Creation care: a matter of faith

Solar array on the roof of St. Stephen’s parish house

On September 1, 2021, just before the United Nations Climate Change Conference negotiations, Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, Pope Francis, and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of the Orthodox Church issued an unprecedented joint statement on climate change. In it, they call on everyone— from government and religious leaders to By Barry O’Keefe ordinary folks—to act courageously in the face of a mounting climate crisis. In the statement they weave together many different scriptural references; one in particular resonated for me: “choose life, so that you and your children may live” (Deuteronomy 30:19). My wife and I have two young children, and for me the joy of welcoming each was accompanied by the deep sorrow of understanding that they will live in a world transformed by climate change. According to a recent study, children born in 2020, like my daughter, will experience approximately seven times more extreme weather events due to climate change than people born in 1960. The IPCC, an international organization representing a consensus of hundreds of leading scientists, predicts sea levels will rise a full 12 inches regardless of emissions reductions by 2100, radically changing densely populated coastlines around the world. The effects of climate change touch every facet of our lives. My grief for my children called me into action. My path into action was not easy or brief, and it began with a lot of inner work. Eventually I joined and helped form some new climate organizations in the city. I organized and attended demonstrations, often with my little ones, and helped draft new legislation. Over time, I have tried to better integrate my spiritual life and my ecological work. Last year, I began a term on the Creation Care Task Force of the Diocese of Virginia. In December 2021, we authored a Climate Emergency Resolution which was adopted by the annual convention of our diocese. This resolution follows the lead of the Church of England in committing our diocese to reducing greenhouse gas emissions to net-zero by 2045. Also last year, I began working with fellow parishioner Sue Wootton to help re-start the environmental stewardship ministry here at St. Stephen’s. St. Stephen’s is already doing some amazing work to create a more sustainable world, through our rooftop solar array, energy efficiency improvements, compostable materials in the café, and our farmers market. I’m excited to see how St. Stephen’s can lead and assist other congregations in their journeys towards net-zero, and be a model for the world of how to rise to the challenge of our times joyfully and courageously.

This spring, St. Stephen’s environmental stewardship ministry hosted a screening as part of the Richmond Environmental Film Festival. We were expecting perhaps 30 attendees, but were surprised by a crowd of more than 70. The film, 2040, was scripted as a letter from a father to his four-year-old daughter. He imagined a world, 18 years in the future, where we have used the best climate solutions we have today, heeded the warnings of scientists and spiritual leaders, and reduced emissions to near zero.

I was there at the screening, with my four-year-old boy. It is strange to reflect: it was the first feature length film he had ever seen. I wonder, 20 years down the road, what it will be like to talk about it with him. Will this film be an image of the world we did, in fact, work to build? Can we rise to the challenge of climate change? I believe that we are all called to walk this question, together.

Christians around the world observe the “Season of Creation,” September 1 through the Feast Day of St. Francis on October 4, as a time for renewing, repairing and restoring our relationship to God, one another, and all of God’s creation. The Episcopal Church joins this international effort for prayer and action.

Claire Hackley has been the Sunday supper chef for the past year

Many St. Stephen’s parishioners know Claire Hackley, who joined the staff of the Café @ St. Stephen’s as a barista soon after it opened, and worked there until last July when she began preparing Sunday Community Suppers each week.

Beginning this fall, Claire also will coordinate the mid-week suppers we offer during the program (academic) year, called Wonderful Wednesdays. Stan Barnett, our former director of kitchen ministries, traditionally planned those meals and led the team of volunteers who prepared them; as announced in early summer, that position has been eliminated as a cost-cutting measure. We’re glad that Claire is available to step in on Wednesdays as well as Sundays to keep these weekly opportunities for fellowship available.

“I’m excited to be doing more in the kitchen here,” Claire says. “I enjoy working with the community at St. Stephen’s.”

“I love to get people excited about food, teaching, and explaining processes in the kitchen, so that they are accessible to everyone. You don’t need to be a chef or follow a recipe to make a great meal, and enjoy doing it.”

This “everyone can help” approach, along with Claire’s concern about wasting food, go hand in hand with her belief that “there are so many ways to take a mistake or leftover ingredient and give it a yummy new life.”

Claire is the back of house manager and lead baker at WPA Bakery, which will not be surprising to those who’ve enjoyed her baked goods at the Sunday Community Supper or in the café. When she’s not working, she enjoys gardening, tending to her 100-plus-collection of houseplants (she calls it her “in-home jungle”) as well as “spending time with my amazing dog and cats, making jewelry and other creations in my small in home studio.” Claire graduated from VCU Arts in 2010.

Are you interested in helping with weekly suppers, either Sundays or Wednesdays or both? Get in touch with Claire, who says, “Anyone can lend a hand!” Send her an email, hackleycalo18@gmail.com.

Photo by Sarah Bartenstein

Environmental book group resumes in September

St. Stephen’s environmental stewardship group will resume its book club on Monday,

September 26, 6:30

to 8 p.m. Facilitated by Sue Wootton, this group reads and discusses books that relate to environmental issues. The book they’ll discuss is The Cosmic Pilgrim: A Spiritual Explanation of the New Story of Religion & Science, by Margaret McIntyre. The Cosmic Pilgrim is an introduction to the world of eco-theology, based on the work of Pierre Teilhard de Chardin. Visit our Web site, ststephensRVA.org/ creationcare, for a list of recommended books related to creation care and faith, whether you wish to read some of them on your own, or take part in the group. If you have questions, please be in touch with Sue at swootton@outlook.com.

The Women of St. Stephen’s

A new program year for a storied group

By Marilyn Kirkpatrick & Clarice Dibble

Living God, long ago, faithful women proclaimed the good news of Jesus’ resurrection, and the world was changed forever. Teach us to keep faith with them, that our witness may be as bold, our love as deep, and our faith as true. Amen.

When St. Stephen’s Church was founded in 1911, women could not be ordained in the Episcopal Church, nor serve on vestries. Women found other avenues to make significant contributions to the life of the Episcopal Church, including outreach and overseas mission work, from the Women’s Auxiliary to the United Thank Offering.

In 1934, three groups of women here at St. Stephen’s—the Ladies Guild, the Woman’s Auxiliary and a Junior Auxiliary to the Episcopal Church’s Board of Missions— merged under one umbrella, adopting the name “the Women of St. Stephen’s.” Mrs. Lewis Williams was elected president and nine “circles” formed, each with its own leader. One of those circles, Circle 1, remained active until 2020.

From the beginning, the Women of St. Stephen’s have been a source of tireless energy, answering a call for help wherever there was a need. In 1926, they presented $1,000 to the building fund for a new church building, and pledged to raise $1,000 annually until the indebtedness of the church was retired. The kitchen in today’s parish house was also funded by this group with a pledge of $100,000 over a fiveyear period.

Over the years, May Fair House—the shop run by the Women of St. Stephen’s—has become a source of crucial funding for organizations, ministries, and agencies that support vulnerable women and children. Every year, a grants committee disburses a total of $30,000 to $50,000 to these ministries. The Women of St. Stephen’s also make annual donations to selected ministries of the Diocese of Virginia and gifts to the Books of Remembrance in honor of deceased women of the parish.

Throughout the year, we strive to be a source of spiritual strength for St. Stephen’s Church, providing fellowship, education, and outreach opportunities.

Our programs highlight topics important to us including grant recipients, Advent music, and a morning at Roslyn, the Episcopal conference and retreat center on River Road.

Please join us when our new program year begins October 4, and thereafter on the first Tuesday of the month.

The October program will focus on one of our grant receipients, Hope and Resurrection Secondary School. This ministry of Hope for Humanity (an organization begun here in Richmond by Jennifer Ernst) provides a high quality education to South Sudanese youth in Atiaba, South Sudan. Graduates are among the most educated people in their country. In addition to preparing students academically, the school prepares students to become leaders and advocates for peace and reconciliation in South Sudan.

During a mission trip, Hope for Humanity founder Jennifer Ernst builds friendships with southern Sudanese children.

Hope for Humanity’s executive director, Suzanne Hicks, will be our speaker.

An annual brochure is mailed to women in the parish age 25 and up; if you don’t receive yours, or you want an extra one to share with a friend, visit Information Central, the large table near the parish house office.

Looking ahead, make a note on your calendar that the annual Ladies Night Out will take place April 18, 2023 with Heath Hardage Lee, a St. Stephen’s parishioner, as speaker. Her book League of Wives tells the remarkable story of a group of women working to get their husbands released from POW camps during the Vietnam War, against all odds. The book has been optioned by actress and producer Reese Witherspoon. Information about tickets will be available closer to the event.

But first: visit us in the May Fair House when it reopens on Tuesday, September

13 at 10 a.m.!

Marilyn Kirkpatrick and Clarice Dibble are co-chairs of the Women of St. Stephen’s.

Prayer reprinted from a gathering of the Episcopal Church Women of the lower Cape Fear Deanery in the Diocese of East Carolina, at St Paul’s Episcopal Church in Wilmington, N.C. May 23, 2017.

Liturgy is the work of the people. On Sunday morning and Sunday evening people from the congregation come forward to read the lesson appointed for the day and to lead the community in intercessory prayers. They represent the whole community of God’s people proclaiming holy words and offering sacred prayers. This is an important ministry. Would you like to serve in this way? Readers/intercessors serve once every 6 or 8 weeks. They receive the reading and prayers mid-week so that they are comfortable on Sunday morning. In addition, we train all readers/intercessors before we ask them to serve. If you would like to be part of this ministry or have questions about it, please contact me at cmerritt@ststephensrva.org. Reader training is being held Sunday, August 28, at 11:30 a.m. and Sunday, September 25, at 12:30 p.m. You may attend either session; you do not need to attend both. Daniel Mullery will be our lay trainer.

Earlier this year we were glad to return to offering wine as part of our celebration of the Holy Eucharist. Not only is this part of our ancient tradition, but wine is a symbol of joy. When Jesus performed his first miracle at Cana turning water into wine, he brought joy to the people present. His gift continues for us.

Now that we’ve returned 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 me at cmerritt@ststephensRVA.org. We will train you, obtain a license for you from the Diocese of Virginia, and then schedule you for morning services or the Celtic service. Training will be offered Sunday, August 28 at 12:30 p.m. and Saturday, September 10 at 12:30 p.m.; both sessions will be held in the church. Lay eucharistic ministers find that their ministry deepens their connection with Christ and their fellow parishioners.

By the Rev. Claudia Merritt

Farewell to Stan

In June, St. Stephen’s Church said farewell to Stan Barnett, who for 11 years had overseen meals and receptions at St. Stephen’s, and supervised the volunteers who prepare food to sell in the May Fair House, the food and gift shop run by the Women of St. Stephen’s. He also served as manager of the Café @ St. Stephen’s for a season, introducing policies and practices that put this ministry on more solid footing.

In all this, Stan drew on his considerable experience as a professional caterer and his love for the church.

Regrettably, Stan’s position on the church staff was eliminated as a cost-cutting measure. We will miss Stan’s expertise and dedication and his daily presence in the office and kitchen. We’ve all appreciated the elegant, delicious food Stan has prepared for the Angels, Art and A Cappella outreach fundraisers, receptions honoring our bishops and confirmands, community speakers and concerts, and other occasions.

We value Stan’s contributions to our common life and wish that our current budgetary challenges had not made this action necessary. We are grateful that he will not be a stranger: you will likely see him at receptions or other events as a caterer.

Wonderful Wednesdays suppers, the Sunday Community Suppers, May Fair House cook teams, and other food and hospitality ministries will continue thanks to dedicated volunteers. Both weekly suppers will be coordinated by Claire Hackley on a part-time basis. Claire, who has worked in our café and in the kitchen side by side with Stan, will rely on volunteers to make these important offerings happen.

Regular worship schedule

On Sunday, September 11, we resume the regular worship schedule.

The Sunday Forum resumes September 18. The family ministry team will hold an open house that day to introduce plans for children and youth for the coming year.

8 a.m.: Holy Eucharist: Rite One* 9 a.m.: Holy Eucharist: Rite Two+ (in the main church* and in Palmer Hall) 10:10 a.m.: Sunday Forum and formation for children and youth+ (September 18) 11:15 a.m.: Holy Eucharist: Rite Two*+ 5:30 p.m.: Celtic Evensong and Communion*+ 8:00 p.m.: Sung Compline*

*Available via livestream +Child care available for ages 4 and under

Livestreamed services are available on our website, on YouTube, and on Facebook. Go to ststephensRVA.org/thissunday for links.

A simple way to make sure our membership database has your most current information

So we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another. –ROMANS 12:5

All are welcome at St. Stephen’s Church and invited to participate fully in the life of this community through worship, study, small groups, volunteer opportunities and so much more. Whether you are a member here or belong to another parish, are coming from another faith tradition, or you aren’t affiliated with any church at all, we hope that you fully experience the presence of God through your involvement here and that you are strengthened to share this experience with all whom you encounter in your daily life. While membership is certainly not a prerequisite for you to experience the richness of worship at St. Stephen’s nor to participate in our many offerings, we encourage you to join. Membership fosters a sense of belonging, of fellowship and of community. If you are here and have not let us know you’d like to be a member, we encourage you to consider it. The benefits of making yourself known to the staff include the following. • Our clergy and staff are able to know you better, to welcome you and to minister to you. This is especially important during a time of crisis. The clergy, staff and members of the community want to be there for you during difficult times, to attend to your spiritual needs and the needs of your family. • Knowing who our members are helps parish leaders plan well. Understanding the number of people we serve helps us plan worship, programs, and allocate resources wisely. • Membership helps you stay connected with your parish and helps your parish stay connected with you. Providing your contact information is important so that you receive timely updates via email, postal mail, phone calls, etc. • Membership helps us keep track of your financial contributions so that we can keep you informed for tax purposes. • Members are able to use parish facilities for weddings, funerals and other occasions. To our registered members, please take a few moments to update the information we have for you. Help us ensure that the membership records of all in your household are accurate by taking a few minutes to complete a membership update, ststephensRVA.org/ member-update. We will make the appropriate changes and ask that you submit this form any time there is a change to your family status or contact information, such as: • Following a life event: marriage, divorce, blended families, births, adult children establishing their own household, a death in the family. • A change of phone number; for example, you move, or you disconnect a landline to use a mobile phone exclusively. • A move to new home. • A change of email address (as could happen, for example, if you use a work email address and your employment status changes). Whether you are an official member or not, we are grateful that St. Stephen’s is a step on your spiritual journey. Thank you for enriching the lives of all whom you meet along the way through your faithful witness to God’s presence.

By Mary Feldman

Kitty Ball (left), Michelle Carter (right)

Front office changes

Michelle Carter, who joined the staff in March on a part-time basis, has been promoted to the role of ministry coordinator, a full-time position, in which she is carrying out many of the duties formerly assigned to Liz Bartenstein, who left over the summer. Michelle and Liz worked closely to ensure a smooth transition.

Michelle 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.

Since she arrived in the front office, Michelle has not only been performing administrative duties and assisting parishioners in person and on the phone, but she has also helped keep the Web site up to date and assisted with email newsletters and other tasks. She is also now the primary staff member for Ministry Scheduler, the program we use for coordinating volunteers who serve in our Sunday services.

Kitty Ball has joined our front office team to fill Michelle’s former part-time role. Kitty is a native Richmonder and proud graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University. She has a background in events and legal marketing. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., you’ll see Kitty at the desk that used to be occupied by Michelle. Welcome, Kitty!