in whatever way we’re able, by whatever source we have found, until at the last we do give all that we have: “beauty, beauty, beauty, back to God.” ✤

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Jay Paul

Communion preparation series for children and adults begins March 25

Observing Lent as a family Families with young children don’t have much difficulty obs ving Advent as a season of preparation for the incarnation. Lent, another season of preparation, can be more challenging. What can this penitential season mean for young children? The 40 days of Lent—f om Ash Wednesday (February 26) to Holy Saturday (April 11)—correspond to the number of days Jesus is said to have spent in the wilderness being tempted by the devil. During Lent we intentionally enter into our own “wilderness” to examine our hearts and to be reminded of Christ’s sacrifice for us. We can invite children into this season in meaningful ways.

By Betsy Tyson While these six weeks can seem like an eternity for children, it may be easier for them to commit to practicing a skill or discipline for one week at a time. Here are some ideas: + Praise God: practice noticing God’s movement in your life, and giving thanks. + Thank od: practice saying “Thank ou, God” for all of God’s blessings. Make a list of all of your thank you’s at the end of each day and thank God again.

To say we ever fully understand Eucharist is to dishonor the sacred mystery of it, but we believe that people of any age can benefit f om renewed and solemn attention to the experience of receiving. A course of preparation—called Solemn Communion—is a fi e-week series based on meditations from the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, whose philosophy is that even very young children have a religious life in which the intimate presence of God is known. Our offering for olemn Communion is designed with the dignity and creativity of the seven-year-old (and older) child in mind, with companion presentations given to parents of children entering this age of reason.

During fi e one-hour sessions, children are presented with the parables of the True Vine, the Found Coin, the Found Sheep, and the Forgiving Father—known as the Parables of Mercy—and we conclude with an all-day retreat on Saturday. The foll wing day, Good Shepherd Sunday, the children and parents participating in this program will receive Communion together in the celebration of the Holy Eucharist with the larger church.

Th oughout the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, children are exposed to liturgy and to the richness of our communal sacramental life and the receiving of Communion in this way, after such preparation, is a profound experience that honors all of us.

Presentations for Solemn Communion are led by our trained catechists and St. Stephen’s clergy. The e is no charge for this offering Wednesday, March 25, 6:30 p.m-7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, April 1, 6:30 p.m-7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, April 15, 6:30 p.m-7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, April 22, 6:30 p.m-7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, April 29, 6:30 p.m-7:30 p.m.

+ Pass the peace: practice passing the peace with your family, your friends, and especially with people who are new to you. Really think about what you are saying as you say, “The peace of the Lo d be with you.”

Saturday, May 2, Retreat with the Rite of Reconciliation, 9-3 Sunday, May 3, Good Shepherd Sunday, Solemn Communion

+ Offer ourself and your gifts: think of things you and your family can do each week to serve God by serving others, such as bringing food to the food pantry, making cards for parishioners who are sick, or using a United Thank Offering x to make daily offerings for people in need a ound the world.

Some adults who do not have young children have asked if they may participate in this series. The answer is yes!

+ Pray for the world: when you see a person or situation that needs God’s help, offer a pra er to God right then. You might want to write them down, keeping your own “prayer list,” so you can return to them and pray for these people or situations again.

To take part in Solemn Communion, or ask questions about this offering, please contact Allison Seay, Associate for Religion and the Arts, aseay@ststephensRVA.org. ✤

+ Listen to God’s story: each Sunday in Lent, choose one of the Scripture readings to discuss as a family. ✤

Easter books for children In Advent, parishioner and children’s librarian Kathi Overbay made recommendations for Christmas gifts for children. Her picks were so popular that we had to restock the Bookshop @ St. Stephen’s several times! This espected librarian has given us a few suggestions for Easter books for children.

Brian Wildsmith, The aster Story This book, with clea , reverent language, tells the Easter story from the point of view of Jesus’ donkey. Covering all of the events of Holy Week from Palm Sunday through the Crucifixion and finally the esurrection of Jesus Christ, the book’s stunning illustrations are shining gold-toned paintings. Best for children ages 5-9.

Tomie dePaola, My First Easter A happy farm family of young parents and four children celebrates the Easter holiday in this board book. With watercolor illustrations, it gently emphasizes the importance of sharing and is for older babies and toddlers.

Tomie dePaola, Tomie dePaola’s Book of Bible Stories This family classic, n w available in a 20th anniversary edition, has 37 well-known Bible stories from the Old and New Testaments and includes a few Psalms. Striking, colorful

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illustrations include architectural detail, and there is a dramatic illustration of Jesus walking on water. For all ages.

Betsy Tyson, Chaplain to Palmer Hall who taught elementary school for 12 years, has these recommendations.

Angela Elwell Hunt, TheTale of Th ee Trees: A Traditional Folk Tale Featuring the wonderful illustrations of Tim Jonke, this best-selling book tells the Easter story from a new and unusual point of view. Children and adults will be deeply touched as they understand the significance of Chris ’s life and sacrifice.

Ages 4 and up Aileen Fisher, The tory of Easter The text—richly illustrated y Stefano Vitale—explains how and why people all over the world celebrate Easter. It tells the biblical story as well as the origins of various Easter traditions. Hands-on activities are included. Ages 4-8 Virginia Kroll, Easter Eggs for Anya: A Ukrainian Celebration of New Life in Christ This sto y explains one of the origins of the tradition of coloring eggs at Easter. In early 19th-century Ukraine, Christians celebrated Easter by exchanging colorful, hand-decorated pysanky eggs—but one year, with Papa away at the war and Mama struggling to make ends meet, Anya’s family is too poor to buy eggs to decorate.

Then Anya disc vers an abandoned nest of goose eggs and begins planning an Easter surprise for her family. But God had an even better surprise in store. Ages 4-7 ✤ SEASONS OF THE SPIRIT

Parish weekend offers something for all ages words of Shrine Mont’s Web site. St. Stephen’s annual parish weekend at Shrine Mont is designed to bring us together through fellowship, recreation, reflection, worship and song, all in a lovely setting featuring wildlife, fresh air, blue skies, springs, and friendly people.

The p operty features a spring-fed swimming pool; hiking trails for various skill levels; tennis courts; large fields for socce , volleyball, softball, etc.; and plenty of porches with rocking chairs.

Toasting marshmallows is always on the agenda during the Shrine Mont weekend.

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ach summer, St. Stephen’s offers an all-ages eekend retreat at Shrine Mont, a camp, conference and retreat center in the mountains of Virginia, about three hours from Richmond. Some individuals and families have been taking part for years, though each June, we are delighted that some people who have never experienced Shrine Mont before decide to participate. It is a wonderful way to get to know one another in a relaxed setting, and to reconnect with our spouses, children, friends, and with God. This summe , the weekend will also provide the opportunity to get to know our two newest staff members, the ev.

Will Stanley, vicar, and Blake Singer, youth minister.

The 2020 parish eekend takes place Friday, June 26 through Sunday, June 28.

Shrine Mont is “a place where people give thanks to God for his creation—from the beauty of the streams, fl wers and wildlife which are at home here, to the people who come to this place to celebrate being part of the family of God,” in the

God’s creation is the focus of this summer’s Vacation Bible School “We give thanks to you, O God, for the goodness and love which you have made known to us in creation…”

THE BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER, EUCHARISTIC PRAYER B

Those who experience hrine Mont enjoy treasured memories. In a church as large as St. Stephen’s, attending the parish weekend helps both new people and longtime members connect and reconnect, forming lasting friendships.

Visit our Web site to register, ststephensRVA.org/shrinemont. If you have questions, please be in touch with Betsy Tyson, btyson@ststephensRVA.org. ✤

COSTS AND REGISTRATION FOR 2020 These costs eflect the early-bi d discount; costs go up 10 percent beginning March 21.

Adult, double occupancy, $176 per person Adult, single occupancy (if available), $221 per person Children ages 4-12, $78 per person The e is no charge for children age 3 and under.

Icon workshop registration opens March 3 Two sections offered this summer Each summer since 2011, St. Stephen’s Church has offe ed a week-long workshop in icon writing. And almost from the beginning, the workshop has had a waiting list. In recent years, not only has the class been oversubscribed, but people are lined up outside the office door on the day egistration opens, waiting for staff to arri e to sign them up. It’s the closest St. Stephen’s comes to selling tickets to see the Rolling Stones.

Jay Paul

Ben Emerson

Shrine Mont is a restful place apart from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Once you arrive, everything is taken care of, and you can do as much or as little as you desire. Activities are organized for Friday night after dinner, and Saturday morning. After lunch Saturday, various leisure activities are available: hikes, tennis, swimming, reading, napping, conversation. Saturday evening activities bring everyone together. Our Sunday morning worship service is held outdoors in a natural setting where God’s presence is readily felt.

Students at the 2019 workshop

We have good news. This ear–our 10th–we’ve persuaded iconographer Suzanne Schleck, our instructor, to offer two sections of this wo kshop: July 19-24, and July 26-31. Don’t be complacent, though! Based on the size of past waiting lists, we expect both sections to fill quickl .

Please note that students may sign up for one week only, since our goal is to make this popular offering a ailable to more people. Each section is suitable for beginners as well as experienced icon writers.

You may register online or in person. A link to online registration is available on our Web site at ststephensRVA.org/icon.

God’s creation will be the focus of this summer’s Vacation Bible School at St. Stephen’s Church. Children age 3 (potty-trained) through rising fifth graders a e invited to take part in a week-long dive into Bible stories, beginning with the Book of Genesis, that focus on the world that God has made and given to us. Worship, nature-themed art projects, games, science explorations, drama, and songs will all be part of this experience. The curriculum is designed to car y over into ways to honor God’s world at home, as well.

Vacation Bible School will take place Monday, July 13 through Friday, July 17, from 9 a.m. until noon each day. Online registration will open March 1 at ststephensRVA.org/VBS.

Students in this class use techniques developed at the end of the Iconoclast period (before the year 1000 A.D.), in which, through a gradual, step-by-step process, each student will see a face gradually emerge from the darkness, a face glowing with an internal light. Artistic experience and painting skills are not prerequisites. Th willingness to let go and trust are much more important for this prayerful activity.

Painters are said to be “writing” rather than “painting” the icon.

Icons are made using the traditional materials of egg tempera and gold leaf on gessoed panels. Each day begins at 8:10 with Morning Prayer and Eucharist in the Chapel of the Holy Spirit, followed by an anointing of hands in the studio; the day ends around 5:00 p.m.

Older children and youth may volunteer to assist with Vacation Bible School.

Suzanne is a retired public school art teacher has studied for more than 20 years with the Rev. John Walsted, master iconographer and expert on 14th to 16th century Russian icons, and has taken additional workshops with Robert Lentz and the Prosopon School of Iconography. Her work has been published in national Episcopal media and Princeton Theological eminary. She teaches iconography in other settings as well, including at a conference at Kanuga Conference Center.

If you have questions about Vacation Bible School, please contact Betsy Tyson, btyson@ststephensRVA.org or 804.288.2867. ✤

Tuition is $375 per person; this includes instruction and all supplies. Meals are on your own, and those who come from out of town are responsible for their own lodging. ✤

The cost is $50 for the eek for one child, and an additional $25 for each child in the same immediate family. The family maximum is $100 for the eek. Adults who volunteer for the entire week can receive a discount on their children’s tuition.

S A I N T S T E P H E N ’ S E P I S C O PA L C H U R C H

LENT/EASTER | SPRING 2020

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Blake Singer joins St. Stephen’s community as youth minister

B

lake Singer, a recent summa cum laude graduate of Duke Divinity School, has joined the St. Stephen’s staff as outh minister, working with Betsy Tyson and Allison Seay among the middle and high school youth of St. Stephen’s Church. Blake’s firs day in his new position was February 10.

When Blake visited St. Stephen’s to interview for the position, he was impressed by the deep commitment of the people he met. He noted that this church is “a space to belong, a space to feel loved.” As someone with deep appreciation for Episcopal liturgy, he is also glad to be in a church that gives particular attention to worship.

He said, “It is profoundly liberating to tell a young person that they are loved by God just for who they are,” not for their achievements.

Allison Seay, who has taught in high school and college and now oversees youth Confirmation p eparation at St. Stephen’s, said, “The first time lake and I spoke I knew he had unique gifts to share with us. And when we met in person I could sense right away his sincerity, his seriousness, and his earnest commitment to ministry. I am confiden that his joining our St. Stephen’s family will be a blessing to all of us.”

Blake Singer

Betsy Tyson, chaplain to Palmer Hall, said, “I am excited to welcome Blake to St. Stephen’s and am impressed with his passion for nurturing young people’s faith and knowledge of God’s unconditional love for them. He will be a great addition to the family ministry team.”

Blake grew up in the Chattanooga suburb of Ooltewah, attended McCallie School, and graduated from Furman University magna cum laude and where he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. He met his wife Kilpy at Furman through the campus ministry International Justice Missions. Kilpy grew up in Richmond where she attended Douglas S. Freeman High School. She is also a graduate of Duke Divinity School.

Beth Carrithers, one of the parents who interviewed candidates for the youth ministry position, said, “I was impressed with Blake’s enthusiasm and energy, and I’m sure he’ll be able to immediately connect with the youth of our church. He brings a wealth of experience that will enable him to make quick impact with the youth program at St. Stephen’s.”

Blake has held a number of church internships and fellowships, including completing his Clinical Pastoral Education at UNC Hospitals, and serving as a seminarian at Church of the Holy Family in Chapel Hill. He has been on the staff of the uke Youth Academy, which he describes as a camp-like experience. He has also worked with young people in such settings as a teen entrepreneurship curriculum, as a mentor for younger students at Furman, as a teaching assistant at Duke Divinity School, and as a graduate resident in Duke University Housing.

“Getting to know Blake has been a delight,” said Gary Jones. “His personal journey of faith makes him uniquely qualified to add ess the doubts and questions of young people today. Our parents who interviewed Blake were enthusiastic about his ability to address the challenges facing families in our over-busy culture today.”

Blake enjoys working with youth “because they’re fun and I’m a kid at heart.” He likes that young people are “always in a posture of learning. They a e ready to be challenged and to grow in a way that adults sometimes are not.”

In his free time, Blake likes to be physically active, running, playing soccer, hiking and trail running, cycling, and swimming. He also confesses to being a “closet nerd,” and a big fan of Star Wars and Marvel superheroes.

We are thrilled to have Blake working with our young people in weekly youth groups, Sunday morning groups, the acolyte program, outreach, and more. ✤

Youth at St. Stephen’s engage in outreach In-town mission trip planned for June 18-22 St. Stephen’s Church has a history of providing opportunities for young people to be involved in service to others, here in our community and further away, such as the Dominican Republic. Last summer, St. Stephen’s Church offe ed an “in-town mission trip” for young people, to help them gain a deeper understanding of parts of our community with which they might be unfamiliar. This eek-long immersive experience was based at Richmond Hill and took our young people on a tour of the Slave Trail, to harvesting produce at Shalom Farms, to meeting with staff at eter Paul Development Center, to name just a few of their activities.

In addition to summer outreach opportunities, Josh offers se eral ways for youth to engage in ministry during the school year.

MENTORING STUDENTS AT FAIRFIELD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Wednesdays, 3:45-6:00 p.m.

Each Wednesday, senior high youth can reserve a spot to join in a well-organized tutoring and mentoring program with 2nd-5th graders from Fairfield Court Elementary School, under the direction of professional teachers. We meet in the Café @ St. Stephen’s to pick up snacks and then head to Fairfield Court in the church van. We’ll enjoy each other’s company and then help as we are needed with individual children or small groups, assisting with homework or other individual needs, as directed by the teachers. The eter Paul Development Center hires the teachers who lead this outstanding afterschool care, and they are prepared for us by the time we arrive. This is an e cellent way to encourage children who need extra help, build their confidence, and help them succeed in school. (The e will be no visit on April 8, since that falls during Richmond schools’ spring break.)

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Sarah Bartenstein

This summe , we will offer a similar experience he e in Richmond. Staff a e at work on the details, but we do have dates, and encourage you to plan to participate, June 18-22. Our new youth minister, Blake Singer, will work closely with outreach coordinator Josh Rockett and other staff to plan an in-depth educational and participatory experience.

St. Stephen’s youth, along with Josh Rockett and Allison Seay, at Shalom Farms

FEEDING THE HUNGRY (RESUMING THIS SPRING) 1st and 3rd Tuesdays, 3:45-6:00 p.m.* Senior high youth can reserve a spot to join other parishioners in helping our partners at St. Peter’s Church in Richmond’s East End, as they prepare for food distribution in that neighborhood. On the Wednesdays following, St. Peter’s provides essential groceries for over 150 neighbors, and these Tuesday afternoons are our opportunity to help them prepare. Youth will meet Josh in our café at 3:45, and they can reserve their preferred snacks or smoothie ahead of time. We’ll have everything ready for the youth to board the church bus and head down to St. Peter’s to pitch in. We’ll be back no later than 6:00, refreshed ourselves and renewed by our time of service and fellowship together. *During the winter months, St. Peter’s is conducting this activity earlier in the day so that participants can be home before dark. This makes it difficult for students to take p t, since they are

in school until late afternoon. We expect to return to the more student-friendly hours in the spring; watch the Spirit, the eSpirit, and the family ministries e-newsletter for an announcement when this activity returns to its after-school hours.

FIRST SUNDAYS In addition to these weekday, after-school offerings senior high students can take part in a monthly gathering, called “First Sundays,” with Josh Rockett and Blake Singer. From 4:30 until 7 p.m. (or whatever portion you can attend), we invite you to put down the books for a little while and come to church to catch up with each other. You’ll participate in a small act of service, then worship together at the Celtic service, and attend the community supper together afterwards. Step out of the weekly demands in order to be more present to God and each other, supporting each other and serving our community at the same time. No RSVP is needed for this activity; just meet in our food pantry/grocery store at 4:30 p.m. ✤ SEASONS OF THE SPIRIT

Christmas shopping brings joy and smiles to Fairfield families Instead of an ‘Angel Tree,’ St. Stephen’s stocks a store for parents could wrap their gifts there in the gym. The e was even a generous supply of batteries for toys that needed them. The e were shopping carts and shopping bags, and those who came to the shop on foot received rides home so they could transport their gifts. Volunteers were on hand to read to preschool children while their parents shopped (the school-age children were in class).

The pa ents were overwhelmed. They ere deeply grateful for the opportunity to make their own selections for their families. Much like the grocery store approach we use for our food pantry, we set up this new model to offer a measu e of dignity to each family, allowing us to serve them more effecti ely.

One mother, shopping for her children, was overcome with emotion. As tears of joy streamed down her face, she said, “I can’t believe St. Stephen’s members would do all of this. I had no way of purchasing gifts for my children. This is an ans er to my prayers.” Other parents made similar comments.

Many thanks to all of the volunteers who helped with this effo t, especially Nancy Thompson, who spearheaded the p oject, including organizing the online sign-up for gift donations. She worked closely with our outreach staff and with the Co munities in Schools coordinator at Fairfield, uzy Blevins, to identify and invite families to take part. And of course, thank you to all who donated gifts for the store. We couldn’t have done it without you! ✤.

A new take on Christmas giving for Fairfield Cou t ­Elementary School families was a big hit last December.

For many years, St. Stephen’s has offe ed an “Angel Tree” which matched children, identified y our outreach partners, with parishioners who wished to purchase gifts for them. As generous as that impulse was, it left parents of the recipients—the people who know them best—without a hand in providing gifts for their children.

By Deb Lawrence

This ear, we set up a Christmas store, providing the opportunity for parents to shop for their children, making their own gift selections. Parents were able to choose from a wide array of games, toys, books and dolls based on their child’s likes and interests.

The items ere still donated by St. Stephen’s parishioners, allowing them to continue to practice generosity, but the new arrangement gave parents the agency to decide what was most appropriate for their families.

The shop was set up in the gymnasium at airfield on ecember 18. Thi ty-two families representing more than 80 children attended this wonderful event, making their selections as Christmas music played in the background. In addition to toys, books, games, underwear and other items, the shop had a gift wrap station where parents could either choose wrap, ribbon, and tags to take home, or they

(Top left photo) Shoppers and volunteers in the gym at Fairfield Court Elementary School. (Above) Dolls, books, toys, games, and clothing were available for parents to select for their children. Photos by Sarah Bartenstein

Angels, art and a cappella returns this spring An extraordinary evening to support our local, national and international outreach ministries returns Friday, April 17. The benefit includes a p ty, a silent art auction, opportunities to support our outreach effo ts in Richmond and beyond, and a concert by two collegiate a cappella groups. (The g oups will be announced soon in the Spirit and eSpirit.)

The pa ty will feature heavy hors d’oeuvres, beer and wine, and non-alcoholic beverages. This po tion of the evening, which includes the silent auction of art commissioned especially for this occasion, will be held in the parish house; the concert will follow in the church.

But if you missed it—be sure you’re here this year. Another spectacular evening is planned. Last year’s event raised $30,000; we want to raise even more this year for vital outreach ministries.

Tickets are available in the church office and online a ststephensRVA.org/angels.

Sponsorship opportunities are available, as well, and sponsor packages include event tickets for you and your guests.

We need volunteers to assist on the day of the event. For more information, please contact Deb Lawrence, dlawrence@ststephensRVA.org, or Josh Rockett, jrockett@ststephensRVA.org. ✤ S A I N T S T E P H E N ’ S E P I S C O PA L C H U R C H

LENT/EASTER | SPRING 2020

Sarah Bartenstein

If you came to last year’s inaugural event, you know what a fun-filled e ening it was and you will want to return. People are still talking about how much fun it was simply to be together, and they raved about the food prepared by Stan Barnett and the performances by the a cappella groups.

The Silhooettes from the University of Virginia sang at last year’s benefit

ANGELS, ART AND A CAPPELLA: A BENEFIT FOR OUTREACH Friday, April 17, 2020 // 6 p.m. (party), 7:30 p.m. (concert) Tickets: Party, food, beverages and concert: $50 per person Concert only: $25 per person Sponsorship packages include tickets

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Trish Motheral

Come and see

The pilgrimage group at La Anacua, a ranch on the U.S. side of the border

“Come and see.”

These ere the words of Sister Norma Pimentel who runs Catholic Charities’ respite center in McAllen, Texas. Sister Norma has worked at the border for years, providing hospitality to all who cross her path. She is the 2018 recipient of the Laetare Medal, the oldest and most prestigious award for American Catholics. Her core message about the border is “come and see”—see what is happening, learn the truth firsthand. f you come and see, she said, you will care—and you will act.

By Josh Rockett

who had made several visits to McAllen, our planning team revised our plans and decided to go to McAllen and nearby Brownsville.

This was whe e the needs were greatest, and where local churches and volunteer groups were becoming established, providing us a way to work together.

The purpose of thi ministry is to help others ‘come and see,’ and in a situation that is about walls and borders, to help the church to do what it does when it is at its best: care for the most vulnerable among us, as if we were caring for Christ himself.

In Advent 2018, clergy and lay representatives of large urban and suburban Episcopal churches, including St. Stephen’s, visited the U.S.-Mexico border, staying in El Paso, Texas, and visiting Ciudad Juarez just across the border. This pilgrimag occurred as rhetoric about people coming north from Central America was increasing fear, anger, and division in our country. Children crossing the border were being separated from their parents by federal authorities, and some had died while in the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

So the second pilgrimage— this one occurring during Epiphany—helped us explore opportunities for effecti e partnerships, helpful ministry, and engaging education about the realities of immigration at our southern border.

The dvent pilgrimage was a powerful experience and it led participants to envision a common ministry of hospitality and relief services, in conjunction with other ministries in the area. During that trip, we visited Annunciation House, a respite center in El Paso which was receiving several hundred people a day.

Just over the international bridge along the Rio Grande in Matamoros, Mexico, our group witnessed more than 2,000 people, many of them children, living in about 800 tents, jammed together on hard, packed dirt that floods during heavy rains. This settlement has sp ung up because of the MPP; previously, the residents there would have been allowed to stay with family who were already living in the United States. Down a dirt road from the tents is a bank of 80 portajons in two rows. Residents wash clothes in large barrels of water and dry them on fences and trees. They bathe in the ri er. Food comes from volunteers such as Team Brownsville, a group of local residents who have banded together to assist these asylum seekers. Migrants wait and hope and pray for a chance, however remote, of receiving asylum in the United States.

One of the things this group of Episcopalians has learned during the nearly two years we’ve been focusing on the immigration crisis, however, is that the situation at the border is constantly in flux. y the summer of 2019, Annunciation House was receiving only 20 migrants a day, due to the new “Migration Protection Protocol” (MPP), also known as “Remain in Mexico,” policy of the Trump Administration.

This policy mandates that asylum seekers emain in Mexico while they wait for their date in immigration court.

In visiting this camp and speaking with the people living there, we provided what Michael Seifert, Border Advocacy Strategist for the American Civil Liberties Union of Texas, described as “an act of kindness in a wilderness of horror.”

The migrant camp at Matamoros in Mexico

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Stan Barnett

Sarah Bartenstein

As the situation changed, so did the plans of the urban-suburban group of parishes. Meeting with representatives of Christ Church Cathedral in Houston,

Cooking in the camp

SEASONS OF THE SPIRIT

Sarah Bartenstein

The Rio Grande

Sarah Bartenstein

A prayer for the border

Claudia Merritt plays with a child at the camp while her mother tells her story to another member of the pilgrimage group.

At the camp, we played with children. One asked us if we’d buy her ice cream when an ice cream truck came through the camp. We heard stories from people like Emilio, a 29-year- old Honduran, who fle the violence in his hometown after being shot three times. His asylum claim has been denied and now he waits in the camp, unsure what to do next.

We also met with Customs and Border Patrol agents. One described the border near McAllen as “the busiest place in the nation for illegal narcotics trade.” Another agent expressed frustration at being asked to divert resources from law enforcement and border security to handle immigration issues. An agent said they were not equipped to deal with the number of migrants who arrived before MPP took effect at one point holding 1300 people in a facility that was built for 120. Even so, the agents we met were not all in favor of a border wall. The thought the massive costs associated with such a project could be put to better use.

One of the members of our group, John Caulfield provided an overview of the immigration situation in the United States—both historically and currently. Now retired, Caulfield a member of St. John’s Cathedral in Jacksonville, Florida, has held high-level positions in the U.S. State Department in Cuba, Venezuela, Peru, and Mexico, among other posts during a career spanning 30 years. His presentation provided a long view of immigration in the U.S., noting the immigration crises our country has faced in the past, and what is diffe ent about the current situation.

Jesus, from your pierced side you received all human wounds, and from your wounds, your church, the pilgrim people of God, was also born.

Teach us and guide us to carry in our prayers and hold in our hearts the drama on our borders. keep us mindful of the many children, women and men who journey from death into new life.

Awaken in us your compassion so that we might know how to respond and reach out to the call you place in our hearts from the borders, to be a presence, to be prayer, and to serve.

Written by Padre Fernando Ortiz and Monica Vega. Fernando visited St. Stephen’s last fall, accompanied by Monica and by Heidi Schmidt, our missionaries.

At the conclusion of the trip, the Rev. Gary Jones and representatives of several of the churches in the group met to draw up a plan that Gary will present to the rectors and deans of this cohort of churches and cathedrals at a gathering in April. Th proposal includes hiring a person to work alongside local organizations, learn how our churches can be most helpful as the situation changes, provide spiritual support and tangible assistance on our behalf, report to congregations on a regular basis, and assist with arranging periodic educational pilgrimages for people in our parishes. Th resources for this ministry would come from all the churches represented in Gary’s colleagues group.

Trish Motheral

And that situation is fluid Thi means that the best long-term response involves short-term trips that facilitate the emergence of relationships and awareness of local needs. Involvement along the border in McAllen will enable people to “come and see” and have an experience that galvanizes them to engage in advocacy on behalf of those who need our help.

The pilgrims met with border patrol agents during the stop at La Anacua Ranch.

Th purpose of this ministry is to help others “come and see,” and in a situation that is about walls and borders, to help the church to do what it does when it is at its best: care for the most vulnerable among us, as if we were caring for Christ himself. ✤

URBAN-SUBURBAN GROUP Gary Jones belongs to a colleagues group of rectors and deans of large Episcopal churches and cathedrals. Membership in the group changes as clergy move to other positions, but at this point members are the rectors and deans of:

S A I N T S T E P H E N ’ S E P I S C O PA L C H U R C H

Sarah Bartenstein

Christ Church, Charlotte Grace Church, Brooklyn Heights Holy Communion, Memphis St. Alban’s, Washington, D.C. St. Columba’s, Washington, D.C. St. James’, New York St. Mark’s, San Antonio St. Stephen’s, Richmond Trinity, Copley Square Trinity, Wall Street The American Cathedral in Paris The Cathedral of St. Philip, Atlanta Christ Church Cathedral, Houston Trinity Cathedral, Portland, Oregon St. John’s Cathedral, Jacksonville, Florida Saint Mark’s Cathedral, Seattle Washington National Cathedral

The storage and sorting area of Catholic Charities’ respite center in McAllen, Texas

And I saw the river over which every soul must pass to reach the kingdom of Heaven. And the name of that river was Suffering And I saw the boat which carries souls across the river. And the name of that boat was Love.

[Of uncertain authorship, quoted in Clothed in Language, Matarasso, p. 95]

LENT/EASTER | SPRING 2020

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Feed and be fed

Penny Nash

Sarah Bartenstein

Alex, Anna, and Stan work together in St. Stephen’s kitchen.

Food ministry team: Ben Nelson, seated; standing, left to right: Stan Barnett, Alex Badecker, Anna Jones, Josh Rockett

By Josh Rockett

“A

ll who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.”

Acts 2:44-47 The early chu ch lived in community, caring for everyone, providing food to all who needed it. This was an extension of the Eucharist, where they were fed by God so that they could feed others.

The apostles, verwhelmed by these tasks, created a new order within the church, a group of people we call deacons—servants—to distribute to any in need.

The person they put in charge of this minist y was Stephen, “full of grace and power who did great signs and wonders among the people.”

The food minist y at St. Stephen’s is a fitting way to honor the legacy of our patron saint, the first deacon, and carries on the work he began in the early church.

We offer se vices and outreach designed to help people lead healthier lives, create community, and make all of us better stewards of God’s creation. St. Stephen’s food ministry team brings together these diffe ent ways of feeding to encourage collaboration and strengthen each expression of our focus on nourishing bodies and souls. Alex Badecker, Stan Barnett, Anna Jones, Ben Nelson, and I are working on creating an environment where all people can feed and be fed.

A visual reminder of our food ministry is the basket of food donations brought forward during the Offe tory at our Sunday morning services.

For those in our community who struggle with food insecurity, St. Stephen’s Church offers a eekly

distribution through our “grocery store,” a clientchoice version of a traditional food pantry. We supply backpacks filled with food to students at Fairfield lementary School who would otherwise go hungry when school is not in session and they do not have access to breakfast and lunch provided in the cafeteria. We distribute fresh fruit to residents of Gilpin Court.

We host volunteer-prepared, donation-based dinners on Wednesday and Sunday evenings, encouraging diners to donate funds as they are able so that the table remains open to all.

We create community through our weekly farmers market, where local farmers using sustainable growing practices are not only supported by market patrons, but also donate a portion of their fresh food to our food pantry— allowing people who would not otherwise have access to fresh, local food to select produce, eggs, and other items in addition to the canned and boxed food donated by parishioners.

We nourish community through the Café @ St. Stephen’s, welcoming all to enjoy coffee, esp esso drinks, smoothies, and other beverages and food, using locally-sourced ingredients, in a warm atmosphere (with free wifi!)

We are proud to support RealLocal RVA, a grassroots organization of independent, small grocery stores, farmers, farmers markets, producers, restaurants, and supporters working to build a more collaborative local food system.

St. Stephen’s is the venue for RealLocal’s monthly meetings, and a member of our food ministry team represents the parish at meetings.

Every one of these food ministries has a place for volunteers. Please be in touch with one of the team members listed to learn how you can participate. ✤

FOOD MINISTRY TEAM Alex Badecker Café manager Stan Barnett Coordinator of kitchen ministries Anna Jones Farmers market manager Ben Nelson Sunday Community Supper chef and volunteer coordinator Josh Rockett Outreach coordinator

GOOD TO KNOW • The food minist y team plans a community breakfast during the farmers market on Saturday, April 25, and will host a fundraiser this fall. Look for details in the Spirit and eSpirit.

• The farmers ma ket has long been a source of ingredients for our Sunday Community Supper. In January, the Wonderful Wednesdays supper began offering a monthly farmers ma ket recipe as part of the menu. Farmers market recipes are included in every edition of the Thursday ma ket newsletter, focusing on dishes that use local, in-season ingredients available from market vendors.

• The Café @ t. Stephen’s has updated its menu, shifting slightly towards more seasonally inspired summer and winter menus that will evolve with the Café. We’re excited to highlight produce that is more readily available locally during these times of year, and often found from our own farmers market. Remember to check our weekly specials, and pick up a copy of our new print menu, available in the café and on our Web site at ststephensRVA.org/cafe.

I once heard it said that should, must, and ought to were not God words. More, said the speaker, was a God word. I had never seen the oyster of the human psyche prized open in so neat and economical way. I felt myself instantly exposed, and what lay within was so poor a thing: a lifetime’s choice of shriveled words, used to keep Christ at bay.

[Pauline Matarasso, Clothed in Language, p. 51-52]

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SEASONS OF THE SPIRIT

Sarah Bartenstein

Penny Nash accepts new call Th Rev. Penny Nash, who joined St. Stephen’s staff as associate rector in 2014, has left to serve as interim rector at St. Michael’s, Colonial Heights, in the Diocese of Southern Virginia. Penny’s last day at St. Stephen’s was Sunday, February 16, when the parish honored her at a reception.

Penny had been discerning a call to interim ministry and receiving training to serve in this specialized role for the past two years.

She came to St. Stephen’s from Bruton Parish Church in Williamsburg where she served as associate rector. During her years here, she had particular responsibilities for Sunday evening offerings the Celtic service, the Sunday Community Supper, and the Compline service. She has been involved in pastoral care, Bible study, and small groups, and took groups of women to the Society of St. John the Evangelist for retreats.

She is a talented writer and photographer whose blog, “One Cannot Have Too Large a Party” (penelopepiscopal.blogspot.com) is widely admired.

She has also written frequently for Forward Movement.

“I am so grateful for my time at St. Stephen’s where my family and I were heartily embraced as we relocated to Richmond in stages and experienced our own transitions over the years,” Penny said. “It has been a privilege to serve with a fabulous staff and to be embedded in the life of this parish. I have been truly blessed to be present with so many of you in prayer, in praise, in fun, in the intimate places of your lives. Now as I move into another type of ministry, I will carry with me many lessons learned, many experiences felt, and the many, many blessings of our life together in these six years.”

Gary Jones said, “To have a priest of Penny’s caliber

in the role of associate for six years is one of the greatest blessings a rector and parish church can have. Penny came to us by way of the Celtic service, driving from Williamsburg periodically to worship with us. And when she applied to work here six years ago, we all knew right away that she would embrace and build upon this parish’s reputation for radical welcome and loving inclusion.

“Th larger church needs high-quality, trained interim clergy who can bring a sense of health and stability to parishes in trouble or transition,” Gary added. “When Penny spoke to me about discerning a call to that ministry, it made perfect sense to me.

I know that Penny will be a healing and inspiring presence wherever she serves, just as she has been to me and to all of us here at St. Stephen’s.”

Penny began her new ministry at St. Michael’s Church on February 24. ✤

Market news: looking for additional volunteers, offering workshops

Th market is looking for additional volunteers to join the wonderful people we have helping us set up, staff and take down the market each Saturday. Thi is a wonderful way to get to know vendors and fellow parishioners, and to get a sneak peek at what products are available for the day.

The e are roles for volunteers of all ages and abilities:

Julianne Tripp

Patrons of the Farmers Market @ St. Stephen’s have been enjoying a bountiful harvest all winter. Most vendors, including produce farmers, are at the market all four seasons. Th current indoor market includes all the usual favorites, from produce to eggs to meat to soup to bread.

You can complete a good deal of your weekly shopping at the market.

By Anna Jones

• Setup volunteers set out tents, cones, and trash cans for the outdoor market, and help vendors move their things indoors for the indoor market.

• Greeters staff the market’s welcome table, count customers, and are a friendly and welcoming presence at the market.

• Cleanup volunteers put away tents, cones, and trash cans for the outdoor market, and help put away tables and help put the fellowship hall back together after the indoor market.

To sign up, go to the market’s page on the parish Web site, where you’ll fin a link to online volunteer sign-up (ststephensRVA.org/market). If you have questions, please send an email to me, farmersmarket@ststephensRVA.org.

Th community can look forward to a series of market workshops in the spring.

When dates and topics are firm we’ll publicize them in the Spirit, the eSpirit, the farmers market newsletter, and on our market Facebook page. Expect to learn about mushrooms, plant propagation, butchering, and more! ✤

S A I N T S T E P H E N ’ S E P I S C O PA L C H U R C H

LENT/EASTER | SPRING 2020

Patrons can speak directly to the people who grow their food, like Carla from Medina & Sons–and even sample the produce!

GOOD TO KNOW • Th market moves back outdoors on April 11, when it returns to the earlier opening time of 8 a.m.

• Th market newsletter offer weekly previews of market products, a list of vendors coming to the market on Saturday, a recipe using market ingredients, and more. Sign up at ststephensRVA.org/market.

• Th market has a Facebook page and an Instagram account.

• Market parking is free.

• Children love our market!

• Strollers are welcome, as are leashed, well-behaved dogs.

• Most (though not all) vendors take debit and credit cards.

• Remember to bring reusable bags each week!

• Th Café @ St. Stephen’s is open during the market. On some Saturdays, the May Fair House is also open. (But remember that May Fair House closes during the summer.)

• Th Farmers Market @ St. Stephen’s is a self-sustaining ministry of our parish. It’s beginning its 12th year!

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Two Bible classes offered this spring St. Stephen’s will offer two e ening classes on the Bible beginning in March. In addition, two daytime Bible study groups will continue.

The Thursday ible study group that has been meeting with the Rev. Penny Nash will now be facilitated by the Rev. John Horner.

The ew Testament and Exodus classes require registration; the Bible study groups do not.

NEW TESTAMENT CLASS Tuesdays beginning March 24, 6:30-8:00 p.m.

Have you ever wondered how the New Testament came into being? Who, how, when, and where was it written? How it shapes our faith? These and other questions will be addressed in the nineweek class, Introduction to the New Testament.

Br. Sean, Br. David

Retreat, Forum presentations for Lent

A

Lenten retreat and a Sunday Forum presentation led by brothers of the Society of St. John the Evangelist will open the penitential season for us at St. Stephen’s. Beginning March 8, the ever-popular Gardner Campbell will offer a th ee-part series in the Sunday Forum.

LENTEN RETREAT Br. David Vryhof of the Society of St. John the Evangelist will teach Friday and Saturday during the first eekend in Lent, and he and Br. Sean Glenn will speak in the Sunday Forum.

On Friday, February 28, parishioners may share a simple supper at 6 p.m. with the two brothers, after which Br. David will give a brief talk titled “Listening to God.” What do Christians mean when we speak of “listening to God”? What do we expect to hear? How do we come to know and recognize the “voice of God”? How will we know this word is from God? In this evening program, we’ll draw from the wisdom of St. Ignatius of Loyola and other resources to explore these questions.

The next da , Saturday, February 29, Br. David will lead a three-hour workshop titled “Humility,” from 9 a.m. until noon. Humility is a virtue that has been highly prized by monastics of every age. Br. David will present an overview of what monastic writers and others have written about this gift, using Scripture and studying the contributions of the Desert Fathers and Mothers, John Cassian, and St. Benedict. We will also explore what humility might look like in our own lives and learn how we might grow into it over time.

Br. David and Br. Sean will be in the Sunday Forum on March 1, introducing the “Signs of Life” small group resource SSJE is offering during Lent this ear.

Friday’s supper is donation-based. The e is no charge for the Friday talk. We do ask that you register, however, to help us plan food and seating.

The suggested donation for aturday is $25. Go to ststephensRVA.org/lent or stop by the parish offic to sign up for Friday, Saturday, or both.

SUNDAY FORUM Dr. Gardner Campbell, associate professor of English at Virginia Commonwealth University, is a popular speaker in our Sunday Forum. Past series have focused on John Milton’s Paradise Lost; the metaphysical poets (John Donne, George Herbert and Sir Thomas rowne); sessions on parables in the mid-20th century TV series TheTwilight Zone; and a popular three-part Epiphany series this year.

Dr. Campbell is also known for his presentations of classic films during our summer film serie For three Sundays in Lent, Dr. Campbell will present “Listening for God: Contemporary Literature and the Life of Faith,” based on a rich anthology of short stories and essays. Its editors write, “Our hope is that people gathering around the fiction and essays included in this resource will take the occasion to

Gardner Campbell

listen for God in new places. The e is no telling, of course, where one may hear the Word spoken; it has been said that even the stones will cry it out.

The hope of this curriculum, in any e ent, is that the selections chosen here will raise questions, spark discussion, make the life of faith more an engagement with contemporary American culture and less a flight from it.” Dr. Campbell will discuss the following works: March 8, Lent II: Flannery O’Connor, “Revelation” March 15, Lent III: Patricia Hampl, Chapter Six from Virgin Time March 22, Lent IV: Richard Rodriguez, “Credo” ✤

These classes p ovide an overview to help participants gain a sense of the sweep of the New Testament and offer p eparation for deeper study.

The class will be co-led y the Rev. Claudia Merritt and Tim Thurbe , Tuesdays beginning March 24, from 6:30 until 8 p.m.

A participant’s book (available in the Bookshop @ St. Stephen’s for $13) will help guide our study, and brief videos will shed light on the Scriptures.

Every week there will be prescribed reading of portions of the New Testament followed by guided group reflections on the eading.

Participants will need a good study Bible and a copy of the participant’s book. To sign up, visit our Web site at ststephensRVA.org/biblestudy or call the parish office at 804.288.2867.

THE BOOK OF EXODUS Thursdays beginning arch 26, 6:30-8:00 p.m.

Jesus was a Jew. In his worship in the temple in Jerusalem, the law of Moses and the salvation narrative contained in the Book of Exodus would be central to his faith and understanding. Exodus is one of those core scriptural texts which, if examined closely, can open our eyes to a more nuanced understanding of the life and teaching of Jesus. The ev. Steve McGehee will lead this study on Thursdays, arch 26-May 28, from 6:30 until 8:00 p.m. To sign up, visit our Web site at ststephensRVA.org/biblestudy or call the parish office at 804.288.286 WEEKLY MORNING BIBLE STUDY GROUPS Mothers Bible Study convened by Whitney Robertson Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m.

Mothers gather in the Library for Bible study and fellowship. No registration is necessary. Childcare is available on request; email wajrobertson@ gmail.com.

Thursday ible Study led by the Rev. John Horner | Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.

This g oup discusses topics or books of the Bible through in-depth reading of Scripture. We often relate what we read to the world around us, personal experience, as well as our hopes for the coming Kingdom of God. No registration is necessary. John Horner is a retired priest and Richmond native who has served churches in Pennsylvania and Ohio. ✤

The devil is out of fashion (e cept among the literal-minded). But just as he appeared written off, he found strange n w verbal life in demonize. Demonizing is a popular sport that encourages the multiplication of diffe ent forms of pseudodevil, which can be controlled and kept out of the house. The p ototype meanwhile is back indoors, where he always was, without benefit of name or shape, a miasma, feeding on our detritus, ultimately on us [Clothed in Language, Pauline Matarasso p. 53-54]

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SEASONS OF THE SPIRIT

Sarah Bartenstein

SERVICES FOR HOLY WEEK AND EASTER

Palm Sunday: the Liturgy of the Palms

HOLY WEEK SERVICES All services take place in the main church.

‘Could you not stay awake with me one hour?’

Monday through Friday Morning Prayer and Communion, 8:10 a.m.

Evensong, 5:30 p.m. (except Thursda and Friday in Holy Week)

Maundy Thursda Vigil On Maundy Thursda (April 9 this year), we remember Jesus’ commandment to his disciples, “Love one another.” It is the day we remember the institution of the Lord’s Supper before his betrayal, passion and death. At 7:30 p.m. on Maundy Thursda , there will be a service of Holy Eucharist, followed by the Stripping of the Altar and Procession to the Altar of Repose. Thi service is one of the most deeply moving liturgies of the entire year. An all-night vigil follows in the Chapel of the Holy Spirit, and you are invited to take part for an hour, anytime between 9 p.m. and 8 a.m.

Sunday of the Passion: Palm Sunday, April 5 7:30 a.m., Holy Eucharist: Rite One (note earlier-than-usual time) 9:00 a.m., Holy Eucharist: Rite Two* All gather at the Th ee Chopt entrance to the church for the Blessing of the Palms before processing to separate services in Palmer Hall and in the church.

11:15 a.m., Holy Eucharist: Rite Two* 5:30 p.m., Celtic Evensong and Communion* 6:30 p.m., Sunday Community Supper in Large Fellowship Hall 8:00 p.m., Compline Maundy Thursda , April 9: Th Institution of the Lord’s Supper 7:30 p.m., Holy Eucharist and Stripping of the Altar followed by all-night vigil

Sarah Bartenstein

Good Friday, April 10: Th Crucifixio of Our Lord 8:10 a.m., Morning Prayer and Communion from the reserved sacrament 12 p.m., Liturgy for Good Friday 5:30 p.m., Stations of the Cross

Chapel of the Holy Spirit decorated for the Maundy Thursday vigil

EASTER SERVICES

Sarah Bartenstein

Saturday, April 11 7:30 p.m., Holy Baptism and the Great Vigil of Easter Easter Day, Sunday, April 12: Th Resurrection of Our Lord 7:30 a.m., Holy Eucharist: Rite One (note earlier-than-usual time) 9:00 a.m., Holy Eucharist: Rite Two, followed by reception (two services, one in the church, one in Palmer Hall)* No education hour on Easter Day 11:15 a.m., Holy Eucharist: Rite Two, followed by reception* 5:30 p.m., Celtic Evensong and Communion* 6:30 p.m., Sunday Community Supper in Large Fellowship Hall 8:00 p.m., Compline Asterisk (*) indicates child care will be available for ages 4 and under. ✤

Moon over Palmer Hall Chapel on Maundy Thursday S A I N T S T E P H E N ’ S E P I S C O PA L C H U R C H

LENT/EASTER | SPRING 2020

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Thank you to the 831 households who have made a pledge for 2020.

Your pledge, large or small, truly matters.

Ned & Jane Abbe, David & Jane Abbott, Chris & Valerie Abbott, Ben & Lucile Ackerly, Cassel & Pearl Adamson, Dave & Marion Addison, Ned Addison, John & Mary Frances Aiken, Al Albiston, Tom & Elizabeth Allen, Litt & Carol Allen, Janet Allen, Lang & Lisa Ambrose, Mary Anderson, Chris & Carroll Andrews, Jason & Kathryn Angus, Sal Anselmo, Tony Anthony, Bill & Ellen Armstrong, Susan Armstrong, Carol Armstrong, John & Toni Ashworth, Carl & Nancy Atkins, Tappan & Camp August, Margaret Austin, Margaret Austin, Charley & Sally Ayers, Mason & Marie Ayers, Bob Aylor, Marc & Julia Ayscue, Glenna Bailey, Mabel Baldwin, Michael & Mary Ball, David & Gussie Bannard, Ben & Mary Barbot, Angela Barksdale, Robert & Mary Elizabeth Barnes, John & Patsy Barr, Larry & Sarah Bartenstein, Brenda Bartges, George & Laura Baskerville, J. David & Graham Basto, John & Bev Bates, Mac & Isabel Bates, Lee & Kate Batten, John & Maeve Bayarski, Beth Baylor, Kevin & Beth Beale, Caro Beebe, Sandra Bell, John Bennett & Joan Putney, George & Kay Best, Rick & Mary Holly Bigelow, Robert & Laura Birdsey, Cheryl Blackwell, Pat Blair, Chris & Kimberly Blair, Beth Blair, Jack & Sue Blair, Eldridge & Erika Blanton, Doug & Lisa Blouch, Roger & Anne Boeve, Lew & Anne Boggs, Stephen Booth, Genie Borum, Skip Bottom & Susan Bell, Robert & Julia Bouck, Marty Bowles, Gene & Cynthia Bowles, Jim Boyd, Scott & Becky Boyers, Martin & Ellen Boyle, Austin & Alycia Boze, J. Christian Bozorth, Polly Bozorth, Margaret Bradley, Pat & Tricia Branch, Read & Jody Branch, Caroline Brandt, David & Nancy Breeding, Liz Brengel, Lee & Allison Bridges, Barbara Brierre, Cordell & Ginny Briggs, Jeb & Ibbie Britton, Allen & Sydney Broaddus, Kathy Brock, Joe & Leslie Brockman, Judy Brown, Bill & Suzanne Brown, Rod & Pat Brown, Glennie Brown, Orran & Ellen Brown, Paul & Gere Brown, Brian & Beth Brubaker, John & Joan Bruns, Pat Bryant, Mary Brydon, Michaux & Judy Buchanan, Blissie Buford, Wads & Wendy Bugg, Paul & Betsy Bullock, Jeff & Kathleen Burden, John Burgess, Mary Anne Burke, Archer Burke, Marshall Burke, Henry Burke, Mark & Anne Burnett, Barbara Burrows, Bob & Adrienne Burrus, JB Burtch, Estate of Marni & Nate Bushnell, Dianne Butler, Bob & Edie Cabaniss, Charlie Caldwell & Scott Finn, Tim & Chris Call, Gigi Calvert, Michael & Beverly Campbell, J.B. & Lois Campbell, Julia Campus, Jerry & Kristi Canaan, Courtenay Cann, Brian Cann, Jack & Anne Cantile, Marygrace Cantilo, Tom & Sandy Capps, Doug Carleton, Judith Carpenter, Linda Carpenter, Mark & Patty Carpenter, Brandt & Elizabeth Carr, Trace Carson, Hugh & Marie Carter, Mason & Julie Chapman, John & Katie Chase, Caroline Cheney, Evan Chesterman, Bob & Anne Chewning, Tom & Sarah Chiffrille , Nathan & Dawn Childs, Polly Christian, John & Sandra Christian, Kate Roy Christian, Billy & Lisa Claiborne, Cole & Macon Clarkson, Richard & Kay Clary, Steve & Joan Clement, Noel & Meg Clinard, Matthew & Madeline Clites, Clark Cockrell, Anne Cockrell, Ted & Claire Cole, Ron & Stephanie Coleman, Bob & Jean Collins, Bobby & Barbara Cone, Liz Cone, Jinx Constine, Barbara Cook, Elliott & Gale Cooper, Patsy Cooper, Robert Copeland, John & Rosaleen Cosby, Tommy & Claire Cottrell, Jim & Margie Couch, Tom & Carpie Coulbourn, Tom & Sterling Coulbourn, Brian Couturier, Beese Craigie, Glenn & Karen Crawford, Spot Crenshaw, Hatcher & Leslie Crenshaw, Smokie Crews, John Crowder & Mary Bacon, Chris Crowley, Anne Gordon Curran, Becky Currier, Martha Curry, Richard & Barbara Dagger, Steven & Barbara Dalle Mura, Jane Daly, Christa Daniel, Teresa Darden, Suzanne Darling, Mary Meade Davenport, Ken & Ann Davis, Gordon & Virginia Davis, John & Cami Davis, Sam & Susan Davis, Bill & Susan Davis, Dave & Iffet Davis, Jason & Shelley Deitz, Michael & Dianne Del Bueno, Kathy DeLoyht, Paula Dennison, Lou Dent, Brian Dent, Martha Dent, Sam Derieux, Sara Deringer, Bob & Clarice Dibble, Ken & Sherlyn Dibble, Paul & Judy Dickinson, Terry & Lila Dickinson, Preston & Blair Dillard, Luther & Debbie Dixon, Carter Doswell & Jeff ey Jacobs, Bill Douthat, Betsy Downey, Mimi Dozier, James & Catherine Driscoll, Harley & Laurie Duane, Keith & Susan Dull, John & Debbie Dunlap, Mary Catherine Dunn, Wayne & Judith Dunn, Donny & Mary Dunn, B.J. Durrill, Martha Easton, Johnnie Ebelein, Meg Eckman, Dick & Nancy Page Edmunds, Berkeley & Cheney Edmunds, Jane Edwards, Chris & Whitney Edwards, Dottie Eichner, Jim & Lynne Einhaus, Larry & Rhonda Elliott, Ben & Nancy Emerson, Hans & Lauren Engen, Ben & Loretta English, John & Kristen Estes, Susan Estes, John & Bruce Evans, Gail Fairbanks, Amanda Faircloth, Mack & Mary Faulkner, Ted & Alison Fauls, Bobby & Betsy Fauntleroy, Wilda Ferguson, Pearly Fernando, Randolph & Caren Fields, Tim & Tonya Finton, Karen Fisher, Peter & Carol Fisher, Herbert & Marian Fitzgerald, Kevin & Margaret Fitzgerald, Mary Fleming, Garland & Betsy Flippen, Jack & Cheryl Fockler, Vicki Ford, Frances Ford, Bruce Fountain, Jay & Anne Fox, Charlie & May Fox, Leigh & Justin Frackelton, Harriet Franklin, Gay Fraser, Marcia Frazier, Susan French, Peter & Nini Frey, Nicholas & Deborah Froelich, Ann Fry, Estate of James Frye, Larry & Betty Fuccella, Steve & Kirki Fuller, Joseph & Patricia Gallagher, Liz Galloway, Bill Gardner, Tibby Gardner, Jo Garey, Andrew & Mary Ellen Garrigue, Bill & Carol Gay, John & Lora Gayle, Mike & Alexis Gayle, Ally Geanious, Don & Celie Gehring, Randy & Debbie Gibbs, Richard & Amanda Gilbert, Vinny & Key Giles, Les & Dusty Gillenwater, George Ginn, L.H. Ginn, Holmes & Kim Ginn, Ken & Mae Givens, Steve & Sarah Glass, Stephen & Cheryl Goddard, Ann Goddard, Catherine Good, Thomas & Missy Goode, Read Goode, Bill & Alice Goodwin, Matt & Kirsti Goodwin, Allen & Louanna Goolsby, Mark Gottwald, Norruth Graham, Winston & Mary Gravely, Marggie Graves, Kevin & Mary-Stuart Gremer, Skippy Gronauer, Peter & Julie Grover, Richard & Kathy Haas, Ashby & Lori Hackney, Bruce & Sandra Hague, Nan Hall, Jane Hall, Geri Hall, Brent & Lindsay Halsey, Brenda Ham, Dick & Bonny Hamrick, Randall & Elizabeth Hansen, Doug Harbert, Anne Hardage, Kitty Hardt, Tom & Margo Hardy, Melinda Hardy, Eva Teig Hardy, Marion & Sara Hargrove, Suzanne Harley, Reno & Pat Harp, Eric & Courtney Harper, Julie Harris, Hiter & Jil Harris, Judy Hart, Jerry & Sandra Hart, Philip Hart, Pat Hartsock, Charlie & Nancy Hartt, Susan Hayden, Betty Hayter, Darrell Headrick & Bill Allen, Nancy Hein, Reed Henderson, Bob Henley, Tiny Herron, Will & Jean Hershey, Bitsy Hester, Bob & Lolly Hetherington, Colleen Hewitt, Brack Hill, Bitsy Hillsman, Bob & Anne Hines, Mac & Joan Hines, Roy Hoagland, David & Lolly Hodge, James Hoffman, Nancy Hofheimer, Cam & Dixie Hoggan, Brian & Anne Holdaway, Rick & Molly Hood, Bill & Mikal Hoofnagle, Patricia Hooten, John & Annette Horner, Stuart & Linda Horsley, Cookie Horsley, Elsie Hovis, Maria Howard, Knox & Shirley Hubard, Happy & Kenzie Hubard, Gary & Joanne Hudson, Matt & Melisa Hudson, Marnie Huger, Robert & Betty Hull, Lisa Hummel, Betsy Hunroe, Gibboney Huske, Suzi Hutchens, Molly Hyer, Claiborne & Michelle Irby, Dede Irwin, Lynn Ivey, Russell & Anke Jackson, Clay & Lynn Jacob, Sidney & Janet James, Donna Jarvis, Jack & Tracy Jebo, Alma Jenkins, Hunter & Sheryl Jenkins, Martha Jenkins, Russell Jennings & Jeanne Sanders, Shirley Joel, Frank & Sharon Johns, Jim & Molly Johnson, Jeff & Stephanie Johnson, David Johnson, Skip Jones, Gary & Cherry Jones, Bill & Carolyn Jones, Dustin & Younga Jones, Doug & Frances Jones, Bill & Carol Kamm, Richard & Robyn Kay, John Kearley, Gordon & Gloria Keesee, Carroll Keiger, Mark & Helen Kemp, John & Carolyn Kendig, Anne Kenny, Gordon Kerr, T & Greta Kidd, Tommy & Judy Kidd, Dana King, Melissa King, Brent & Anna King, Roger & Louise Kirby, Barry & Marilyn Kirkpatrick, Barbara Kling, David & Jeannie Knight, Mike & Allison Koschak, Cy & Molly Kump, David & Ellen Kympton, Kathleen Lackman, Rodney & Sheri Lambert, Leitch & Clare Lancaster, Ed & Mary Lane, Martin Lane, Charlie Larus, Rick & Deb Lawrence, Lewis & Mary-Gill Lawson, Chris & Joan Layne, Preston Lee, David Lee, Elizabeth Lee, Mary Lee, Betsy Lee, James & Linda Leigh, Rob Leitch, Allen & Patti Leonard, John & Sally Lester, Patricia Lewis, Garlin Lewis, Andrea Lewis, Christopher Lindbloom & Nancy Powell, Liza Little, Mike & Jan Locher, Bobby & Barbara Jean Long, Steve & Georganne Long, Barry & Susan Loop, Katie Lowden, Kevin & Pamela Lowe, Fletcher Lowe, Andy & Calle Luke, Pam Lynch, Larry & Anne Lynde, Amanda Macaulay, Sharon Machrone, Ross Mackenzie, Sara Mackey, Bob Baldwin & Margaret Mackinnon, Rita MacNelly, Shane & Sarah Maley, Virginia Maloney, Michael & Kara Mann, Justin & Megan Marriott, Dick & Penny Marshall, Emma Lou Martin, Douglas Martin, Tucker & Emily Martin, Greg & Joanne Martin, Ed & Tovia Martirosian, Morgan Massey, Barbara Massey, Jim Mathers, Robert & Margaret Matheson, Nancy Matthews, Jennifer Matthews, Bev & Louise Mauck, Janet Mauck, Chris & Jean Mauck, Adrienne Maxwell, Adelia Mayer, Dabney McCoy, Carol McCoy, Gary & Brenda McDowell, Mac & Anne McElroy, Margaret McGehee & Anne Owens, Steve & Ruth McGehee, Sally McGill, Marty McIntosh, Rachel McKlveen, Keith & Marty McMullin, Anonymous, Bill & Pate Mears, Eric & Sue Melzig, Penny Kyle & Charlie Menges, Craig & Claudia Merritt, Hank & Gayle Miller, Scott & Connie Miller, Mike & Benita Miller, Todd & Michelle Miller, David Miller & Jay Baxa, Jack & Anne Miller, B & Tina Millner, David & Susan Mills, Warren & Martha Ann Mills, Debbi Harrington & Susan Minyard, Bill & Lorraine Mitchell, Richard & Mollie Mitchell, Cam Modecki, Charles Pfister & Molly Moncure, Bernard & Cynthia Monroe, Reilly & Julia Monroe, Joan Moody, Ann Moore, Jay & Martha Moore, Freddy & Beth Moore, Katy Moore, Mary Ellen Moore, Maggie Belle Moore, George & Anne Taylor Moorman, Lauren Morano, Brian & Catherine Morgan, Dewey & Nancy Morris, Taylor & Meghan Morris, Ed Morrissett, Dennis & Jan Moseley, Leith Moss, Michael & Katherine Mueller, Dave & Amy Mulholland, Lee & Sarah Mumford, Lew Mundin, John & Sandy Muraca, James & Karen Murphy, Don & Janet Murray, Daniel & Wendy Naret, Ron & Joyce Nash, Andy & Margie Nea, Bill & Stephanie Neal, Blair Nelsen, Jack & Katherine Nelson, Jack & Fern Newsom, John & Carolyn Nicoll, Rob & Janie Norfleet Rob & Beth Norfleet, Maurice & Reid Nottingham, Sun Ho Nuon, John & Jean Oakey, Chris & Molly Oakey, Jay Oakey, Wendy O’Brien, Jim & Nan O’Connell, Elizabeth O’Conor, Stewart & Donnan O’Keefe, Susan Olyha, Mim Oman, Jan Orgain, Marshall & Beth Orr, Jim & Karen Orville, Candace Osdene, Thier y Ott & Lisa Cuseo-Ott, Julian & Haley Ottley, Kathi Overbay, Duncan & Tia Owen, Thomas& Marjorie Owen, Mary Owens, Ben & Margaret Pace, Ron & Susan Gray Page, JoAnne Palmore, Barbara Parker, Mo Parrish, O.H. & Sally Parrish, Thomas& Liz Parrish, Sarah Parrish, Terry & Mary Parsley, Terri Parsons, Ruth Partlow, Peter & Ann Bray Pastore, William & Mary Pawelski, Lane & Mary Ashburn Pearson, Ted & Anne Peck, Billy & Penny Peebles, Darla Perry, Sarah Peterson, Charles Pfister & Molly Moncure, John & Eddy Phillips, Ben & Kim Phillips, Jean Pidgeon, Cotes & Helen Pinckney, David & Barbara Pitts, Marilyn Pohlig, Suzanne Pollard, Martha Pollard, Carter Pollard, Burt & Ginny Poole, Renny Poole, Bob & Molly Pope, Bob & Molly Pope, John & Holly Porter, Bill & Liz Poston, Mark & Kathy Powell, Paul Powell, Gayle Presson, Ruth Prevette, Jim & Jan Price, Anita Price, Paul & Ruth Prideaux, David & Crystal Pritchard, Bob & Cindy Proctor, Jean Proffitt Bobby & Martha Proutt, Scott & Gianna Pugh, JoAnn Pulliam, John Purcell, Riker & Ginny Purcell, Mac & Dale Purrington, Rusty & Molly Rabb, Huda Rahal, Gordon & Selina Rainey, Susan Ramsey, Malcolm & Livy Randolph, Sally Rankin, Jim & Donna Ransone,, Christopher & Julie Ratchford, Benjamin & Susan Rawles, Pam Redd, Leigh Redford, Tom & Kaye Redford, Bagley & Kathleen Reid, Jim & Mollie Reinhart, Kay Remick, David & Susan Reynolds, Dick & Pat Rheutan, David & Betsy Richardson, Dick & Anne Riley, Maria Rippe, Richard Ritter, Tom & Pam Roberts, Chip & Michael Robertson, Broocks Robertson, Andrew & Whitney Robertson, Penn & Laurie Rogers, Phil Rohrbach, Donna Rominiecki, Earl & Sandy Roney, Hart & Genie Roper, Ruddy & Amy Rose, Billy & Claire Rose, Eddie & Carole Ann Ross, Pres & Jane Rowe, Susanna Rowe, John Rowe, Art & Gayle Royals, Gail Rucker, Mack & Pat Ruffin Ray & Jane Ruth, Jon Lee Salmon, David & Iva Samuels, David & Helen Sarrett, Robert Sass, Thomas& Frances Scales, Matthew & Katy Schaaf, Michael & Brenda Schlosser, Jon & Bonnie Schmidt, Steve & Jorie Schmidt, Josie Schmidt, Gordon & Kim Schmidt, James & Harriet Schnell, Ed & Stacia Schoeffl , Patricia Schultz, Cathy Sckinto, Strother & Evie Scott, Robert & Lena Scott, Alice Scott, Carter & Ann Scott, Tom Scott, Cyndy Seal, Allison Seay & Josh Epley, Dick & Patty Sedgley, Stuart & Jane Settle, Claire Shaffne , Scott & Paige Shaheen, Rebecca Shaia, William & Lynneth Shands, Sallie Shepherd, John & Martha Sherman, Mary Gay Shields, Pen & Bette Shiflett, Bob & Anne Shotwell, Mo Shumate & Susan Ellett, Mary Lucy Siewers, Ashley Silverburg, Carl & Robin Simms, Julie Simonton, Dayton Slater, Harvard & Blair Smith, Hallie Smith, Tom & Beth Smith, Charles & Louise Smith, Jim Smith Parham, Warren & Brenda Snead, John & Carolyn Snow, Jim Snowa, Scotty & Karrie Southall, Richard & Stephanie Sowers, Brandon & Shelley Spalding, Carter & Jill Spalding, Elizabeth Spell, Bruce & Anna Spencer, Vernon & Laura Spratley, Pamela Stacey, Rich & Karen Staffo d, Mary Stagg, Lissie Stagg, Charlie & Jeanne Stallings, Hal Starke, Betsy Stevenson, Jimmy & Macy Stikeleather, Kendalle Stock, Thomas& Carol Stokes, Billy & Mary Stone, James & Jo Lynn Stone, Michael & Ginny Stone, Carolyn Street, Deborah Streicker, Robert Strohm, Susanne Sturges, David & Sandy Suskind, Mayo Tabb, Bob & Kathy Tappen, Chip & Dee Dee Tarkenton, Annabelle Taylor, David & Barbara Teague, Steven & Meghan Thacke , Bruce & Julie Thomas, eth Thomas, ohn & Linda Thomas, att & Janet Thompson, Matt & Nancy Thompson, Hunter & Nell Thompson, Fred & Leezie Thompson, Beth Thornton,Wood & Kemper Thornton,Tim & Allison Thurbe , Ed & Beth Thurmond, Richard & Alice Tilghman, Jeff & Nella Timmons, George & Patricia Todd, George & Patricia Todd, Chip & Betsy Tompkins, Seldon & Donna Tompkins, Rogers & Josie Toms, Zach Toms, John & Lamar Toole, Becky Trader, Guy & Helen Tripp, Ivan Trittipoe, Carter & Peggy Tucker, Stanley & Cynthia Tucker, Taylor Tucker, Meg Tucker, Rob & Anne Turnbull, Stephen & Allison Twente, Bill & Betsy Tyson, Durwood & Deborah Usry, Granville & Peyton Valentine, Thomas& Deborah Valentine, Charles & Elizabeth Valentine, Paddi Valentine-Waters, Eric & Whitney Van Der Hyde, Nancy Vaughan, Bob Vaughan & Mary Jo Sisson-Vaughan, Mac & Sarah Wade, Bill & Gail Waechter, Tom & Roszie Walker, Eileen Walker, Fleet & Elizabeth Wallace, Ray & Douglas Wallace, Gordon & Lizzie Wallace, Gordon & Caroline Wallace, Pierce & Betsy Walmsley, Linda Walter, Cameron & Cathy Warner, Bill & Eleanor Washburn, Rob & Marianne Watkinson, Anonymous, Gary & Martha Waynick, Gene & Katie Webb, Susan Weis, Joe & Kristen Welsh, Gene West, John & Karen West, Robbie & Townsend Westermann, Betsy White, Donny & Bettie White, Wayne & Catherine Whitham, Katherine Whitney, Chris & Rebecca Wickham, Bill & Mary Kay Widhelm, Dick & Carol Wiegmann, Susan Wilkes, Dan & Jackie Wilkins, David & Laura Wilkinson, Erwin Will, Nelson & Meade Williams, Pete & Elizabeth Williams, Ellen Williams, Bruce & Melissa Williams, Mark & Alston Williams, Jack & Betty Williams, Mary Ballou Williams, Colin & Cary Williams, Lou Anne Williamson, Bill & Janet Wilson, Steve & Laura Wilson, Dave & Suzanne Wilson, Barbara Wilson, Steve & Bonnie Wilson, Susie Wiltshire, David & Karen Wise, Isabel Witt, Ann Witt, Luke Witt, Bettie Wood, Ward & Kathy Wood, Andy & Cheryl Wood, Carol Woodward, Doug & Anne Woolley, Sue Wootton, Charles & Jane Wortham, Wesley & Elise Wright, Bill & Peggy Wright, Gibson Wright, Peter & Liz Wyeth, Cheryl Yancey, Rita Yeager, Chris & Nicole Yohn, Bill & Patsy Young, George & Jane Young, Philip & Margaret Young, Mitt & Peggy Younts, George Zehmer ✤

Includes Pledges and Gifts for 2020 through Foundations

Become a pledging member of St. Stephen’s Church today. We’d love to get to 1,000!

14

SEASONS OF THE SPIRIT

Than you AND AN INVITATION

By Allison Koschak, Lynn Ivey, Shelley Spalding, and Brandon Spalding At St. Stephen’s Church, there is much to celebrate. While the trend in mainline churches is one of stagnation or decline, our community, its work, and its impact continue to grow. We are thankful for the gifts that make this possible.

It’s important to know that the leadership of St. Stephen’s Church relies on pledging members to keep this parish the vital church it is. As we often point out, St. Stephen’s Church is unlike its peers among large Episcopal churches in that our endowment is quite small. Thi means that annual pledges make our ministry possible.

If you have not yet made a pledge for 2020, it’s not too late. Please join us as a pledging member. You’ll make all the diffe ence to this important ministry.

We’ve raised more than 90 percent of what we need for 2020. If you have already made a pledge, thank you! If you have not, we hope you will join us this year as a pledging member and help us reach our goal.

Th fastest growing segment of the population in the United States are the “nones,” those who claim no religious affiliati or spiritual tradition. We are delighted that more and more young people are joining St. Stephen’s Church, findin that our ancient worship, compassionate outreach, embracing hospitality, community-building ministries, and contemplative spirituality are just what they are seeking.

In our culture dominated by divisive, sensational social media, and 24/7 news programming that generates more heat than light, the people of St. Stephen’s Church are tuning in to social engagement and good news of a very diffe ent sort.

It’s what our souls long for. We’re offerin what our society needs more than ever: kindness, welcome, compassion, love, joy, holiness, forgiveness, patience, service.

We are deeply grateful to the families and individuals listed on the facing page— over 800 of them—who had made a pledge for 2020 when this edition of Seasons of the Spirit went to the printer. If you’re among them, you’ve helped lay a foundation for a powerful ministry that extends far beyond Grove and Th ee Chopt. Than you.

If you have not yet made a pledge for 2020, it’s not too late. Please join us as a pledging member. You’ll make all the diffe ence to this important ministry. Help us continue to bear fruit. ✤

A familiar face in pastoral care Th Rev. David Knight has returned to our staff to assist the clergy on an interim basis, making pastoral calls to those who are ill, homebound, or preparing for or recovering from surgery. David will be familiar to many at St. Stephen’s; he served as senior associate during the Rev. Tho Blair’s tenure as rector, and David and his wife Jeannie have been active at St. Stephen’s since David’s retirement from parish ministry. We are grateful to have someone with David’s pastoral gifts, faithful insights, and knowledge of our parish assisting in pastoral care. ✤

New vestry members elected at annual meeting

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t the annual parish meeting held Sunday, February 9, the following people were elected to serve on St. Stephen’s vestry for three years.

William B. Armstrong (Bill) is retired as chief financia offic at St. Catherine’s School. He’s been a member of this parish since 1975. Bill is a trustee of St. Stephen’s Endowment which he also serves as treasurer. He is treasurer of St. Stephen’s Preschool and a member of the parish financ committee. In the past, he’s been our parish treasurer, a Sunday school teacher and superintendent, an Every Member Canvass captain, and an usher.

Alison Fauls is a retired attorney and homemaker who has been a member of St. Stephen’s since 1993. She served as co-chair of St. Stephen’s fl wer guild in the past, and continues as a monthly chairperson and a member of the guild’s steering committee. She has taught in Sunday school and Vacation Bible School, and been part of a May Fair House cooking team.

Barbara Massey is a retired clergyperson in the Baptist tradition who was confirme at St. Stephen’s in 2014. She serves as a subdeacon and a chalice bearer in morning and evening services, a lay Eucharistic visitor, a crucifer and a Morning Prayer offician She’s a member of the icon guild and serves on a May Fair House cooking team.

Benita A. Miller, DDS, a periodontist, has been a member of St. Stephen’s since 1995. She has served on the outreach committee, as an usher and Sunday school teacher, and coordinated St. Stephen’s “neighborhood mission trips” to CrossOver Healthcare Ministry. She has served on the vestry once before.

Blair H. Nelsen is Director of Governmental Affairs Eastern Region, SCI, and a Command Pilot, USAF (Retired). He serves at St. Stephen’s as a chalice bearer and subdeacon, and has been a lay reader in the past. He has been a member of St. Stephen’s since 2008.

James H. Price III (Jim), a retired partner with the law fir McGuire Woods LLP, has been a member of St. Stephen’s since 1957. He serves as a mentor to the Ahmadi family (the family we resettled from Afghanistan), a CARITAS volunteer, and a mentor to a Peter Paul Development Center student who is now a freshman in college. In the past he has served on the Every Member Canvass, the capital campaign to raise funds for the parish house, a tutor at Peter Paul, and has recruited boys from Peter Paul and Anna Julia Cooper School for Woodberry Forest summer camps. Jim also participated in a rebuilding team following Hurricane Sandy.

Th rector expressed his deep gratitude to the retiring class of vestry members for their service: Melinda Hardy, Braxton Hill, Richard Kay, Martha Orr Proutt, Cyndy Seal, and Chip Tompkins.

Th executive committee for 2020-21 consists of Allison Koschak, senior warden; Lynn Ivey, junior warden; Mary Bacon, treasurer; Jim Price, register; Bobby Fauntleroy, assistant treasurer; and the rector. ✤

When we welcome people who attend worship services or other events at St. Stephen’s, we try to convey something like this: ‘Whoever you are, wherever you come from, whatever you might believe or not believe, whatever your religious tradition (or none at all), we are honored you are here, and we hope you will join in anything this church has to offe , including Holy Communion.’ Th noted theologian G.K. Chesterton said something very similar in his celebrated book, Orthodoxy: God so wishes to embrace and identify with every human being that God himself became an atheist on the cross (My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?).

[Gary D. Jones]

S A I N T S T E P H E N ’ S E P I S C O PA L C H U R C H

LENT/EASTER | SPRING 2020

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Seasons of the Spirit Lent/Easter Winter-Spring 2020 Issue Number 35

St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church 6000 Grove Avenue Richmond, Virginia 23226 ststephensRVA.org

Presorted First Class Mail U.S. Postage

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Richmond, VA Permit # 320

Parish Staff

To reach a staff membe , call 804.288.2867. To send an email to a member of the staff, use the initial and nam provided in parentheses, with @ststephensRVA.org. (If no email is listed, it means that the staff member does not ha e a St. Stephen’s email address.)

The afé @ St. Stephen’s 804.288.3318 DaVinci Al Amin, barista Claire Hackley, barista Brianna Maurice, barista Holly Schlect, barista Bou Zintseme, barista Our missionaries in Argentina Heidi Schmidt Monica Vega

Vestry

Term expires 2021 Mary Bacon, Treasurer Orran Brown Sr. Robert Dibble Mollie Hines Mitchell Alston Williams Wesley Wright Term expires 2022 Bobby Fauntleroy, Assistant Treasurer L.H. Ginn Alice Goodwin Lynn Ivey, Junior Warden Allison Koschak, Senior Warden Shelley Spalding Term expires 2023 William B. Armstrong Alison Fauls Barbara Massey Benita Miller Blair Nelsen James H. Price, Register

Seasons of the Spirit

Sarah Bartenstein, editor Steven Longstaff, designer Contributors: Stan Barnett, Doug Buerlein, Ben Emerson, Anna Jones, Gary D. Jones, Deb Lawrence, Trish Motheral, Penny Nash, Jay Paul, Josh Rockett, Allison Seay, Kathy Tappen, Julianne Tripp, Betsy Tyson

RE:work completes pilot year with much to celebrate RE:work RICHMOND is the public/private, faith-based non-profit pa tnership of the City of Richmond’s Offi of Community Wealth Building, St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, and Challenge Discovery Projects. It was the major outreach initiative funded by St. Stephen’s Church’s capital campaign.

This initiati e embodies St. Stephen’s and St. Peter’s intention to provide education and serve families in Richmond’s East End in response to the urgent call for meaningful, comprehensive workforce development support.

Th ough RE:Work, we seek to reduce the level of poverty in the city’s East End by helping unemployed and underemployed parents to obtain the skills and support to qualify for, gain, and sustain meaningful living-wage careers. We aim to help them navigate the pathway out of systemic poverty as they overcome the social and economic restrictions that have kept them from realizing their potential.

Unlike many workforce development programs, many of which approach the need from a fragmented, singularlyfocused skill development perspective, RE:work is structured to provide a broad range of training, job referral and logistics support services, tailored to meet each participant’s unique needs. This app oach represents a partnership not only with its founders and supporters, but with the East End residents who seek help. RE:work calls them “members”(not “clients”), a clue to this unique approach.

RE:work’s progress in its pilot year—which concludes February 29—includes the following.

• RE:work has enrolled 14 heads-of-household, and is on track to meet the goal of having 15 members enrolled by the end of this pilot year.

• Of the eight members who have been enrolled long enough to have embarked on a trajectory towards familysustaining employment, four are pursuing educational certificates or deg ees and six have stable full or part-time employment in addition to the school coursework.

• For these same eight members, volunteers from RE:work’s “Good Neighbor” network provided support in the areas of childcare, driving, pro-bono legal support, pro-bono dentistry, resume writing, career coaching, financial coaching, academic coaching, computer mentoring, mock inte views, and mental health coaching.

One member received a replacement car through RE:work’s car initiative, enabling her to continue to fulfill he school, work and parental responsibilities.

• Other churches have become involved with RE:work including St. John’s Episcopal Church, St. James’s Episcopal Church and First Presbyterian Church.

• A strong development committee is now at work.

• Early investors in RE:work—including individuals, churches, corporations, and foundations—have donated close to $100,000.✤

St. Stephen’s mourns the loss of Robert Dilday Just a week after his ordination to the priesthood and the beginning of his ministry a member of St. Stephen’s clergy staff, the ev. Robert Dilday died in his sleep of natural causes on December 22.

Robert had been tremendously excited about his ministry here and the parish was thrilled to have him as a staff membe . He had been looking forward to working with youth ministry staff, and colleagues engaged in our food an creation care ministries.

Before entering the ordination process, Robert was an active member of this parish. His death was a shock and a tremendous loss to St. Stephen’s, to the larger church, and to his family, including adult sons Harrison and Andrew, and Robert’s father Russell. The elder ilday was at one time president of Robert at his ordination to the Southwestern Seminary Baptist Theological eminary in Fort Worth, Texas. priesthood.

Robert’s career before the priesthood included serving 27 years as the managing editor of the Religious Herald newspaper in Richmond, and as editor-in-chief of Baptist News Global from 2014 to 2018. BNG, in reporting on his unexpected death, quoted David Wilkinson, executive director and publisher, who said Robert was “a brilliant, principled and dedicated journalist, always committed to factual, truthful, fair-minded and substantive reporting.”

Wilkinson said, “He represented the best type of independent, faith-based journalism.”

A memorial service, with the Rt. Rev. Susan E. Goff as celebrant and p eacher, took place at St. Stephen’s on Saturday, December 28. In addition to St. Stephen’s parishioners, family, and friends, those attending included clergy from throughout the Diocese of Virginia, as well as diocesan staff who had wo ked with him during his discernment for Holy Orders, and on environmental stewardship ministries. ✤

Jay Paul

Janet S. Allen (jallen), Associate for Development & Operations Alex Badecker (abadecker), Café Manager Stan Barnett (sbarnett), Coordinator of Kitchen Ministries Liz Bartenstein (lbartenstein), Hospitality Sarah R. Bartenstein (sbartenstein), Director of Communication Dawn Childs (dchilds), Assistant for Children’s Music Ministry Barry Cleaton, Assistant Market Manager Donald Clements, Sexton Smokie Crews (weddings), Wedding Coordinator Chuck Dixon, Sexton Chris Edwards (cedwards), Director, St. Stephen’s Choir Melissa Hipes (mhipes), Finance Manager Chris Holman, Sexton Anna F. Jones, (farmersmarket), Farmers Market Manager The ev. Gary D. Jones (gjones), Rector The ev. David Knight, Interim Assistant for Pastoral Care Deborah Lawrence (dlawrence), Director of Outreach Betsy Lee (blee), Parish Administrator Becky Lehman (blehman), Hospitality & Communication Assistant Jan Locher (jlocher), Preschool Director (288-6401) Christi McFadden (cmcfadden), Finance Assistant The ev. Stephen Y. McGehee (smcgehee), Associate Rector The ev. Claudia W. Merritt (cmerritt), Priest Associate Ben Nelson (bnelson), Sexton, Sunday Community Supper Cook Josh Rockett (jrockett), Outreach Coordinator Allison Seay (aseay), Associate for Religion & the Arts Blake Singer (bsinger), Youth Minister The ev. William S. Stanley (wstanley), Vicar Wei-Li Suen, Palmer Hall accompanist Brent te Velde (btevelde), Director of Music Betsy Tyson (btyson), Chaplain to Palmer Hall Greg Vick (gvick), Organist Tyronn Wilkins, Sexton