Seasons of the Spirit: Pentecost | Summer 2022

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

INSIDE:

Our season of transition SUMMER AT ST. STEPHEN’S

Ways to serve, NOW AND LATER

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Doing a new thing We are on the move, together

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rom 2012 until 2020, I lived in five states: Tennessee, Connecticut, Georgia, California, and Virginia. At times, I even moved more than once within a state—like when I moved from the church-subsidized apartment two blocks off the Pacific Ocean in By the Rev. William S. Stanley Hermosa Beach to a smaller and more expensive place in the heart of West Hollywood, when I was called to work at All Saints’ in Beverly Hills. Or, closer to us in Richmond, it was akin to the time when I moved out of my Scott’s Addition apartment to a house of my own just minutes away in Carytown. In so many ways, those shorter, in-town moves were more stressful!

So I’m well acquainted with transitions. Between college, seminary, and a few calls before St. Stephen’s, I’ve moved around a bit. On the one hand, this has made me a little tired…worn out by the hellos and goodbyes, uprooting myself to a new place again and again. On the other hand, it has given me perspective: I am better able to see the forest, not just trees; more resilient to see that God is indeed always doing a new thing, and to experience the bedrock truth that “God wastes nothing.”

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I think there is a deep spiritual truth here. The biblical stories of our faith often involve people “on the move” –the people of Israel wandering in the wilderness on their way to the Promised Land; the journey of those wise men following the star to find the infant Jesus; or Jesus calling people, over and over, to follow him, meeting folks where they were and making himself known to them after his resurrection. All in all, God seems to revel times of transition. We may not appreciate that God delights in this, but it’s hard for us to look at the faith we inherit and argue that God prefers stasis to dynamism, sameness to diversity.

It is news to exactly none of you that St. Stephen’s is in a time of transition. We didn’t get here yesterday and it’s completely understandable that more than a few of us would love for it to

The new thing God is doing in our community is not untethered from the past, but it is also not the past reincarnated. It is new.

SEASONS OF THE SPIRIT

end, say, day before yesterday. Yet we do well to remember that in so many ways the world is in transition. The pandemic has reshaped it in numerous ways, jolting the normative circulatory system out of its previous rhythm. Many things are dying and the supply/demand equations in countless arenas of our life remain out of whack. And there are real, tough effects to these realities which we should not understate—inflation is but one.

Yet God remains faithful and invites us into newness of life. For we at St. Stephen’s are also the real beneficiaries of these effects. We are re-gathering, we are recommitting, we are re-engaging. The new thing God is doing in our community is not untethered from the past, but it is also not the past reincarnated. It is new.

For instance, we are a place where people who moved to Richmond, in part, because of the pandemic—from larger cities to work remotely in a less expensive place, or to be closer to family after children were born—are coming to us to see what the buzz is about. Just step into Palmer Hall on a Sunday morning, or be a fly on the wall at a newcomer reception.

We are also receiving those who had not attended church much at all before the pandemic, but because of its reminder of what is most important in this life, they now feel called to experience it. I can’t tell you how many coffees, how many emails and notes I’ve received from folks who met us online and are just now coming to engage in our life in person. They sit alongside those of you who have been engaged for years (or decades). All of us, together, are coming to experience the love that is present here…and in turn, God is doing a new thing.

In countless ways, we are mining and excavating and harvesting the best of who we are and what we have to offer for a new day, in Christ’s name. We are walking with Jesus, trusting that he is leading us forward—in the power of the Holy Spirit—into all truth. Thanks be to God that we are called the people of the Way! A final word—well, the repeating of three words I said at the end of my report at our annual meeting last February: I Love You. After all my moves and transitions, I am grateful to the core of my being that God has brought us together. There’s no community with whom I’d rather be on the move!

PENTECOST | S U M M E R 2 0 2 2 Issue Number 43

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The discernment process: where we are Sunday evenings offer portals for the Holy Spirit All shall be well: a message from the interim rector Ways to serve now, and in the new program year The ministry of the acolyte The gift of Baptism Repairing homes, strengthening communities ReWork Richmond: on the move Let’s go to the movies!

Walk, bike, bus to church The fundraiser formerly known as the Bluegrass Bash Awards for parish communications Images of joy The election of the 14th Bishop of Virginia

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Seasons of the Spirit Sarah Bartenstein, editor Steven Longstaff, art director Contributors: Cate Anthony, Larry Bidwell, Briget Ganske, John Jenkins, Jay Paul, Deb Lawrence, William Bradley Roberts, Will Stanley, Betsy Tyson, Ethan White, Pat Wingo Copyright © 2022, St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Richmond, Virginia Requests to reprint material from Seasons of the Spirit should be addressed to Sarah Bartenstein at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 6000 Grove Avenue, Richmond, Virginia 23226, or sbartenstein@ststephensRVA.org.

On the cover

The Farmers Market @ St. Stephen’s is a year-round market, and every season has something to offer. But it’s hard to beat summer for an abundance of produce, flowers, and more. Visit on Saturdays, 8 a.m.-noon. Photo by Sarah Der St. Stephen’s Church is a Village Green New Abbey

, inviting all to our community; a

, grounding people in wisdom and practices that nurture the

soul; and a Healing Community

, serving others as the hands, feet, and

eyes of Christ in the world .

The Rev. Will Stanley is vicar of St. Stephen’s Church.

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s this edition of Seasons of the Spirit is being printed and mailed, the men and women who make up our discernment committee—the group appointed by St. Stephen’s vestry to coordinate the process of finding our next rector—were reviewing applications from clergy who wish to explore a call to serve as our leader. The co-chairs of the discernment committee, Jay Moore and Shelley Spalding, made a presentation in the April 3 Sunday Forum on where we are in this process and what we can expect over the summer and fall.

If you were not able to attend, we encourage you to watch the video of that presentation, which provided important details about the process, about what the committee learned from listening sessions with parishioners, and what they will make sure candidates know about this parish.

Speaking of the listening sessions, Jay noted that participation in those sessions, held in January and February, was robust.

The committee held 16 listening sessions (some in person, some over Zoom) with approximately 10 parishioners in each session. In addition, they conducted individual sessions with each member of the clergy and met with all staff members in groups of two to five people. They held two sessions at Westminster-Canterbury, a session at Cedarfield, and two youth sessions, one for middle school students, and the other for high school students.

After hearing so much from parishioners, the discernment committee spent time processing that information and ultimately drafted what is called the “Community Ministry Portfolio.” In this portfolio, the committee answered questions that are the same for every church in transition, including narrative questions such as: 4

Sarah Bartenstein

Discernment and transition: where we are

• Describe a moment in your church’s ministry of success and fulfillment • Describe your liturgical style and practice • How do you incorporate others in ministry • How do we care for our own spiritual, emotional and physical well-being • Describe St. Stephen’s involvement in the wider church or geographical region • How do we engage in pastoral care for those beyond St. Stephen’s • Describe a ministry our church started in the past 5 years • How are we preparing for the church of the future?

• What is our practice of stewardship?

• What is our experience of conflict?

• What is our experience leading change in the church?

• What are the gifts and skills essential to a future leader of St. Stephen’s?

A video produced to introduce St. Stephen’s to potential candidates is available for any to see, and is posted on our Web site.

The discernment committee received applications from interested clergy from April 1 until May 8, 2022, and hoped to begin interviews soon after (by the time you read this, they will likely be underway). Initial interviews will take place on Zoom. Later, discernment committee members will visit some applicants in their current parishes, hear them preach, and meet their families. Several finalists will come to St. Stephen’s for a last round of interviews.

Throughout this part of the process, the names of all candidates and other details (such as the number of applications received) will remain confidential. This is out of consideration for those clergy and their families, since their current parishes will not know they are in discernment.

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During these interviews, the committee is not only attempting to get to know the candidates, but also helping the candidates get to know St. Stephen’s as well as they can while maintaining confidentiality.

While the discernment committee has been forthcoming about the process ever since they were appointed, inviting input from parishioners through a survey and listening sessions, from this point until a call is made and accepted, the parish will hear less from them. This does not mean they aren’t hard at work—they are! They are simply in the phase of the process that is not public.

It is important for the parish—and for the success of its ministry with its new rector—that parishioners trust the discernment committee to do the work set before them. It is important to respect the boundaries that have been identified by seasoned professionals in the bishop’s office about the best way to proceed so that St. Stephen’s finds and calls the person God sends us.

Q&A

HOW DO WE FIND APPLICANTS?

Clergy who are discerning the next phase of their ministry are accustomed to visiting OTM (Office of Transition Ministry) databases. Our profile is on that database, and has been advertised in Episcopal News Service and the Episcopal Parish Network (formerly the Consortium of Endowed Episcopal Parishes). St. Stephen’s is well known in the Episcopal Church, and our former rector was respected and admired throughout the church; his retirement from St. Stephen’s is well-known and talented clergy have been inquiring about when the position would be open.

ARE ANY OF OUR CLERGY ELIGIBLE TO BE THE NEXT RECTOR?

No. In the Episcopal Church, parishes are strongly discouraged from calling any incumbent staff member (including the interim rector) to serve as the new rector. This is based on decades of experience with parish transitions. We are grateful to have such excellent priests on our staff to provide continuity, institutional knowledge, and support when the new rector arrives.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO THE CURRENT STAFF WHEN THE NEW RECTOR ARRIVES?

So-called pro-forma resignations were at one time the norm when a new leader came to a church. This practice is no longer followed. Our current staff are eager to work with the new rector to make his or her ministry successful.

WHO HIRES THE RECTOR?

Once the discernment committee completes its interview process, and the bishop’s office conducts thorough background checks, the committee will make a recommendation to the vestry. It is the responsibility of the vestry to issue the call. The bishop will be consulted, but the decision is the vestry’s alone.

WHEN WILL WE KNOW WHO IT IS?

Once the vestry issues a call, if the priest accepts that call, the vestry and priest will develop a letter of agreement, outlining expectations. After the vestry, the priest, and the bishop’s office all sign off on the letter of agreement, the call will be announced to the parish. It is customary for the new rector to inform his or her current vestry before such an announcement.

Every effort will be made to ensure that the new rector’s current parish and our parish learn about the call at the same time.

We do not know when this will occur. It could be mid- to late summer, or fall.

WHEN WILL THE NEW RECTOR BEGIN WORKING AT ST. STEPHEN’S?

We cannot know at this time. The rector will want to provide sufficient notice to his or her current parish. There may also be family considerations that affect timing.

A prayer for the discernment committee The discernment committee begins its deliberations with a prayer composed by Bob Dibble, a member of the committee who serves as its chaplain. This is the full version. A briefer version is included in our prayers each Sunday during worship services.

O God, in whom we live and move and have our being, who knows us better than we know ourselves, guide us in our discernment processes, as we search for a new Rector for St. Stephen’s. Empower each one of us to use our unique gifts, to share openly and honestly our thoughts, to respect the opinions of others, and to encourage humility, patience, and joy. And as we progress through this discernment process help us, above all, to trust in the slow work of God. We are quite naturally impatient in everything to reach the end without delay. We should like to skip the intermediate stages. We are impatient of being on the way to something unknown, something new.

And yet it is the law of all progress that it is made by passing through some stages of instability—and that it may take a very long time. And so it is with us; our ideas mature gradually— help us to let them grow, let them shape themselves, without undue haste, trusting that God is shaping what this new spirit gradually forming within us will be. Let us give you, O God, the benefit of believing that your hand is leading us, and accept the anxiety of feeling ourselves in suspense and incomplete.

Instill within each of us a vision of this Church’s family; that guided by your Holy Spirit we will be united in love and joyfully accomplish our sacred charge, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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—ADAPTED AND INSPIRED BY A PRAYER OF PIERRE TEILHARD DE CHARDIN, SJ

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THE HOLY SPIRIT AT WORK

Jay Paul

IN THE SILENCES S

The Celtic service and Compline provide portals for that Spirit

ometimes new movements arise to fill a gap or respond to a need. Worship with the Book of Common Prayer is the rich treasure of Anglicanism. Many of us were attracted to liturgical worship by the beauty of its language and the rich understanding of prayer it offers. From the original Book By the Rev. William of Common Prayer, created largely Bradley Roberts

by Archbishop of Canterbury Thomas Cranmer (1489-1556), to subsequent editions in many countries, Christianity has greatly benefited from “common prayer,” the prayers of all the people. As wonderful a document as the Book of Common Prayer is, some have sensed the need for silence as a balance for continual wordiness.

There is currently a surge of interest in contemplative prayer, in worship derived from the monastic life. Praying in this manner involves large amounts of silence, a rare commodity in much liturgical worship. Some worshippers sense the need to retreat from the noisy clamor of the culture to a dark, quiet, meditative place, where God’s voice is easily heard. When human chatter ceases, practitioners of contemplative worship discover that God’s “still, small voice” (I Kings 19:12) is heard in stark contrast. To be sure, there are opportunities for silence in liturgical worship (even mandated by the Prayer Book after the breaking of the bread), but often we march right through those silences in order to get out of church earlier. Expediency is not the only reason to eschew silence in church. There is an even more substantive reason for avoiding silence: silence is intimate; it causes fear to arise in many people for the simple reason that silence creates intimacy, and intimacy is frightening, at least at first. When one leans into that discomfort until finding quiet and stillness, that intimacy turns to resting on the bosom of Jesus as the beloved disciple John did. (John 13:25) 6

The service of Compline (pronounced “COM-plin”) is called the “goodnight prayer of the church,” because it is the last service of the day in a monastery or convent. It is a quiet service, and, in strict monastic practice, no speaking is allowed during the “Grand Silence” after Compline until the first office of the next morning. The quiet simplicity of that service appeals to many contemporary worshippers. Silence is, in a sense, fasting from the noise, chaos, confusion, and distractions of daily life.

Of course, silence is not antithetical to liturgical worship.

Indeed, silence can amplify a note of mystery in worship that might have otherwise gone unnoticed. The Holy Spirit is always present. What is needed is for us to slow down and quiet down, so that we can notice her presence. To invoke the Holy Spirit, then, is really a matter of invoking our own attention to her ubiquitous existence.

St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, a large parish in Richmond, Virginia, has established a tradition that dramatically altered the worship practice of its people. In 2005 the parish began a Sunday evening service of Celtic Evensong with Eucharist.

I confess that I had heard of this service for many years, but, assuming that “Celtic” referred to its music, was not particularly drawn to attend. (I’m all for Celtic music, but just never felt in the mood to hear it in worship—my oversight.) In fact, “Celtic” refers to the spirituality of the liturgy more than its (occasionally Celtic) music.

When I finally did attend the Celtic Evensong, I was completely disarmed by its style and content. The music is simple compared with festive evensong services: a piano, a cantor, and a solo orchestral instrument—sometimes oboe, other times cello or flute. The service follows the basic form of Evensong except that all the language is inclusive and expansive, and there are moments of copious silence.

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All shall be well St. Stephen’s future is filled with promise “All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well.”

This quotation from the English mystic Julian of Norwich (c.1343-1416) comes to mind when I think of the past year in St. Stephen’s life. Transitions are almost always difficult, and after more than 15 years of a thriving ministry, which ended in the middle of a pandemic, this particular one has been especially challenging. There were many times in the last year I found myself saying (mostly under my breath, to myself), “All shall be well. All shall be well.” Julian herself lived during the Black Plague, and so like our pandemic By the Rev. Patrick experience, she knew well the uncertainties of life.

J. Wingo If there is one place in our lives that we want to find certainty, it is the church. As chaotic as the world can be, even without a pandemic sweeping the globe, it is natural for us to want a place where there is consistency, where we find peace, where we can discover God in worship, in silence, and in each other. St. Stephen’s has changed in many ways in this last year, and that has been hard for some in this parish family. These changes bring with them anxiety about the future of the church. While others are looking ahead expectantly, even some of the most optimistic are also worried. This is natural as well.

The most important thing to remember in the midst of these changes is that you are not alone. Because you worship a loving God through Jesus Christ, in the end “all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well.” Indeed, as the Rev. Will Stanley reminded us in his Easter Day sermon, “if things are not well, then it is not the end.” The other thing to remember is that this is a parish family that is active, not passive. You participate in a variety of ways in many different offerings, from young children in the atrium of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd to parishioners who live at Westminster-Canterbury and Cedarfield and join us on Sundays by livestream and come to parish events in their communities. That activity means that the Holy Spirit has much to work with!

So look forward with hope and with joy. You will have a new rector soon; you have an excellent staff and clergy team. You have active and engaged lay leaders. You have resources, and my hope is that you will find ways to use your resources more fully, and participate in increasing the resources of the parish so that more programs and outreach can happen.

This article will be the last one for me as your interim rector. We have done some good work together, I think, and some work that was very difficult. My last Sunday at St. Stephen’s will be July 17. I have enjoyed my short time with you, and as I leave I will keep you in my prayers. St. Stephen’s is an extraordinary parish church, and even in the chaos of life, it is a place where you can come and know that “all manner of things will be well,” because you worship God through Jesus Christ.

(The Holy Spirit at work, continued) The church has ample candles, scattered around the chancel and altar, with dimmed artificial light. Instead of a sermon by a clergyperson, there is a reflection by a layperson: usually focused on the speaker’s personal story of spiritual revelation.

It is a powerful service.

Following Celtic Evensong with Eucharist, there is a supper, then a service of Compline, the whole evening sometimes called “the three acts.” Compline consists of a superb choir, sitting behind the congregation, and singing plainsong and polyphony with prayers and the Gospel. Like the Celtic service, there are numerous candles, only this time there is no artificial light. The service is filled with silence and opportunities for meditation, and the congregation is freed from any verbal participation, allowing worshippers to focus on the presence of the Holy Spirit.

As beautiful as the music is, it is not the primary content. The primary content is the powerful movement of the Holy Spirit and our response to her action among us. To say that this is a powerful service is simply naming the obvious, because the Spirit is palpable. People leave blessed and transformed, and,

perhaps most significant, as vessels filled with the Holy Spirit, prepared to pour out that blessing on others.

One indicator of the richness of this worship is the attendance. Of the several services offered on Sunday, the Celtic service [can often be] the largest . . . Contemplative worship has become the norm for this congregation.

This is not the only congregation experiencing the quiet, powerful bliss of contemplative worship. Such a phenomenon is starting to appear across the country.

Reprinted, with Dr. Roberts’ permission, from his foreword in the forthcoming book, Ponder Anew: Conversations in 21st Century Church Music, edited by Jessica Belson; Church Publishing.

Dr. Roberts is Emeritus Professor of Church Music at Virginia Theological Seminary. He now lives in Richmond, attends St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, and is a frequent visitor to our Celtic service. He led a popular class at St. Stephen’s in Lent based on one he taught at VTS, “Music, Icons, and the Contemplative Life.”

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s things continue to return to something more closely resembling our pre-pandemic lives, a number of opportunities to be of service are also returning.

PASTORAL CARE MINISTRY

Many among us have felt left by the wayside during the isolation of the pandemic and have missed connections with St. Stephen’s Church. We want all who call St. Stephen’s home to feel included and loved, so we’re glad to be able to expand our corps of lay pastoral care visitors and bring back lay eucharistic visitors (those who take Holy Communion to parishioners who cannot attend in person).

These ministries provide important connections for our whole community–those who are physically present at church and those who cannot be. If you feel you may be called to these ministries of care, please contact Claudia Merritt (cmerritt@ststephensRVA.org) for further conversation. Training is provided.  Would you, or someone you know, like to receive a visit or Holy Communion? Please contact Claudia or call the church office at 804.288.2867.

HEALING PRAYER

We are grateful to be able to offer healing prayer during the Celtic service on Sunday evenings again. This ministry is dearly held by the Celtic community and was missed during the pause brought about by the pandemic. Healing prayer is as meaningful to those who administer it as it is to those who receive it. It puts us in mind of Jesus’ ministry of healing, and like his ministry, it is not so much a time of spoken prayers, but of healing presence for those who desire it. If you feel led to join this ministry, we invite you to a period of discernment followed by training. To learn more, please contact Claudia Merritt, cmerritt@ststephensRVA.org, or Gayle Royals, gayle.royals@gmail.com.

CHALICE BEARERS

When Jesus performed his first miracle at Cana turning water into wine, he brought joy to the people present. His gift continues for us. As we return to Communion with both bread and wine, we are seeking additional people to serve as chalice bearers. If you feel the Spirit nudging you to this ministry, please contact Claudia Merritt, cmerritt@ststephensRVA.org. We will train you, license you, and then schedule you for any of the morning services or the Celtic (evening) service. The lay eucharistic ministers who have served in this ministry find that it deepens their connection with Christ and their fellow parishioners.

USHERS

Welcome is a hallmark of St. Stephen’s Church. When people enter the church, they are met by an usher with a smile, a bulletin, and the willingness to assist in any way. Ushers serve an important role on Sunday mornings and at special services such as funerals and nonSunday church services. They collect people’s gifts at the Offertory and help maintain a sacred atmosphere for worship.

We are expanding the usher ministry now that worship practices are returning to pre-COVID patterns. If you would like to be part of this ministry, please contact Chip Tompkins, chiptompkins24@ gmail.com. Ushers are trained, assigned to a team, and serve about once a month.

SUNDAY MORNING TRANSPORTATION TO AND FROM WESTMINSTER-CANTERBURY

During the height of the pandemic, not only were many activities curtailed at St. Stephen’s, but residents of continuing care retirement communities were isolated, as well. We are so glad to be able to welcome parishioners in these communities back to in-person worship and other activities.

As we open up after the worst of the pandemic,we seek helping hands

Jay Paul

There are many ways to serve at St. Stephen’s Church

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SEASONS OF THE SPIRIT

throughout the week. When you register your child, be sure to indicate how you will be a part of VBS. All parents are expected to help in some capacity. Our greatest need is adult 5-day volunteers.

If you have questions, please contact Betsy Tyson, btyson@ ststephensRVA.org.

VBS dates: July 11-15 // 9:00 a.m.-noon; details at ststephensRVA. org/VBS.

Sarah Der

SUNDAY SUPPERS

We’ve long provided transportation to and from WestminsterCanterbury for residents who wish to attend our 11:15 a.m. Sunday liturgy (10 a.m. during the summer). In the spring, we began offering this service again. We are grateful to our volunteer drivers and the sextons who fill in where needed, but we can always use more. If you’d like to drive a van to Westminster-Canterbury on Sunday mornings to pick up residents, and take them back after the service, please call the parish office at 804.288.2867. Generally you’ll be called upon once a month (or less frequently if we have more volunteers).

CATECHESIS OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD

At St. Stephen’s Church, we use the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, a Montessori-based approach, to nourish the spiritual lives of children. Specially-trained “catechists” serve, not as teachers, but as “co-wonderers” with children on their spiritual journey. We devote time, attention and resources to the preparation of the sacred spaces where it takes place, and to the training of catechists in this unique environment, because we believe it is transformational not only for children but also for their families; not only for catechists but for our entire parish.

St. Stephen’s Church has become a resource for this special training, and welcomes people from other churches to join us for this preparation. Most important, however, is the recruitment and training of adults to serve here in one of our atria. Many who have taken the training have found that it enriches their own spiritual lives. Even if you are not certain that you wish to serve in an atrium, the training is time well spent, especially since we have one of the finest trainers in the wider church coming to St. Stephen’s for these offerings, Anna Hurdle. Registration is required at ststephensRVA. org/catechesis. If you have questions, please contact Betsy Tyson, btyson@ststephensRVA.org.

Training dates: Level 1, Part 2: July 25-29 // Level 2, Part 1: August 1-5 // 9:00-4:30 p.m.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

Children, youth, and adults will return to a popular summer tradition this year: in-person Vacation Bible School. We need adult and teen volunteers who can be with us to assist the children

Sunday Suppers are back and, like so many things we missed when we could not gather indoors, people seem to appreciate them more than ever. Did you know that in order to make them happen every week, the three paid staff—a chef and two sextons—need eight volunteers to assist? Tasks are divided into two shifts of four people each: • 2:30 to 5:15 p.m.: a team of four assists Chef Claire to prepare food: slicing, chopping, mixing, stirring • 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.: a team of four serves guests at buffet tables and helps sextons clean up afterwards Whichever team you’re on, you’re free to attend the Celtic service.

While “walk-ins” can be helpful at times, we need to be able to count on four people for each shift, each week. More teams of volunteers who will commit to a full shift are needed to continue this ministry.

If you enjoy coming to the supper, please commit to a shift once per month (more often, if you can). Bring friends and make it a group activity. To volunteer or to request more information, please call the parish office, 804.288.2867.

GLEANING AT THE SATURDAY FARMERS MARKET

St. Stephen’s Church takes a holistic approach to food ministry. As we promote healthy eating at our Sunday Community Supper and our café, we seek to make it possible for visitors to our food pantry to have that option, as well. Our farmers market vendors support this intention by donating fresh, local produce and prepared foods to our pantry. Volunteer gleaners gather these donations each Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. This a wonderful way to experience these connections while getting to know our fantastic, generous farmers and producers who vend here every week. You do not have to volunteer for every Saturday. Please contact Anna Jones for more information and to sign up, ajones@ststephensRVA.org.

Other ministries seek volunteers and participants as well, including the following (with contacts provided): • The Women of St. Stephen’s and May Fair House (volunteer cooks for May Fair House dishes, shop volunteers, and other roles); visit ststephensRVA.org/woss • Children’s ministries; Betsy Tyson, btyson@ststephensRVA.org • Youth ministries; Ethan White, ewhite@ststephensRVA.org • Altar Guild; Fern Newsom, fdn11@verizon.net, Anne Burnett, mbburnett@verizon.net • Flower Guild; Catherine Whitham, catherinecwhitham@gmail. com, Kyle Huske, ikhuske@hotmail.com • Needlepoint Guild; Marie Carter, mdcarter27@gmail.com

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The ministry of the acolyte Serving at God’s altar

Sarah Bartenstein

Since Easter Day 2021, when worship first resumed after a cessation of the kind of public worship we were accustomed to, acolytes have been among our most adaptive and supportive members of each Sunday’s liturgy teams. Although acolytes always have been supportive and flexible, their ability to rapidly adjust has enabled our church to successively reintroduce key liturgical elements throughout the year, and this has been of utmost importance to renewing the worshiping life of St. Stephen’s.

By Ethan White and John Jenkins

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n page 855 of the Book of Common Prayer, the Catechism says, “The ministry of lay persons is to represent Christ and his Church; to bear witness to him wherever they may be; and, according to the gifts given them, to carry on Christ’s work of reconciliation in the world; and to take their place in the life, worship, and governance of the Church.” At St. Stephen’s Church, one of the primary ways that 9th through 12th graders grow into their place in the church is by serving in the ministry of acolytes.

At a basic level, acolytes make our particular style of worship possible by reverently handling sacred objects and leading important movements throughout the liturgy, especially services in Holy Week and Christmas. Although the concept of this role is anchored in the Jewish

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Scriptures, the word acolyte itself first appeared in the third century as a minor lay order of the church. An order implies a sense of dedication to a defined role and of special commitment to a Christian way of living. In this spirit, we approach the acolyte ministry less as a set of tasks and rote movements to be memorized and more as embodied spiritual observance that extends across the liturgical year.

There are countless reasons God may call a young person into this ministry initially, but over time all acolytes are molded by the patterns of our common worship and acquire a sense of its reverence, grace, and most importantly, their place in the community of youth and of their church.

Our highest goal is that by the time acolytes graduate from high school, they are able to see their own unique place in God’s life in the world.

All high school youth are invited to serve, yet we especially encourage and welcome rising 9th and 10th graders to enroll and begin serving during the summer while the schedule is much lighter and the services are simpler. Like school sports and clubs, serving on an acolyte team builds poise and develops responsibility for oneself and to one’s teammates. Eight acolyte teams of six to eight people cycle through the Sunday morning services so that each team serves about once a month. All acolytes may serve as torch bearers, gospel bearers, or banner bearers.

Older and more experienced acolytes are given the opportunity to serve as crucifers and as wardens who lead their teams.

Wardens are expected to possess a greater understanding of all roles and to nurture younger acolytes in their development. As with any discipline, the greatest learning comes by doing, so all acolytes are expected to serve at least once a month. We hold training events in early summer and early fall so that new and experienced acolytes alike can gain confidence and trust in one another. Special trainings are held prior to major liturgical services at Christmas, Holy Week and Easter.

Serving at God’s altar is an extraordinary privilege and formative spiritual experience, not an obligation or a task. As is often said in the Episcopal Church about various practices, “all may, none must, some should.” If you, a family member, or friend feel called to participate in this ministry, please contact Ethan White, assistant for family ministry, ewhite@ststephensRVA. org; or the Rev. John Jenkins, jjenkins@ ststephensRVA.org.

SEASONS OF THE SPIRIT

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ne Sunday morning in Palmer Hall this spring, I witnessed a beautiful thing: five children being baptized. The chapel was filled with babies, children, parents, grandparents, and friends.

I could hear a low hum of happy chatter among the parishioners, mixed with impatient cries from babies.

What joyful noises!

Briget Ganske

The gift of BAPTISM On the day of our Baptism, many of us wear a white gown; this garment is another symbol of the light of Christ. We are clothed in Christ. The light is within us and covers us on the outside.

By Betsy Tyson

Over the past year and a half, we have baptized and welcomed to God’s family at St. Stephen’s 99 babies, in Palmer Hall, in the main church, and in the Garden of the Holy Spirit where we’ve used the water from our beautiful fountain. Ninety-nine!

What an honor it has been to offer this sacrament. Baptism is a precious gift given by God through the church. As parents and godparents, we have the privilege of presenting children to receive this gift, a gift that will last their entire lives.

In Baptism, we use many signs that remind us of this gift, and others we receive from God. We light a special candle, the Paschal candle, at Baptism to remind us that Jesus is the light of the world. He came into the world, lived among us, and rose from the dead to new life, conquering death. The Paschal candle is a sign of the light of the risen Christ. He wants to share the light, and for us to share it with others. At St. Stephen’s, the family of the baptized receives a Baptism candle, lit from the Paschal candle, to remind us that we carry Christ’s light within us.

We are also given the gift of God’s word at Baptism. We read Holy Scripture during the service (as we do at all of our services).

The light of Christ also comes through God’s word. On the day you were baptized, those present may have heard the Gospel of John: “He calls his own sheep by name.” (John 10:3).

We receive the gift of water at Baptism. On the day of your Baptism, the priest poured water over your head, a sign of the cleansing of our sins, as she or he prayed, “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”

We also receive the gift of holy oil, or chrism. Chrism is a special oil with which the priest marks the forehead of the one baptized with the sign of the cross, and says, “You are sealed by the Holy Spirit in Baptism and marked as Christ’s own for ever.”

The priest invites the Holy Spirit to be present at the Baptism, saying, “Now sanctify this water, we pray you…” Toward the end of the Baptism, the priest makes a large cross with her hand in front of the congregation. This gesture, the sign of the cross, is the sign of the resurrection of Christ, the sign that we are all given new life from the risen life of Christ.

The gift of Baptism is the beginning of a lifelong journey of living into the full life Jesus has given us, a reminder that we are the beloved sheep of the Good Shepherd. May we all go out into the world and let our light shine.

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Sarah Bartenstein

St. Stephen’s volunteers

help local organization rebuild lives Rebuilding Together Richmond repairs homes and community spaces in our community

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ebuilding Together Richmond helps people and neighborhoods in need by bringing together nearly 1,000 volunteers each year to repair homes and community spaces in Richmond, Henrico, Chesterfield, Petersburg, and Hopewell. St. Stephen’s parishioners are among those volunteers.

The mission of RTR is “Repairing homes, revitalizing communities, rebuilding lives” by helping provide safe homes and communities for everyone. As a leader in the community for nearly 30 years, RTR has skills and resources (including a vibrant volunteer network) to provide critical home repair services and safety modifications to those who need them most. Each year they serve nearly 80 homeowners—and the impact of this work goes beyond those neighbors with community space projects, thanks to the help of volunteers and skilled laborers.

Top photo, left to right: St. Stephen’s parishioners Earl Roney and Matthew Mika with RTR construction manager Charles Haley.

The focus of RTR is to revitalize communities and bring lasting change to low-income homeowners by providing repairs and safety modifications to their homes and the neighborhoods in which they live. As the RTR web site proclaims, “We are rebuilding homes and rebuilding lives.”

St. Stephen’s Church is grateful to be able to contribute to these efforts by sending teams of parishioners, some of whom have construction skills. But that’s not a requirement. Those without those skills can paint, sand, do yard work, and other tasks.

This year’s activity took place in Richmond’s Oak Grove and Bellemeade neighborhoods over four days in April, National Rebuilding Month. St. Stephen’s team was at their assigned site on Saturday, April 23. Our team was coordinated by parishioners Matthew Mika and Earl Roney. They and many other St. Stephen’s volunteers have taken part in other RTR projects, as well as going on the road to help rebuild homes

and communities affected by natural disasters. The two men also coordinate our HANDS ministry (the letters stand for Hammers and Nails in Devoted Service), providing home repairs to parishioners who prefer not to use an outside contractor for one reason or another.

When St. Stephen’s first began working on these projects, RTR was so impressed with Earl’s work that they hired him and he served on their staff for a time.

RTR is part of a nationwide organization of local affiliates. Before ordination, the Rev. John Jenkins was executive director of the RTR affiliate in Montgomery, Alabama. So we have several connections to this organization.

If you would like to volunteer on a future RTR or HANDS ministry project, please contact Matthew at uvamika@gmail. com or Earl at roney50@comcast.net.

The mission of RTR is “Repairing homes, revitalizing communities, rebuilding lives” by helping provide safe homes and communities for everyone.

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SEASONS OF THE SPIRIT

ReWork Richmond provides a path out of poverty New office space designed to serve more East End adults

NEW OFFICE SPACE We are excited to have moved to a new East End location that fulfills our need for expanded space and program support resources. This facility offers enough communal gathering and office space to meet our members’ increasing need for dedicated training, study and interview facilities.

Staff and members work in the organization’s new office space.

ReWork Richmond, the workforce development program that came about through a partnership among St. Stephen’s, St. Peter’s in Church Hill, the City of Richmond’s Office of Community Wealth Building, and Challenge Discovery Projects, continues to help East End families emerge from poverty.

Our mission is to empower underemployed adults in Richmond’s East End by helping them obtain the skills and support needed to qualify for and gain thriving living-wage careers.

By Deb Lawrence

Born of the capital campaign that St. Stephen’s conducted as part of its centennial observance, ReWork takes a unique approach to employment. ReWork serves adults who are underemployed, providing support and job sourcing to create lasting career opportunities— not entry-level jobs—for East End Richmond families. The program is structured to provide a comprehensive array of personal support and employment referral services tailored to meet the individual goals of each ReWork member (not client or participant).

With continuing financial support from St. Stephen’s and other invested community partners, ReWork Richmond is making a difference in the lives of East End adults and families. Member enrollment continues to grow and we are pleased to report that members are making great progress on the path to meaningful, family-sustaining careers.

EMPLOYER PARTNERS MAKE A DIFFERENCE An example of an underemployed ReWork member is Devon B. who joined ReWork in July 2021. Devon was working two hourly wage jobs, totaling 65 hours a week, just to make ends meet. He realized he very much wanted to pursue a real career that would support him and his family. After he took an aptitude and interest assessment with ReWork staff, we learned Devon was well-suited to pursue a career in power line work. Dominion Energy had told us soon after our launch in February 2019 that they were always in need of people who wanted to do this kind of work.

With Dominion Energy’s help, Devon began the 11-week Power Line Worker course at Southside Virginia Community College in early February and graduated on April 20.

Dominion offered Devon a position with the company, and with additional on-the-job training he will receive over the next few months, his income will be more than what he was making working the two jobs—plus benefits. After he completes all the training, Devon’s income will exceed the amount required for a living wage for himself and his family, and he will be working in a career field that he loves.

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While St. Peter’s served as a perfect start-up location, it was clear that as we grew, and as our members’ community and volunteer interactions expanded, we’d need more space to provide a broader range of technical and one-on-one educational support. The new space meets all of these critical needs, and as a bonus gives us a highly visible and inviting neighborhood presence that we hope will help us attract new members. The address of the new space, located at the corner of 22nd Street and Fairmount Avenue, is 2123 Fairmount Avenue, and the new phone number is 804.447.9026. We look forward to welcoming you to our new office.

HOW YOU CAN HELP Would you like to make a difference in the lives of ReWork members and support their rise out of poverty? If you have a roadworthy vehicle to donate, please let us know. Reliable transportation is key to establishing a new career. Each car is thoroughly checked out and detailed prior to delivery and we assist with the paperwork involved. Contact Mark Murphy, markmur-phydmm@gmail. com or 203.249.2164. All donations are fully tax-deductible.

We also seek committed volunteers interested in career and financial coaching, assisting with resume writing and interview skills, or connecting us to potential employer partners. To explore how your generosity and skills can help, please contact me at deb.lawrence@reworkrichmond. org or 804.869.3704.

Deb Lawrence is executive director of ReWork, a St. Stephen’s parishioner, and the former director of outreach for our parish.

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Book group to continue this summer

Let’s go to the movies!

Three films share the theme ‘Life’s Big Ideas’

Thursday afternoon group has been meeting for over a decade Did you know that a book group has been meeting at St. Stephen’s for more than 10 years? This group meets on the second Thursday of each month at 1:30 p.m. in the Small Fellowship Hall, and will continue to meet through the summer. The group is open to all and you may join anytime.

Led by parishioner Wilda Ferguson, the group has read a variety of books over the years, based on suggestions from group members and from St. Stephen’s clergy.

The common thread in these books is their potential to open our minds and spirits to new ways of seeing and being.

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et’s go to the movies! Join your friends at St. Stephen’s for a summer film series beginning in June. The series’ theme is “Life’s Big Ideas.” Through a mix of films, we’ll consider topics like emotions, grief and death, family, and vocations. The movies are suitable for both children and adults.

June 8: Disney Pixar’s Inside Out Riley is a happy, hockey-loving 11-year-old Midwestern girl, but her world turns upsidedown when her family moves to San Francisco. Riley’s emotions–led by Joy–try to guide her through this difficult, life-changing event. However, the stress of the move brings Sadness to the forefront. When Joy and Sadness are inadvertently swept into the far reaches of Riley’s mind, the only emotions left in Headquarters are Anger, Fear and Disgust.

July 6: The Map of Tiny Perfect Things We meet quick-witted teen Mark, contentedly living the same day in an endless loop whose world is turned upside-down when he meets mysterious Margaret also stuck in the time loop. Mark and Margaret form a magnetic partnership, setting out to find all the tiny things that make that one day perfect. What follows is a love story with a fantastical twist, as the two struggle to figure out how–and whether–to escape their never-ending day.

August 3: Disney’s Encanto The Madrigals are an extraordinary family who live hidden in the mountains of Colombia in a charmed place called the Encanto. The magic of the Encanto has blessed every child in the family with a unique gift—every child except Mirabel. However, she soon may be the family’s last hope when she discovers that the magic surrounding the Encanto is now in danger.

At 5:30 on each movie night, tables will be set up in the courtyard in case you’d like to bring a picnic supper. At 6:30 we’ll screen the movie in the fellowship hall. No reservations are required; masks are strongly encouraged given rising COVID cases and the multi-generational nature of the event. There will be time for brief discussion after each movie. Questions? Contact the Rev. Cate Anthony, canthony@ststephensRVA.org, or the Rev. John Jenkins, jjenkins@ststephensRVA.org.

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The reading selection for June is Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer.

If you are interested in joining or have questions, please call Wilda at 804.320.3766.

A book group with a focus on creation St. Stephen’s environmental stewardship group has a monthly book discussion, and you’re invited. Coordinated by parishioner Sue Wootton, the group reads books that help us focus on the role God has given us as stewards of creation. A recent selection was Finding The Mother Tree: Discovering the Wisdom of the Forest

by Suzanne Simard. Dr. Simard, the world’s leading forest-ecologist, forever changes how people look at forests and trees.

A list of books from which the group will choose future selections is available at ststephensRVA.org/environment. The same page of our Web site describes other activities of the environmental stewardship group and how to participate. Sue leads this ministry with Barry O’Keefe and staff liaison Anna Jones.

SEASONS OF THE SPIRIT

Gratitude from afar Small church in another state says ‘thanks’ for one of our offerings As interim rector Pat Wingo wrote in a previous edition of Seasons of the Spirit, St. Stephen’s is a resource parish, which means that in addition to providing pastoral care, worship, family ministry, and more for our own members, we do things that are helpful to other churches who may not have the same resources we have. Examples are our livestreamed worship services, the training we offer for adults who wish to serve in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd in their own churches, community concerts, speakers, and workshops, and much more.

During Lent, we received a note from one such church.

It’s a helpful reminder of the effect our ministries can have on the wider church, and provides encouragement for us as we seek to be good stewards of the resources God has entrusted to us as a parish.

thank you to is a heartfelt Greetings: This ible Study r your Weekly B fo on ti ga re ng Our your co mission church. ll a sm ry ve a online. We are officiate at a rge is unable to ha -c -in st ie pr gation’s interim another congre to ue d e ic rv se our service 9:30 Sunday had to change ve ha e w nd a ol adult service a Sunday scho ve ha to ed id e week. We time. We dec lectionary for th e th on d se cu cellent class fo re using your ex a nd a te si eb our Lenten found your w ries. As part of se y d tu S le ib B ive in Weekly be more proact to ng yi tr ll a focus we are lped us grow in have really he ho w le op pe g in at the top thank ledge. You are ow kn le ib B nd ue to our faith a May God contin h! uc m so u yo of my list. Thank s outreach. regation and it bless your cong

Don’t be a stranger Even if you’re away during the summer

Stay in touch through the eSpirit and other email newsletters. If you do not already subscribe, go to ststephensRVA.org/email to sign up. All our email newsletters are free, they’re available to everyone, and you may unsubscribe at any time. We pledge not to share your email address with any outside party.

Sarah Der

Many of us are away for at least part of the summer.

Some are fortunate to have homes in the mountains, at the beach, or at the river where they like to spend time on the weekends (or all summer long). Others take the opportunity to travel at some point. If you’re among those who will be away for all or part of the summer, please keep these things in mind.

We will livestream Sunday services (10 a.m., 5:30 p.m., and 8 p.m.) and weekday morning prayer (8:10 a.m., Monday through Friday) all summer. You can watch on YouTube, Facebook (search for ststephensRVA), or on our Web site, ststephensRVA.org. (When the office is closed for a holiday—Memorial Day, July 4, Labor Day—there is no Morning Prayer.)

And finally, please remember to keep your pledge current, even if you are out of town. You can do this by snail mail, by using a debit or credit card, or using your bank’s online billpay. The church’s expenses do not take a vacation! In the past, the church has used a line of credit to get through the summer months when pledge payments slow, but we would love to not use it, and thereby not accrue interest charges. Thank you!

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Parish communications receive recognition

Walk, bike, bus to St. Stephen’s St. Stephen’s environmental stewardship ministry invites you to join them in walking, biking, and riding the bus to church this spring and summer.

In honor of Earth Day, we installed a new bike rack right outside the Café @ St. Stephen’s, and we have a bus stop right in front of the church on GRTCs 77 that arrives every hour 20-25 minutes after the hour from 6:20 a.m. to 7:20 p.m. GRTC is free to ride.

If you do use any of these modes of transportation, please consider taking a photo of yourself arriving at church and send it to barrywilder@gmail.com, or 804.475.3212, and we’ll share it on social media to promote a culture of environmentally friendly transportation at St. Stephen’s!

You can also post photos on your own Instagram account and tag @ststephensRVA. You can also use a hashtag #walktochurch or #biketochurch or #bustochurch.

Coming this fall: two outreach fundraisers With an emphasis on ‘fun’

This fall, the outreach committee of the vestry is planning two fundraising events.

On Friday, September 23, 5-8 p.m., we’re bringing back the event formerly known as the Bluegrass Bash—now known simply as The Bash. Our last Bash was in September 2019 and we are so excited to bring back this family-friendly, community-wide offering. While it won’t be strictly Bluegrass as it was in the past, we’re excited about the band, the Bart Chucker Band, an Americana music group.

In addition to great music (and dancing for any who wish to partake), we’ll have food trucks and children’s activities. More details will be available as the summer goes on, but for now, here’s what you need to know about The Bash: • Save the date (Friday, September 23); • Tell your friends (remember all proceeds support outreach); • Volunteer to help by contacting Carrie Marshall, cramfam@yahoo.com or 804.787.4456.

Also returning, but in a new location, is St. Stephen’s Golf Tournament, another outreach fundraiser. The golf tournament will take place at Belmont Golf Course on Thursday, October 13. Additional details are coming soon, but remember that you can support this outreach fundraiser by • Signing up to play; get a foursome together or ask us to place you in one; • Becoming a sponsor; • Volunteering; contact Nancy Thompson if you can help, ntpaperplus@comcast.net.

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At the annual conference of Episcopal Communicators—a professional organization for communications professionals throughout the Episcopal Church—several St. Stephen’s communications received recognition.

In addition to supporting excellence in church communications through continuing education and mentorship, Episcopal Communicators sponsors an annual awards program, the Polly Bond awards, for communicators in parishes, cathedrals, seminaries, dioceses, and churchrelated organizations. The 2022 awards recognized work produced in 2021; judges come from outside the organization.

At the May meeting, St. Stephen’s received recognition for a feature by Allison Seay and two videos produced by Dillon Gwaltney and Sarah Bartenstein.

Allison received an Award of Excellence for “Life and joy,” a reflection published in the Lent/ Easter 2021 edition of Seasons of the Spirit.

The video “Gratitude and Grace,” about life at St. Stephen’s during in the pandemic, received an honorable mention, and “Listening, Seeing, Acting,” about Ron Brown and the outreach ministries of St. Stephen’s Church, won an Award of Merit.

SEASONS OF THE SPIRIT

Back in the swing

St. Stephen’s groups, like Emmaus groups, guilds, church committees, and church-sponsored events, do not pay a fee for using church space, but it’s still very important that you reserve space in advance. This is a busy church and we want to be sure you have the space you need.

Our buildings are ready for use

After almost two full years of restrictions on access to our wonderful facility, St. Stephen’s Church is open for groups, events, and more.

Groups are now welcome to reserve various spaces for meetings, classes, and receptions. The facilities staff is ready and willing to accommodate you. Available space at St. Stephen’s

By Larry Bidwell includes not only classrooms and fellowship halls, but also kitchen and café spaces.

For community groups, we have a new fee schedule that takes many different factors into account, such as which space(s) are requested, food and beverage service, AV needs, and so forth.

Fees are due at the time of the event. Again, early reservations are important. We know that many of our parishioners are on committees and boards for local organizations, so we want you to be aware of these opportunities.

We’ve revisited our procedures for providing space and related services for outside groups and will provide an outline to anyone requesting space.

Should you—or your group—desire to use any rooms at St. Stephen’s, please follow these general guidelines: Call the parish office at 804.288.2867. We ask for at least two weeks’ advance notice.

Hospitality is a hallmark of St. Stephen’s Church, and providing meeting space is part of our identity as a “Village Green.”

We’re glad to be able to welcome you—and community organizations—back into our facilities.

Your room request will be tentatively reserved and forwarded to me. I will contact you and discuss your reservation needs.

Larry Bidwell is St. Stephen’s facilities manager.

Ron Brown departs as outreach director Budget deficit leads to cuts our volunteer activities have been curtailed, he has expanded St. Stephen’s footprint in the community. He has also brought considerable expertise to our ministry about the role of trauma in the communities we serve.

Jay Paul

On March 25, the Rev. Patrick J. Wingo announced that the position of outreach director at St. Stephen’s Church would be eliminated.

“As we’ve communicated in the eSpirit, the Spirit, and in letters and messages over the past several months,” wrote the interim rector in a special edition of the eSpirit, “the vestry, finance committee, and interim rector have been working on solutions to the deficit in St. Stephen’s parish budget. This has prompted cuts in staffing and other areas, including the elimination of two full-time positions, an increase in the lay and clergy staff’s share of the cost of their benefits, and a reduction in compensation for some lay staff. Even with these measures, and with some parishioners responding to the call to give or to increase their gifts, we still have a significant gap.”

Pat continued, “Today we bring you the sad news that Ron Brown, our wonderful director of outreach, will be leaving St. Stephen’s staff.”

“In his time with us, Ron has brought so much to our common life,” Pat wrote. “Even during the pandemic when many of

“We deeply regret that Ron will no longer be part of this parish staff, where he has not only been an outstanding representative for our outreach programs, but a supportive team player, always eager to assist his colleagues during a demanding time.”

As much as we wish Ron were still on our staff, the good news is that he has since secured a position as prevention director for Families Forward Virginia, a 501c3 organization dedicated to disrupting the cycles of child abuse, neglect, and poverty.

Pat noted that, while it is no replacement for Ron’s knowledge, expertise, or oversight, the outreach committee of the vestry pledged to keep some of our outreach ministries and partnerships active.

“In this difficult time it is vital for anyone who wants St. Stephen’s outreach—a hallmark of our ministry throughout our life as a parish—to remain strong, to engage in any way possible, including volunteering your time and giving your resources. Outreach is a function of the whole congregation, and the way we live our faith in the world. When you read about opportunities to participate in the Spirit, the eSpirit, or Seasons of the Spirit, please respond.”

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Goodbye, hello

Long-time staff members depart, while several new faces arrive Since the publication of the Lent-Easter Seasons of the Spirit, the staff of St. Stephen’s Church has undergone several changes.

In March, Betsy Lee, a member of our staff for 11 years, accepted a new position as administrative assistant to the vice president of resource development at Westminster Canterbury of Richmond.

Betsy began her service to this parish as our receptionist. Her calm, welcoming demeanor served us well, and she immediately demonstrated her ability and willingness to take on additional duties, not only in the administrative arena, but in pastoral care. She managed the parish calendar not only for church groups, committees, and ministries, but also worked with outside groups who used our space for meetings and events. She worked closely with the buildings and grounds staff on ensuring that rooms were prepared for these events, and eventually became parish administrator. In that role, she supervised the sextons and front office staff, worked effectively with the vestry and its building and grounds committee, was the key contact for most of our vendors, and helped shepherd us through the pandemic. More recently, her role shifted again with a greater focus on hospitality and front office ministries.

Before joining our staff, Betsy served as a school counselor and a youth minister. She holds an undergraduate degree in business education from James Madison University, and a master’s degree in school and community counseling from the University of Georgia.

Betsy and her husband Jeff have three adult sons, Jake, Chris and Bobby. Bobby was active as an acolyte and in the youth group here.

Soon after Betsy’s announcement, Melissa Hipes announced that she’d be taking a position with Bare Roots Landscaping, a Dallas-based business with clients throughout the country (though Melissa is staying in Richmond). Melissa came to St. Stephen’s in July 2011, putting skills to work in our finance office which she’d honed in previous positions with BroadMap and Capital One. She was known not only for her professional skills, but for being calm in any situation, with a wicked sense of humor. In her new position, Melissa is able to use her skills while working from home, an ideal situation for her. We are so grateful for Melissa’s long service to St. Stephen’s Church.

In late February, Pat Wingo, with the approval of the executive committee of the vestry, appointed Mike Koschak interim executive director of church operations. Mike is not only a long-time St. Stephen’s parishioner, but he has extensive finance and management experience, including serving in

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a similar role in two other large Episcopal churches in the Richmond area. Mike, who holds an MBA, also spent many years in financial planning and budgeting at two law firms, McGuire Woods and Hunton & Williams. We’re very grateful to have Mike’s expertise and commitment at this time in the life of our parish. Mike quickly got to work in areas of our parish life that have not had the attention they’d had in the past, due to the departures of key staff people. He also recruited several excellent additions to our front office and the finance office.

Michelle Carter joined our staff in March, working at the front desk 25 hours per week.

Michelle, a St. Stephen’s parishioner, is an honors graduate of the University of St. Andrews in Scotland and has considerable administrative and communications experience, ranging from paralegal work to advertising sales. Michelle is a quick study and is unflappable. She has already become an integral part of the front office team, and is helping us keep our Web content up to date.

Caroline Moses, whose experience includes working for Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Richmond, joined as accounting manager in March, as well, to fill the position previously held by Christi McFadden. She brings many years of financial and administrative experience, with a history of working with nonprofits. Originally from Chicago, Caroline holds a B.S. in finance and management from Wright State University. She lives in Midlothian with her husband, Craig, and their daughter, Heather.

Caroline is not only extremely capable and diligent, but she has a sunny disposition that is endearing her to her co-workers as well as parishioners.

The most recent addition to our staff is Mary Feldman, who began April 11 (Holy Week!).

Mary is the executive assistant to the rector and vicar. She previously served as administrative coordinator at St. Gabriel Catholic Church in Chesterfield, executive assistant at Shepherd’s Center of Chesterfield and development assistant at St. Andrew’s School. A native of Philadelphia, Mary holds a B.A. in communications from La Salle University. She spent many years in marketing management for the cable television and internet industry. She lives in Glen Allen with her husband, Todd, and their maltipoo, Bolt. They have two grown sons, Dan and Ryan.

In addition to providing administrative support to the rector and the vicar, Mary will work on membership, an area where we have been lacking a dedicated staff focus since the departure of Coco Provance.

With so many changes in this area, Mike asked Liz Bartenstein to serve as administrative coordinator of the front office until she departs July 31 (later than her previously-announced end date). In this role, she is training our newer team members and providing continuity during this time of transition.

SEASONS OF THE SPIRIT

JOY Two occasions of great joy this spring were Easter Day, April 17, and the bishop’s visit, May 15. In 2021, we held these services in person but had to limit attendance, so it was a great joy to have the church and Palmer Hall full this year.

Many thanks to the choirs, instrumentalists, altar guild, flower guild, lay ministers, acolytes and everyone else who joined the clergy to offer moving liturgies. Thanks also to the family ministries team and youth who provided an Easter egg hunt for children after morning services on Easter Day. This year’s was the Rt. Rev. Susan E. Goff’s last episcopal visit to St. Stephen’s for Confirmation, Reception, and Reaffirmation.

More than 50 youth and adults received these rites.

Easter photos by Sarah Bartenstein; Confirmation photo by Jay Paul.

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Presorted First Class Mail U.S. Postage PA I D Richmond, VA Permit No. 320

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ST. STEPHEN’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH 6000 Grove Avenue l Richmond, Virginia 23226 ststephensRVA.org

Parish Staff To reach a staff member, call 804.288.2867 or send an email using the initial and name provided in parentheses, with @ststephensRVA.org.

The Rev. Cate Anthony (canthony), Associate Priest Liz Bartenstein (lbartenstein), Administrative Coordinator Sarah R. Bartenstein (sbartenstein), Director of Communication Larry Bidwell (lbidwell), Facilities Manager Michelle Carter (mcarter), Administrative Assistant Omar Catedral (ocatedral), Sexton Chris Edwards (cedwards), Director, St. Stephen’s Choir Mary Feldman (mfeldman), Executive Assistant to the Interim Rector and Vicar Phin Generelly (pgenerelly), Head Barista Dillon Gwaltney (dgwaltney), Communications Associate/Video Producer Chris Holman (cholman), Sexton The Rev. John Jenkins (jjenkins), Associate Priest Anna F. Jones, (ajones), Farmers Market Manager & Assistant Director of Outreach Mike Koschak (mkoschak), Interim Executive Director of Church Operations The Rev. Claudia W. Merritt (cmerritt), Assisting Priest for Pastoral Care Caroline Moses (cmoses), Accounting Manager The Rev. William S. Stanley (wstanley), Vicar Brent te Velde (btevelde), Director of Music Betsy Tyson (btyson), Chaplain to Palmer Hall Ethan B. White (ewhite), Assistant for Family Ministry Tyronn Wilkins (twilkins), Sexton The Rev. Patrick J. Wingo (pwingo), Interim Rector

Transition in our diocese Election of 14th Bishop of Virginia takes place June 4 As this edition of Seasons of the Spirit went to the printer, delegates from each parish in the Diocese of Virginia were preparing to elect the 14th Bishop of Virginia. By the time you receive this magazine, the election will have taken place. If you have not already heard who was elected, visit our Web site at ststephensRVA.org/bishop-election for the results.

You’ll also find the list of St. Stephen’s delegates and other information about the process on that page.

Bishops are the embodiment of the unity that marks our church—not just our own parish church at the corner of Grove and Three Chopt, but the entire Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion. They are our connection to a centuries-old legacy, as each bishop is ordained and consecrated by other bishops in an “apostolic succession.”

And they help cast a vision for the future of God’s church, in what our presiding bishop, Michael Curry, calls “the Episcopal branch of the Jesus movement.”

The bishop-elect is expected to be ordained and consecrated in December.

Our Missionaries Heidi Schmidt Monica Vega

Vestry Serving until 2/2023

Serving until 2/2024

Serving until 2/2025

Bill Armstrong Alison Fauls Barbara Massey, register Benita Miller Blair Nelsen Jim Price

Richard Hamrick, senior warden David Hodge Anne McElroy Penn Rogers, treasurer Martha Sherman Nancy Thompson

Steven Dalle Mura Jeff Johnson Andy Luke, junior warden Brenda McDowell Anne Pinion Whitney van der Hyde

Nominees The Rev. Joseph Hensley, Rector, St. George’s, Fredericksburg, Virginia The Rev. Alan James, Interim Canon Missioner, Diocese of Western Michigan The Rev. Gideon Pollach, Rector, St. John’s Church, Cold Spring Harbor, New York The Rev. Mark Stevenson, Canon to the Presiding Bishop for Ministry within the Episcopal Church