Seasons of the Spirit: Advent-Christmas-Epiphany 2019

SPIRIT 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

ADVENT/CHRISTMAS/EPIPHANY | WINTER 2019

We are all mothers of God

T

in the world, and in each other, maybe this ineffable surge e experience is our soul’s way of saying, “Yes! Finally! THIS is your true life. THIS is who you are. Pay attention to this.”

he conservative columnist with the Wall Street Journal, Peggy Noonan, wrote an interesting article recently that got my attention. She said that she had been preparing “a rather stern column about the mess in Washington,” but that she had been swept up by the bipartisan tribute to Democratic Congressman Elijah Cummings, whose body lay in state at the Capitol.

Noonan watched, she said, as one legislator after another, Republican and Democrat, spoke movingly about Rep. Cummings.

The e is a field of study in eligion called “the historical Jesus” that captivated me for decades. The reek New Testament, ancient textual fragments, early rabbinical and Christian commentaries … it all still interests me. Somewhat.

By Gary D. Jones

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell spoke with feeling about how Cummings came to Washington not to be a big man but to do big things. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer noted, “His voice could stir the most cynical of hearts.” And Republican Representative Mark Meadows read from the Bible, “In my father’s house are many mansions…” and allowed that this lovely man from Baltimore was now in a wonderful new home.

Then eggy Noonan wrote the line that arrested me: “What was poignant was how much the speakers enjoyed being their best selves.”

Of course they did. Don’t we all enjoy being our best selves? And isn’t it a refreshing reminder that our soul, our best self, our true life, the Christ within, is always there, just waiting patiently for us to return?

Although she had been poised to write another “stern column about the mess in Washington,” seeing these political figu es return to their souls, their “best selves,” caused Noonan to remember the day she was introduced to Elijah Cummings fi e or so years ago.

One can imagine: an outspoken, conservative, white, Republican woman, meeting an outspoken, liberal, black Democratic man for the first time in our fraught and divisive culture. And when they were introduced, Noonan said she went to shake his hand, but Elijah Cummings would have none of that. Instead, he enveloped her in a big hug.

Then, oonan said, “It seemed important to the two of us, in one of those nice moments that sometimes happen, that we show a mutual appreciation for who the other was. We did, and held hands.”

They held hands Clear-eyed Peggy Noonan found herself caught off gua d by the memory. “I just found to my shock,” she wrote, “that remembering this leaves me a little choked.”

Of course it does. And anytime we are getting “a little choked” in this way, we should pay attention. Because maybe this is how our souls express themselves in us—not with mere thoughts or emotions, but with a surge beyond all thought and feeling. Maybe when we are a little choked, as we remember the deep down goodness we felt when we held hands and affirmed what was beautiful and goo

But at a certain point, I became less fascinated by studying so voraciously the historical Jesus, and I became more enthralled by listening attentively for the living Christ today—a lifelong project in which I’ll always feel like a beginner, but a project that from time to time leads to a surprising surge that I wouldn’t trade for anything, times when I feel a little choked, times when I sense that the Christ in you is waking and stirring to life again the Christ in me.

Meister Eckhart said in the 14th century, “What good is it to me that Mary gave birth to the son of God fourteen hundred years ago, and I do not also give birth to the Son of God in my time and in my culture? We are all meant to be mothers of God. God is always needing to be born.”

As Mister Rogers liked to say in our own day, at commencement speeches at some of our nation’s most prestigious universities, “From the time you were very little, you’ve had people who smiled you into smiling, people who have talked you into talking, sung you into singing, loved you into loving…. Let’s just take some time to think of those extra special people. Some of them may be right here. Some may be far away.

Some may even be in heaven. No matter where they are, deep down you know that they have always wanted what was best for you. They ha e always loved you beyond measure and have encouraged you to be true to the best within you.”

And then Mister Rogers would time a minute of silence, so that everyone could remember. Try it yourself now.

That feeling? t is your soul waking. It is Christ being born again in you. ✤

In this issue

Baby Jesus is real ........................................................................2 Enrich your Advent ....................................................................3 A Christmas shop for our East End neighbors...........................5 Youth can take a break and help others..................................6 Pantry client becomes pantry volunteer ...................................7 International outreach focus shifts ............................................. 7 Seasonal events ......................................................................8, 9 Engaging with Scripture .........................................................10 Sun Ho Nuon honored with portrait.......................................11 Come inside for our year-round market ................................12 Core values emerge from ‘visioning’ process ............................14

It is real

Briget Ganske

Pageantry, tradition, and God in the flesh

T

wo Decembers ago I was on maternity leave with my newborn son, missing my work at St. Stephen’s Church but loving time at home with my first and only son. efore his birth, I had agreed, naively, that the church could “borrow” him for the children’s Christmas pageant; they needed a live Baby Jesus and my due date in mid-November would make him a perfect candidate to play the Christ child.

By Allison Seay One thing I did not realize when I said yes was that I would not get to be Mary, the mother of Jesus, in the pageant; instead the Virgin Mary would be played by a very sweet, very young girl. A 4th-grade, 10-year-old Mary charged with holding my perfect, brand new, very breakable fi e-week-old son. And I—a wreck of a new mother who had not slept more than three hours at a time in over a month, who was neurotic even before I’d had a child and who, as much as I love St. Stephen’s and appreciate from a safe distance the ebullience and joy of the children’s pageant—wanted nothing more than to cancel. Couldn’t they just use a doll instead? Or make someone else’s baby be Jesus?

My son Ezra was not an easy child—not a giggly, sleepy, easy-going baby. Especially as an infant, he was serious if not a little mad most of the time, didn’t sleep, and could go from 0 to 10 in a second, screaming his little blonde head off so ha d his perfect little lips turned purple.

I wanted to explain to the pageant people that they could likely find a mo e laidback Christ child, not to mention a more relaxed mother.

But something kept me from backing out. I can’t say what; maybe something as simple as wanting to one day tell my son, or use it as some emotional leverage, that he in fact, for his very first Christmas on ea th, after long labor and a difficult b th, he in fact had been Jesus himself and he’d better live his life accordingly.

So I braced myself, said yes, and we made it through. I was seated nearby, my gaze fi ed firmly on little ary and whenever she and I made eye contact she’d smile lovingly as if to reassure me that she had this under control while I waited the longest 30 minutes of my life, so tired I could hardly see, sweating bullets, and trying to mouth some gentle instruction, like, “He really loves it when you support his neck.”

Oh, but she was perfect. And so was Ezra. He didn’t make a peep. He slept soundly in her arms, still as a statue, so still several of the children around him—dressed

2

as baby sheep and baby angels, some toddler-sized shepherds—whispered to one another: “Is it even real?”

I couldn’t tell them at the time what I wish I’d said: Oh, he’s real, all right! Very real indeed. It has taken me all his life to realize just how real and what it even means for me to say so.

The next Christmas, in the same space, both t. Stephen’s Christmas pageants (for children and youth) happened again, as they have for decades, and there was a new Jesus, a new Mary, new angels and shepherds and sheep. A new new mother watching anxiously as the ancient narrative unfolded again, her baby now at the center of this whole production that on one hand is but a thinly veiled chaos. On the other hand, though, something profound is taking place that I think I could not see before.

What I have realized is that there is much more than sweetness and noise to such pageantry, to its role playing and costumes year to year. It’s more than sweetness, and it’s more than tradition; it is bigger than anything I had first thought It is embodiment.

It struck me: these children are not just pretending to be holy figu es and holy creatures, though they may think it is that simple; they are not just characters in a theater living out a story we already know; rather, they are embodying the sacred itself.

The pageant—e en when chaotic, even when some mischievous cherubs go dancing down the aisle—the pageant reminds us that they are, that we are the very miracle unfolding. It is real. My son was not just playing the part of the Christ child, but he was—he is—the very make-up of God in the flesh It was not always this clear to me: We all are Christ children. We’re not playing the people of God; we are the people of God. Of course, I will tell the story of my son as Jesus forever. Because it was funny and tender and those early days of new-motherhood trauma feel far enough away that I can laugh a little. But I like to think I will live the story forever too. It is the story, more than 2,000 years old, that endures year to year, age to age, generation to generation: a baby is being born and it’s going to change everything.

Ezra’s third Christmas is coming, but in many ways it feels like the very first Something’s clearer now—and if I could, I would go back in time to those children huddled around him whispering to one another: “Is it real?” And this time I would answer them aloud and say with every ounce of my being: Yes, it is real. All of this is very real indeed. ✤ SEASONS OF THE SPIRIT

Advent and the Prince of Peace

For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.-ISAIAH 9:6

D

uring the four-week season of preparation we know as Advent, many of us focus on physical preparations of Christmas—decorating our homes, buying Christmas gifts, baking, sending cards. Advent, however, is a time of internal preparation, readying our hearts to welcome and receive God incarnate, Jesus Christ, to remember God’s love for us.

“Prince of Peace” is one of the names given to Jesus, the Child who was born and the Son who was given to us. In the midst of the hustle and bustle, the Prince of Peace calls us to himself, so that we can experience his peace. How do we do this?

By keeping our hearts and minds focused on God. Make the decision to be at peace. We may think that because we are consumed with the stresses and anxieties of our daily lives, we cannot experience this peace. Yet Jesus extends it to all.

Four Advent themes invite us to ponder this holy seaBy Betsy Tyson son: hope, peace, joy, and love. Some find it helpful to stay present to the internal preparation for Advent by exploring one of these themes each week. I want to draw your attention to the theme of peace and how it is relevant to our well-being, not just during Advent, but year-round.

Advent can be a peaceful season when we intentionally examine our hearts to prepare for the coming of Christ. But for many, it can be a time of increased worry, stress, and anxiety. As parents, we feel the pressures to create the perfect Christmas for our family, with beautifully decorated homes, enough gifts for our children, and meeting the expectations of extended family. For others it can be a difficult eminder of painful family histories as some are navigating grief, pain, or sickness. The co cept of peace can be very challenging to wrap our hearts and minds around during this time of year. One can easily ask, where is the peace in all of Advent? How can we receive into our own lives the coming of the Prince of Peace?

“Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7) By giving thanks and praying to God, we can let go of our worries and trust that God will take these burdens so that we can have peace. This gift of peace is not dependent on people or ci cumstances or our own merit. It is readily available for all. We simply need to give thanks to God and ask for what we need.

Advent can be full of activities that draw us away from God. Our busyness can become a badge of honor. “I’m so busy!” We need a gentle reminder that God wants us to “Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10) During Advent, we are invited to be still so that we can know God’s presence. When we slow down, catch our breath, and still our hearts, we can know this peace from Jesus.

As you prepare yourself to receive the gift of Jesus Christ at Christmas, what stresses or anxieties, what situations or relationships cry out in need to the Prince of Peace? Lift these to the Holy Spirit and ask for Jesus’ peace. ✤

Enrich your Advent Resources for the season at St. Stephen’s. Reflections on the aily Offic Lectionary (the Scripture passages assigned for each day of the week) or some spiritual insight or experience related to this season of preparation for the Incarnation, arrive in each subscriber’s email inbox every day of Advent. The email subscription is free and is open to all, not just parishioners. If you are not already receiving them, you may sign up at ststephensRVA.org/email.

ADVENT CALENDARS AND BOOKS Traditional Advent calendars are available in the May Fair House. The Bookshop @ t. Stephen’s (now located in the Palmer Hall Annex) will have books for Advent reading, including devotional and theological classics.

The Advent Fair takes place December 1 at 10 a.m. in Room 14.

S

t. Stephen’s will offer a number of experiences and resources to help you experience Advent as something much deeper and more meaningful than a “countdown to Christmas.” The e’s something here for every age, and for those who want to take part in an activity with others, or who seek something they can use at home on their own.

REFLECTION AND STUDY: Advent retreat On Saturday, November 30, Father Martin Laird will lead an Advent retreat from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.

Prepare for this reflecti e season during a one-day retreat with this priest and professor known for his writing and teaching on the gifts of contemplation.

“A Sunrise of Wonder” is the title of Fr. Martin’s retreat. Its purpose is to provide those who practice contemplation the time and space to deepen their practice. By sitting together in supportive silence at intervals throughout the course of the day, we deepen our contemplative practice by releasing ever more generously into it. By not attending to the powerful habits of our own inner noise that sustain the illusion of separation from God and create so much suffering, these habits gradually lose their gripping power. Fr. Martin will help us consider some of S A I N T S T E P H E N ’ S E P I S C O PA L C H U R C H

the great stumbling blocks on the contemplative path: the noise of inner chatter; afflict e thoughts; judging our practice; trying too hard to make something “spiritual” happen; turning ourselves into our pet contemplative project; and the spirituality marketplace.

The suggested donation is $25 for the etreat, and $7 for lunch. You may sign up in the parish office or a ststephensRVA.org/retreats.

AN ALL-AGES ADVENT FAIR Make your own Advent wreath during our Advent Fair on Sunday, December 1 in Room 14, at 10 a.m. Kits with wreath forms, candle holders and candles will be available for a suggested donation of $12. If you have evergreen trees or shrubs in your yard, please bring some cuttings for yourself and some to share. (If you can bring them the day before, in a pail of water, even better.) Other Advent resources will be available at the fair, and one of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd atria will be open for those who’d like to take part in the Advent presentations offe ed in that program. The e will be no Sunday school that day, although the Sunday Forum will take place in the Fellowship Hall. ✤

Fr. Martin will also speak in the Sunday Forum on December 1 about the effects of social media on young people and how to heal those effects Annunciation and the birth of Jesus Bruce Birdsey will offer a class about the Annunciation and the birth of Jesus on three Mondays, December 2, 9, and 16, 7-8 p.m. Many of us carry an idealized conglomeration of the two gospel accounts of these events. This class will help untangle them, providing historical and cultural context for the varied approaches (see page 10).

Advent Meditations Daily Advent meditations have become a muchappreciated and anticipated feature of the season

ADVENT/CHRISTMAS/EPIPHANY | WINTER 2019

The Annunciation by Fra Bartelemeo

3

Josh Rockett

Members of the youth Confirmation class harvested produce at Shalom Farms in September.

Ninth graders are learning and serving as they prepare for Confirmation

By Allison Seay

T

his year’s youth confirmation class consists of 30 ninth graders who ha e committed to attend church regularly as well as to take part in other offerings such as unday morning formation and volunteer opportunities.

Among the expectations for these young people is to attend four evening seminars over the course of the program year and to take part in service projects arranged especially for this group.

In September, 26 of those 9th graders attended a day of service at Shalom Farms—a 12-acre property in Midlothian—with Josh Rockett, Chris Holman, Ken Dibble and me. The g oup not only toured the farm and hoop-houses, harvested tomatoes, and pulled weeds, but also heard presentations by the farmers-in-residence about the vital work the organization does to provide fresh produce to thousands of people in communities across the Richmond area.

“Shalom” is a Hebrew word meaning peace or wholeness, and Shalom Farms’ mission is to work toward supporting the health and wholeness of communities, recognizing the need for broader food justice work and strengthening partnerships with other organizations committed to finding ealistic and affo dable ways of living healthier lives.

St. Stephen, the martyr mentioned in the Book of the Acts of the Apostles, the deacon for whom our church is named, assisted the apostles in the work the church

traditionally considers to be the work and ministry of a deacon, giving to anyone in need, caring for the outcast and marginalized, and serving others in the name of Christ. In light of the larger food ministries at St. Stephen’s Church, this day of service was particularly relevant and meaningful. The g oup will return to Shalom Farms in April as their Confirmation da , May 17, draws near.

Confirmands, along with their mentors and other parishioners, attended the first four formal presentations October 16 when Michael Sweeney returned to address the group on Holy Baptism. Michael was for many years the director of family ministries here and is now in his second year at Virginia Theological eminary.

The next p esentation, in which the Rev. Whitney Edwards spoke on prayer, was a compelling and affirming gathering not only for those discerning a des e to be confirmed, but for all who a e interested in strengthening, renewing, and upholding their own commitments to a life of faith. The chaplain at t. Christopher’s School, Episcopal priest, and St. Catherine’s alumna spoke on November 20. Dates for the remaining presentations are Wednesday, January 29, and Wednesday, March 25, both at 6:30 p.m. All are welcome to attend, not just confirmands Each confirmand has been thoughtfully pai ed with a member of the parish who has felt called to serve as a mentor. Mentors are not teachers, but co-wonderers and companions for this young generation of Christians as they consider and claim the gift of their Baptism and assume the new responsibilities of their confirmation. ✤

How children (and adults) learn to listen “Why aren’t you listening to me?”

“Please listen to me!”

“If only you had listened to me.”

A

dults say these things to children all the time.

We want children to listen to us. But how do they learn to do it?

Learning to listen is not necessarily part of the curBy Jan Locher riculum in our educational systems; however, educators expect their students to pay attention from the moment they walk into the classroom. Parents expect children to follow directions. But before a student or child can learn to follow directions, they must learn to listen.

Listening requires focus, concentration, and for some, plenty of effo t. Listening means giving your attention to a sound, a voice, a spoken word. After taking in what we have heard, we process the information. Ideally, this takes just seconds, but if the recipient is not receiving (listening) then the message stops.

How can we guide our youngest children to master the skill of listening?

The oungest learners at St. Stephen’s Church can be found in our St. Stephen’s Preschool on weekdays, and in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd on Sunday mornings as

4

well as weekdays, since we offer this p ogram in our preschool. In both places, we play a game we call the “Quiet Game” or the “Silence Game.” First, the children quiet their bodies, sit still, close their eyes and listen to the sounds around them. After a few minutes, the group takes turns sharing what they heard during the moments of quiet, sounds that might be distant or close by. As young children learn to listen for these distinct sounds, both far and near, they train their ears to tune in and listen with more focus and precision. As they continue to practice, listening with this acute focus becomes a more natural habit. Children can become better listeners from this simple activity. Research shows that children need to learn to listen before they can embark on breaking down sounds down into phonemes, which leads to decoding text when young people learn to read (Phonemic Awareness in Young Children, Adams).

The benefits do not stop with listening with their ears. Chil en at St. Stephen’s learn to quiet their bodies, and to make space in which they can experience greater closeness with God. Adults who work with young children in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd at St. Stephen’s believe that children seem to have a trained ear to listen for and hear God in their hearts.

Maybe the “Quiet Game” is a way for all of us to learn to listen more intentionally to those around us, and to God. ✤ Jan Locher is director of St. Stephen’s Preschool and a catechist in our Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program. She previously taught in the preschool and at Maybeury Elementary School, and served as lead catechist here.

SEASONS OF THE SPIRIT

St. Stephen’s Church is…

A VILLAGE GREEN

A VILLAGE GREEN: an inviting place of welcome for all A NEW ABBEY: a community nurturing and preserving ancient treasures for a new age A HEALING COMMUNITY: a place that provides healing for its members and extends its reach throughout the world These a e some of the ways we think of the ministries of St. Stephen’s Church as we carry out God’s call.

A VILLAGE GREEN European towns and cities have a central square or plaza where people gather throughout the day: children play, parents connect, neighbors greet each other, and all sorts and conditions of people gather simply to be with others. In this country, many Colonial-era churches served a similar purpose. “Parishes” and their clergy considered everyone in their area a “member” of the parish, even if they were not churchgoers. From our café to our farmers market, recovery groups to a community-wide preschool, yoga classes to the May Fair House, St. Stephen’s works to provide “village green” space for all people, giving time, attention, and effo t to making all people feel welcome here, whatever your religious or spiritual background might be, and even if you have none. Just because you are a human being–in our view, a child of God, an equally beloved sibling–you belong. What could be more important in the 21st century?

A NEW ABBEY In the early middle ages, after the fall of the Roman Empire and the invasion of “barbarian” tribes, much of Christianity, classical learning, and ancient wisdom

Christ has no body now but yours. No hands, no feet on earth but yours. Yours are the eyes through which he looks compassion on this world. Yours are the feet with which he walks to do good. Yours are the hands through which he blesses all the world. TERESA OF AVILA was preserved by prayerful people in monastic communities or abbeys. This wa a time in history that some still call “the Dark Ages.” During this period, abbeys served as pockets of light, patiently preserving traditions and worship practices, as well as Scripture, philosophy, and literature, for future generations like ours.

Abbeys also served as centers of hospitality during the middle ages. Pilgrims would be welcomed, fed, and cared for, as if they were Christ himself. In a time of uncertainty, fear, and doubt, a time when traditional institutions were failing, abbeys in the middle ages were embracing centers of light and life. As a “New

A NEW ABBEY A HEALING COMMUNITY Abbey,” St. Stephen’s is focused on things that will endure from age to age, as a thriving center of hospitality, as a place that receives all who come to us as if they were Christ himself.

A HEALING COMMUNITY Jesus was known in his day for many things. He was considered a prophet, a rabbi, a teacher of wisdom, and the leader of a social movement. But he was known far and wide as a healer. As individuals and as a church community, we at St. Stephen’s seek to incarnate the one who binds, heals, and nurtures, especially where forces in our society tear, wound, or divide.

BE A PLEDGING MEMBER As of November 14, over 575 people had become pledging members of St. Stephen’s Church for 2020, with about half of those increasing their pledge from the previous year. We are thrilled to be ahead of where we were this time last year.

Thank ou!

Pledging members make our ministry possible. Since we do not have a large endowment, over 90 percent of what we do is made possible by generous pledging members like you. We’re hoping to have 1,000 pledging members for 2020 to support our ministries, effo ts that bring so much good to people in Richmond and beyond.

We are interviewing impressive candidates for the position of youth minister at St. Stephen’s. We have a fabulous new director of music and a thriving, renewed music ministry for all ages. And we have some of the kindest, most committed, and hardest working staff one will find anywh e. Become a pledging member and keep our thriving, community-building ministry strong.

Pledge cards are available throughout the parish house and at the doors of the church. You can also pledge online at ststephensRVA.org/pledge, or use the free St. Stephen’s app available in the App Store and on Google Play. ✤

New Christmas ‘store’ will open at Fairfield this December St. Stephen’s Christmas gift ministry for East End families is being reimagined this year as a holiday “store.” The Angel Tree” we’ve offe ed for many years matched a youngster or family, identified through our outreach partners, with parishioners who wished to purchase gifts for them based on wish lists. The n w arrangement provides an opportunity for East End parents to “shop,” making their own selections for their children. Instead of being handed a bag of gifts preselected for their family, parents will be able to choose clothing, books, games, and toys based on their knowledge of their children’s needs, abilities, and interests. Like the grocery store approach to our food pantry, this arrangement offers a measu e of dignity to each family, allows parents to make their own decisions, and permits us to serve them more effecti ely. The sto e will be set up for one day during the third week of December at Fairfield Cou t Elementary School, where parents will be able to come in to make their selections.

Like the grocery store approach to our food pantry, this arrangement offers a measure of dignity to each family, allows parents to make their own decisions, and permits us to serve them more effectively.

We will still need your involvement and support! You can purchase items to stock the Christmas store using a list of needed items such as jeans, leggings, tops, shirts, games, and toys. Online sign-up, as well as in-person sign-up, will be available along with instructions and assistance from our volunteers and staff. You’ll purchase the items you agree to furnish, and bring them to St. Stephen’s, unwrapped, by December 15.

We will also need volunteers to help at the store at Fairfield School Details will be available in the Spirit, eSpirit, on our Web site, and at the outreach table in the parish house.

If you’d like to volunteer, or you have any questions about this new offering, please contact Lawrence in the church office, 804.288.2867 o dlawrence@ststephensRVA.org ✤

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

MISSIONARIES FROM ARGENTINA VISIT Monica Vega and Heidi Schmidt made one of their regular visits to St. Stephen’s, their sponsoring parish, in September. This time they brought with them their brother, friend and colleague, Padre Fernando Ortiz. Monica, Heidi, and Fernando spoke at a special gathering following the Celtic service and the Sunday Community Supper on September 8, and attended the Bluegrass Bash the following Friday. On Sunday, September 15, they spoke with Gary Jones in the Sunday Forum, after which we snapped this photo before they departed for the next stop on their trip– Fernando’s first time in the United States!

eb

ADVENT/CHRISTMAS/EPIPHANY | WINTER 2019

5

Josh Rockett

Take a break from the routine

High school students from St. Stephen’s have been going to Fairfield Court Elementary School on Wednesdays to participate in an after-school mentoring program.

L

ast fall, St. Stephen’s began offering egular after-school opportunities for senior high youth to take a break from their school, extracurricular and sports routines to enjoy fellowship with each other while serving others.

We know that students this age have numerous demands on their time, and may not be able to take part in these activities every week. But even a small or occasional visit can make a big impact—on the student and on those he or she is serving.

These offerings will continue into the w year. Just send an email to Josh Rockett to let him know you’re coming, jrockett@ststephensRVA.org.

FEEDING THE HUNGRY 1st and 3rd Tuesdays, 3:45-6:00 p.m.

On the first and thi d Tuesdays of each month, senior high youth can reserve a spot to join other parishioners in helping our partners at St. Peter’s Church in Richmond’s East End, as they prepare for food distribution in that neighborhood.

On the Wednesdays following, St. Peter’s provides essential groceries for over 150 neighbors, and these Tuesday afternoons are our opportunity to help them prepare.

Youth will meet Josh in our café at 3:45, and they can reserve their preferred snacks or smoothie ahead of time. We’ll have everything ready for the youth to board the church bus and head down to St. Peter’s to pitch in. We’ll be back no later than 6:00, refreshed ourselves and renewed by our time of service and fellowship together.

Winter/Spring Dates January 7 January 21 February 4 February 18 March 3 March 17 April 7 April 21 May 5 May 19 6

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

Two Wednesdays each month, senior high youth can reserve a spot to join in a well-organized tutoring and mentoring program with 2nd-5th graders from Fairfiel Court Elementary School, under the direction of professional teachers. We meet in the Café @ St. Stephen’s to pick up snacks and then head to Fairfield Cou t in the church van. We’ll enjoy each other’s company and then help as we are needed with individual children or small groups, assisting with homework or other individual needs, as directed by the teachers. The eter Paul Development Center hires the teachers who lead this outstanding after-school care, and they are prepared for us by the time we arrive. This is an e cellent way to encourage children who need extra help, build their confidence, and help them succeed in school

Winter/Spring Dates January 15 January 29 February 12 February 26 March 11 March 25 April 8 April 22 May 13 May 27 In addition to these weekday, after-school offerings, senior high students can tak part in a monthly gathering, called “First Sundays,” with Josh Rockett. From 4:30 until 7 p.m. (or whatever portion you can attend), we invite you to put down the books for a little while and come to church to catch up with each other. You’ll participate in a small act of service planned by Josh, then worship together at the Celtic service, and attend the community supper together afterwards. Step out of the weekly demands in order to be more present to God and each other, supporting each other and serving our community at the same time. No RSVP is needed for this activity; just meet in our food pantry/grocery store at 4:30 p.m. ✤ SEASONS OF THE SPIRIT

Pantry client becomes an example of hospitality in our ‘village green’

By Josh Rockett and Sarah Bartenstein

The t uth, however, is that all of our ministries, including those in outreach, are characterized by mutuality. All of us are at times giving of our time and treasure.

At times, we are the ones who have received the gifts.

A volunteer in our weekly food pantry/grocery store distribution provides an example.

Meet Margie. She first visited t. Stephen’s Church’s food pantry three years ago when she needed assistance to feed the folks in her household. She brought family members here, as well. Margie had been to other food pantries and knew there was something special about the one at St. Stephen’s Church. She found the warm welcome and the way our volunteers treated visitors with respect compelling. In fact, last summer Margie asked if she could volunteer in this ministry. During one busy Monday afternoon, we were low on volunteers. Margie said, “I’ll take care of signing people in. Don’t worry about it!” She sat down at the sign-in table and has been there every Monday afternoon since.

International outreach committee discerns new call Focus shifts from Dominican Republic—a great success story—to Puerto Rico

It has been nearly 20 years since parishioners from St. Stephen’s Church made the first trip to th Dominican Republic, traveling to the town of Boca Chica, just east of the capital city of Santo Domingo.

Teams of missioners traveled yearly—sometimes twice a year—to Boca Chica for construction projects, installing

By Deb Lawrence plumbing fixtu es, painting, and building closets, shelves and cabinets for San Jose Episcopal School, and later, a home for the elderly. St. Stephen’s volunteers also constructed a playground for the school. The annual medica missions began in Boca Chica and hundreds of patients received attention on each trip from medical and dental professionals.

In 2007, in consultation with the Bishop of the Dominican Republic, we shifted our focus to a city west of Santo Domingo called Azua, partnering with the congregations of La Iglesia Episcopal de la Reconciliación and San Jorge. Working with our new friends in Azua, St. Stephen’s missioners helped build a church for Reconciliación, constructed houses and latrines, and continued the important medical and dental clinics. In addition, senior high youth from St. Stephen’s conducted Vacation Bible School for children of the church and community.

Much good work has taken place in Boca Chica and Azua, with the construction of buildings for both young and old and worship spaces for everyone. We have seen the dental and medical health of the community members improve dramatically thanks in large part to the good work of our medical teams. With the help of our Dominican friends and their diocese, we have done what we set out to do. We have treasured our friendships and partnerships in the Dominican Republic and we will continue to carry them in our hearts.

With the improvements our work has helped introduce, it is now time to turn our attention to areas that are desperate for our help, just as Boca Chica and Azua were years ago. St. Stephen’s international outreach committee, in conjunction with the national outreach committee, is exploring a new joint initiative to serve the people of Puerto Rico.

Most of Puerto Rico was devastated by Hurricane Maria in 2017 and it will take years for the island to recover. Th ee thousand people lost their lives and thousands more were left homeless.

A new St. Stephen’s ministry in Puerto Rico would provide an opportunity for national and international outreach to come together. Though the island is verseas, it is of course a U.S. territory. And our national outreach effo ts have focused on disaster recovery and rebuilding effo ts more over 10 years and has acquired a good deal of experience and expertise.

We are working with the Episcopal Diocese of Puerto Rico to evaluate the situation and plan next steps Stay tuned for additional information in the Spirit and eSpirit as plans develop. If you are interested in this initiative or have questions, please contact Deb Lawrence in the church office dlawrence@ststephensRVA.org. ✤ S A I N T S T E P H E N ’ S E P I S C O PA L C H U R C H

Margie is very involved in the community, including with local Scout troops.

“I just like to help people…. I really like the people at this church and this pantry and wanted to help out.”

She’s also a big fan of Deb Lawrence, our director of outreach. “I love Deb. She’s the one that keeps me going. She is nice and has so much energy!”

Now Margie is present every week, welcoming those coming to our “grocery store” and supporting other volunteers.

On the first and thi d Tuesday of every Margie in the pantry month, Margie also joins others from this church as they volunteer at the food pantry at St. Peter’s Church. She continues to receive some assistance from our pantry (though not as much as she needed in the past), and is glad to be able to demonstrate her gratitude.

Margie has become part of the “Village Green” at St. Stephen’s Church, offerin hospitality and showing that this is a place where all people belong. We are grateful for Margie and all she does for our food ministry. If you’re here on Monday afternoon between 1 and 3 p.m., be sure you say hello to her. ✤

National outreach ministry offers new way for everyone to take part

F

or more than a decade, St. Stephen’s national outreach work has focused on responding to communities reeling from natural disasters. From the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans and the Gulf Coast of Mississippi to our most recent trip to New Bern, North Carolina, after Hurricane Florence, we have gained insights into how to respond in the most helpful ways when disaster strikes. Sometimes people are so eager to help those whose lives have been turned upside down, we end up doing things that are not particularly helpful.

It’s important to assess not only what is needed, but when it is needed. And it’s important to remember that if we send things to a disaster area (rather than funds), unless they are the things that are truly needed at that point, we are simply putting more stress on an already stressful situation—forcing those who are trying to assess, clean up and rebuild to divert attention and resources to receiving, storing, and dispersing the things we’ve sent.

Likewise, sending volunteers into an affected a ea immediately after a disaster may or may not be what is needed most. Sometimes, as much as we want to help, we simply are in the way, or we’re using resources that others need more.

And some of us want to help, but we don’t know what to do.

Fortunately, our volunteers and staff keep learning with each n w experience.

While in New Bern recently, our group discovered a fi e-gallon bucket sitting in the corner of a house. It contained an encouraging note, a flashlight, toilet pape , water, and other essential items. An organization had donated these buckets to homeowners soon after the hurricane. The contents of th buckets provided families with basic items to help survive the tenuous time just after a disaster. We learned that these buckets have proven helpful, and we researched what supplies are most needed.

Soon, St. Stephen’s parishioners will begin assembling our own version of the buckets, ready for distribution when needed. Not only will they be useful to the recipients, but assembling them will provide a way for everyone to take part in effo ts, no matter their age relief efforts, or their ability to travel to an area to provide hands-on assistance.

Stay tuned to the Spirit and eSpirit for word about how you can be part of this new “bucket brigade.” ✤

ADVENT/CHRISTMAS/EPIPHANY | WINTER 2019

7

Sarah Bartenstein

P

arishioners at St. Stephen’s Church are known for their generosity of spirit, eager to share the blessings God has given them. In addition to making annual pledges to our church’s ministry, the members of this community donate fresh fruit to our fruit ministry and shelf-stable food to our pantry, and give their time as mentors at East End schools, as volunteers in our food ministry, and as participants in our post-disaster clean-up teams. So many of us have all that we need and it’s easy to think of ourselves as the ones who are always giving, and others as being on the receiving end of that generosity.

Advent, Christmas, Epiphany at St. Stephen’s *indicates child care available, ages 4 and under Daily Morning Prayer and Evensong Each weekday at St. Stephen’s we offer orning Prayer and Communion at 8:10 a.m., and a simple service of Evening Prayer at 5:30 p.m. Both services are brief and take place in the main church. Evensong is led by the Virginia Girls Choir on Wednesdays. If the Daily Office is not a eady a part of your spiritual practice, Advent, Christmas or Epiphany may be an especially appropriate time to try it.

Saturday, November 30 9 a.m.-noon–Farmers Market (outdoors) 9 a.m.-3 p.m.–Advent Quiet Day with Fr. Martin Laird 5:30 p.m.–Holy Eucharist: Rite Two in Palmer Hall Chapel Sunday, December 1–Advent I 8 a.m.–Holy Eucharist: Rite One 9 a.m.–Holy Eucharist: Rite Two, in main church and Palmer Hall Chapel* 10:10 a.m.–Advent Fair; Fr. Martin Laird in Sunday Forum 11:15 a.m.–Holy Eucharist: Rite Two* 5:30 p.m.–Celtic Service* 6:30 p.m.–Sunday Community Supper 8 p.m.–Compline Monday, December 2 7 p.m.–Holiday Memorial Service* Tuesday, December 3 11 a.m.–Women of St. Stephen’s Holiday Music Program and Luncheon Wednesday, December 4 5:30 p.m.–Evensong with Virginia Girls Choir 5:45-6:30 p.m.–Wonderful Wednesdays supper Saturday, December 7 9-11 a.m.–Second Saturdays Centering Prayer 9 a.m.-noon–Farmers Market in Fellowship Hall (first indoor ma ket day) 5:30 p.m.–Holy Eucharist: Rite Two in Palmer Hall Chapel Sunday, December 8–Advent II 8 a.m.–Holy Eucharist: Rite One 9 a.m.–Holy Eucharist: Rite Two, in main church and in Palmer Hall Chapel* 10:10 a.m.–Christian education for all ages* 11:15 a.m.–Holy Eucharist: Rite Two* 5:30 p.m.–Celtic Service* 5:30-8 p.m.–Grades 4-8, Tacky Lights Tour (sign up in advance) 6:30 p.m.–Sunday Community Supper 8 p.m.–Compline Wednesday, December 11 5:30 p.m.–Evensong with Virginia Girls Choir 5:45-6:30 p.m.–Wonderful Wednesdays supper (last one until January) Saturday, December 14 9 a.m.-noon–Farmers Market in Large Fellowship Hall Children, Youth and Family Christmas Caroling, 10 a.m. (sign up in advance) 5:30 p.m.–Holy Eucharist: Rite Two in Palmer Hall Chapel Sunday, December 15–Advent III 8 a.m.–Holy Eucharist: Rite One 9 a.m.–Holy Eucharist: Rite Two, in main church and Palmer Hall Chapel* 10:10 a.m.–Christian education for all ages* 11:15 a.m.–Holy Eucharist: Rite Two* 5:30 p.m.–Celtic Service* 6:30 p.m.– Sunday Community Supper 8 p.m.–Compline Sunday, December 16–Advent III 8 a.m.–Holy Eucharist: Rite One 9 a.m.–Holy Eucharist: Rite Two, in main church and Palmer Hall Chapel* 10:10 a.m.–Christian education for all ages* 11:15 a.m.–Holy Eucharist: Rite Two* 5:30 p.m.–Celtic Service* 6:30 p.m.– Sunday Community Supper 8 p.m.–Compline

8

Friday, December 20 Candlelight Winter Solstice Concert, 7:00 p.m. (see article, page 9) Saturday, December 21 9 a.m.-noon–Farmers Market (outdoors this week only) 3 p.m.—Children’s Pageant, main church (mandatory rehearsal at 1 p.m.)

5:30 p.m.–Holy Eucharist: Rite Two in Palmer Hall Chapel Sunday, December 22—Advent IV 8 a.m.–Holy Eucharist: Rite One 9 a.m.–Holy Eucharist: Rite Two, in the main church and Palmer Hall Chapel* 10:10 a.m.–Sunday school through grade 5 (no Forum, youth Sunday school)* 11:15 a.m.–Morning Prayer and Youth Pageant* 5:30 p.m.–Celtic Service* 6:30 p.m.–Sunday Community Supper 8 p.m.–Compline Tuesday, December 24—Christmas Eve All services in the main church with overfl w seating in Palmer Hall and Fellowship Hall 3 p.m.–Children’s Service: Holy Eucharist: Rite Two, music begins at 2:30 p.m.* 5 p.m.–Children’s Service: Holy Eucharist: Rite Two, music begins at 4:30 p.m.* 8 p.m.–Celtic Christmas Service; music begins at 6:30 p.m.* 11 p.m.–Traditional Christ Mass: Holy Eucharist: Rite One; music begins at 10:30 p.m.

Wednesday, December 25–Christmas Day Parish office clos 10:30 a.m.–Holy Eucharist: Rite Two in main church, with Sanctuary choir Thursda , December 26–Feast of St. Stephen Parish office clos Friday, December 27 Parish office clos Saturday, December 28 No Farmers Market 5:30 p.m.–Holy Eucharist: Rite Two in Palmer Hall Chapel Sunday, December 29–Christmas I 8 a.m.–Holy Eucharist: Rite One 9 a.m.–Holy Eucharist: Rite Two in main church and Palmer Hall Chapel* No Sunday school or Forum; childcare available for ages 4 and under, 10 a.m.-noon 11:15 a.m.–Lessons and Carols service* 5:30 p.m.–Celtic Service* 6:30 p.m.–Sunday Community Supper 8 p.m.–Compline Wednesday, January 1–The oly Name Parish office clos Saturday, January 4 9 a.m.-noon–Farmers Market (back indoors) 5:30 p.m.–Holy Eucharist: Rite Two in Palmer Hall Chapel Sunday, January 5–Christmas 2 8 a.m.–Holy Eucharist: Rite One 9 a.m.–Holy Eucharist: Rite Two* 10:10 a.m. –Christian education for all ages* 11:15 a.m.–Holy Eucharist: Rite Two* 5:30 p.m.–Celtic Service* 6:30 p.m.–Sunday Community Supper 8 p.m.–Compline Monday, January 6—the Epiphany Winter Covenant Period begins Wednesday, January 8 Wednesday supper and other Wednesday activities resume Sunday, January 12–The aptism of Our Lord/Epiphany 1 8 a.m.–Holy Eucharist: Rite One 9 a.m.–Holy Eucharist: Rite Two, in the main church and Palmer Hall Chapel (with Holy Baptism in Palmer Hall)* 10:10 a.m.–Christian education for all ages* 11:15 a.m.–Holy Baptism and Holy Eucharist: Rite Two* 5:30 p.m.–Celtic Service* 6:30 p.m.–Sunday Community Supper 8 p.m.–Compline ✤ SEASONS OF THE SPIRIT

Briget Ganske

Th ee great choirs, two exciting concerts

Christmas services at St. Stephen’s

I

n December 2017 we added a second Christmas Eve service for children and families to our schedule. The one e’d been offering for many ears had become so crowded, not everyone who wanted to attend could find a place to sit, even with overfl w seating. The 3 .m. and 5 p.m. services are identical and both include choirs and instrumentalists. If you loved the 4 p.m. service from 2016 or earlier, you’ll be right at home in either service.

The schedule for Christmas ve: • 3:00 p.m., Holy Eucharist: Rite Two, the “Family Service,” with members of St. Stephen’s choirs and instrumentalists • 5:00 p.m., Holy Eucharist: Rite Two, the “Family Service,” with children’s choirs (Cherub Choir, Palmer Hall Choir and Middle School Choir) and instrumentalists • 8:00 p.m., Celtic Christmas with Virginia Girls Choir and instrumentalists • 11:00 p.m., Traditional Christ Mass (Holy Eucharist: Rite One) with St. Stephen’s Choir and instrumentalists All Christmas Eve services take place in the main church, with overfl w seating available in Palmer Hall and the Fellowship Hall. A half-hour of special music precedes each service (so, 2:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.).

The Christmas ay service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, December 25, as usual. Sanctuary, the Compline choir, will sing.

The first unday of Christmas (Christmas I), December 29, will follow the usual Sunday schedule. The 9 a.m. se vice will be a simple, quiet, contemplative service with piano, special instrumentalists, cantor and beautiful Christmas music. At 11:15 a.m. we will have the traditional service of Lessons and Carols for which Episcopal and Anglican churches are known.

Saturday services (5:30 p.m.) take place as usual, as do Morning Prayer and Evensong, except on the weekdays the parish office is closed ecember 25-27 and January 1).

On Christmas Eve, there is Morning Prayer, but no Evening Prayer service. ✤

Provide a ministry of welcome at St. Stephen’s

M

ore than 3,000 people come through the doors of St. Stephen’s Church for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services. The g eeting they receive when they walk into the church or the parish house matters. Children arrive excited; parents may be frazzled; other people come with heavy or distracted hearts. Welcoming them with warmth and quiet joy may be just the calm they need in the midst of a harried life. For others, the hospitality they experience may provide their firs

By Claudia Merritt encounter with the love of Jesus.

Our ushers and greeters offer this minist y of welcome. Last year more than 50 people served as ushers and over 40 as greeters. This Christmas, e will need at least that many, and preferably more. Adults, children, youth, and families are all welcome. If you can help with the ministry of hospitality this Christmas, please contact me to serve as a greeter, cmerritt@ststephensrva.org; contact Chip Tompkins to serve as an usher, chiptompkins24@gmail.com. ✤ 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

Last December, St. Stephen’s held its first Winter Solstice Concert with Sanctuary (the Compline choir) and the Virginia Girls Choir. Just days before Christmas, on the longest night of the year, the church was packed with people who took time out during a season traditionally filled with errands and shoppin , cooking and parties, to sit in a candlelit church for an hour and listen to exquisite music about Advent, Christmas, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and winter.

We are delighted to offer a secon Winter Solstice Concert on Friday, December 20, at 7 p.m. Sanctuary and the Virginia Girls Choir will perform works by Peter Hallock, Josef Rheinberger, Henry Purcell, Eric Whitacre, Sven-David Sandström, Herbert Howells, Herbert Sumsion, and others.

Sanctuary is a mixed choir directed by Brent te Velde, our director of music. They sing the 30-minute Compline service each Sunday at 8 p.m., and occasionally sing at other special services. The choir formed in 2010 to sing for Compline which was originally envisioned as a special offering for our centennial ear. It became so popular that the service and the choir have continued. The choir ecorded a CD of music used in our Compline service, titled simply “Sanctuary.”

The Virginia Girls Choir is an auditioned choir of girls from grades 5 through 12 from throughout the community, also conducted by Brent te Velde. Founded in 2008, this accomplished choir recorded a Christmas CD, “An Unexpected Christmas,” and has performed on tour in the United States and England. The choir sings during Sunday morning worship and for special services, concerts and recordings. In addition, this choir sings for Choral Evensong on Wednesdays during the school year.

Later this winter, St. Stephen’s Choir and instrumentalists will present a Masterworks Concert featuring the Duruflé equiem and other works by Maurice Duruflé. This conc t, conducted by Chris Edwards, takes place Friday, February 7 at 7 p.m.

St. Stephen’s Choir is our outstanding parish choir, composed of professional and volunteer singers. This choir has pe formed in concerts in our Masterworks series, as well in joint concerts and services with two other fine Richmond choirs, those of St. James’s and St. Paul’s Episcopal churches. St. Stephen’s Choir is featured on our Lessons and Carols recording, broadcast on WCVE radio and available on CD in the Bookshop @ St. Stephen’s.

Both concerts not only showcase our excellent choirs and other musicians, they also raise crucial funds for our music program. Tickets are available in the parish office weekdays, in the Fellowship Hall on Sunday mornings, and online at ststephensRVA. org/concerts. The suggested donation is $20 per person, $10 for students Sponsorships are available for both events. Please contact Brent te Velde, btevelde@ststephensRVA.org, to discuss sponsoring one or both of these community concerts. ✤

ST. STEPHEN’S RECORDINGS Available in the Bookshop @ St. Stephen’s An Unexpected Christmas The Virginia Girls Choir and Ana Hernández Sanctuary: Music for Compline Sanctuary, the Compline Choir A Service of Nine Lessons and Carols St. Stephen’s Choir, the Virginia Girls Choir, Sanctuary Gift idea: Why not present one or more of these recordings with tickets to these concerts?

ADVENT/CHRISTMAS/EPIPHANY | WINTER 2019

9

Julianne Tripp

The Thursday morning Bible study

Engaging with Scripture during Advent and beyond THE ANNUNCIATION AND BIRTH OF JESUS Mondays, December 2, 9 and 16, 7:00-8:00 p.m.

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

Nearly everyone knows the story of the Annunciation to Mary and the birth of Jesus—even in our secular, post-Christian culture. Yet many, including churchgoers, have a conglomerate picture in mind—complete with a stable in Bethlehem, shepherds and their flocks, wise men f om the East, Herod the tyrant—and assume all of it is found in all the gospels. But only two of the four evangelists give accounts of the annunciation and birth, and they differ ma kedly from one another. Part of our purpose will be to understand how and why they are diffe ent. We’ll also take note of their strong Jewish roots and piety. In the birth of Jesus, God was doing a new thing by bringing some very old traditions to new life. The prima y resource will be Raymond Brown’s book A Coming Christ in Advent.

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

This th ee-part series will be led by the Rev. Bruce Birdsey, a (mostly) retired priest of the Episcopal Church who has led other groups and classes here in the past.

The class will meet Mondays from 7:00 until 8:00 p.m., December 2, 9 and 16. To sign up, call the parish office at 804.288.2867 or visi ststephensRVA.org/classes.

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

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

WEEKLY MORNING BIBLE STUDY GROUPS In addition, two weekly groups continue; check with each leader about holiday breaks.

Mothers Bible Study convened by Whitney Robertson Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m.

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

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

This g oup discusses topics or books of the Bible through in-depth reading of Scripture. We often relate what we read to the world around us, personal experience, as well as our hopes for the coming Kingdom of God. No registration is necessary. ✤

These classes p ovide an overview to help participants gain a sense of the sweep of the New Testament and offer p eparation for deeper study. The class will be co-led by the Rev. Claudia Merritt and Tim Thurbe , Tuesdays beginning March 24, from 6:30 until 8 p.m.

A participant’s book (available in the Bookshop @ St. Stephen’s for $13) will help guide our study, and brief videos will shed light on the Scriptures. Every week there will be prescribed reading of portions of the New Testament followed by guided group reflections on the eading. Participants will need a good study Bible and a copy of the participant’s book. To sign up, visit our Web site at ststephensRVA.org/biblestudy or call the parish office at 804.288.2867.

The New Testament (above left); the Exodus

10

SEASONS OF THE SPIRIT

Beloved former staff member honored with portrait ‘I was a stranger and you welcomed me’

O

n Sunday, November 10, parishioners gathered for a barbeque to celebrate the conclusion of St. Stephen’s Church’s annual giving campaign. But there was a surprise in store for them, and for a former staff member who was guest of honor—though he did ’t know it at first Sun Ho Nuon retired in 2017 after serving as a sexton since 1982, soon after his arrival in this country as a refugee from the Khmer Rouge regime in his native Cambodia. From the beginning, Sun Ho and his family were beloved members of this community, and continue to stay in touch with friends in this parish even after Sun Ho’s retirement.

A group of those friends thought that a portrait would be a suitable way to honor this faithful servant, and raised the funds to commission it. All of this was kept a secret from Sun Ho, who had no inkling until the day the portrait was unveiled.

(His family were tipped off in ad ance, to ensure that they brought him to church at the appointed time.)

Artist Curney Nuffer painted the po trait from a dramatic photo taken by Matthew Oltmann when Sun Ho and Matt were colleagues on the church staff The foll wing citation hangs next to the portrait in the parish house.

SUN HO NUON Beloved Sexton at St. Stephen’s from 1982 to 2017

By Curney Nuffer Based on a photograph taken by Matthew Oltmann at St. Stephen’s Church

Sun Ho Nuon and his family were welcomed into this parish in 1981 after they escaped from the brutal Khmer Rouge regime in Cambodia. Upon their arrival, they were welcomed by the Rev. D. Raby Edwards, rector, parishioners Rita MacNelly, Harriet Schnell, Isabel Bates, Mary Hunton, and others. Sun Ho initially worked elsewhere but eventually became a member of St. Stephen’s staff Trained as a teacher in Cambodia and possessing musical gifts, Sun Ho’s warm and willing personality endeared him to generations of St. Stephen’s family and staff

Jay Paul

Sun Ho’s wife Sophany and Sun Ho with Isabel Bates and Harriet Schnell at the unveiling. Isabel and Harriet were among the parishioners who helped the Nuon family settle here.

The a tist was struck by the graceful hands of a musician and the contrast between the imposing Gothic architecture of the church in the background and the calm but powerful presence of the subject.

St. Stephen’s history of welcoming those fleeing conflict and disaster ones around the world has enhanced the parish’s diversity and continually renews the church’s response to the biblical call to welcome the stranger. ✤

Accessibility and safety at St. Stephen’s Church During the capital campaign that marked our centennial, parish leaders raised funds to refurbish important features of our worship space, with a major focus on accessibility for those with physical limitations or mobility issues. St. Stephen’s wants those who use walkers or wheelchairs—temporarily or not—or who use crutches after surgery or an accident, to have full access to worship services and other activities.

Jay Paul

Likewise, during worship services, St. Stephen’s offers assisti e listening devices to those who are hard of hearing.

Café begins third year The Café @ t. Stephen’s has just completed its second year of operation. Many thanks to all who helped make this “village green” ministry a reality. We’re grateful to have this warm, inviting space for everyone to enjoy, as well as the delicious food and beverages the café offers. ur baristas are friendly and helpful.

The café sells gift ca ds in any amount. They make terrific gifts and stocki stuffers for famil , friends, neighbors, babysitters, teachers, and others. Keep in mind that we are happy to retain your gift card (or your child’s gift card) on fil in the café for your convenience. We also have free “frequent buyer” cards.

Please use this wonderful space, which has been made even more beautiful during the past year with the addition of work by local artists. Enjoy a freshly brewed cup of coffee or tea, a smoothie or esp esso drink made to order, a snack or breakfast or lunch. Use it for meetings with clients, colleagues, or friends.

Encourage your children to visit the café after school. Stop in before or after you shop at our farmers market on Saturdays, or before you go to a class or small group, for coffee or other be erages. Remember that we have free wifi Did you know that you can rent the café for your event? Contact café manager Stan Barnett for details, sbarnett@ststephensRVA.org.

Café hours are 7 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Friday; 7:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday; and 8 a.m.-noon Sunday. Remember that the café is closed when the parish office is closed for a holiday or due to inclement eather. ✤ 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

In addition to some accommodations that were already in place, during the refurbishment the church added an elevator just inside the doors to the parish house from the Somerset Avenue parking lot; installed power-assist doors at that same entrance, as well as at all entrances to the church; shortened some pews to accommodate walkers and wheelchairs; and removed impediments through regrading exterior entrances.

Railings on either side of the chancel steps are meant to provide stability for all as they return to their seats after receiving Communion at the main altar. Even those without mobility issues are encouraged to use these railings for their safety. Another way to return to your seat after Communion is to exit via the door to the left of the Communion rail (the one that leads to the Sacristy and the Chapel of the Good Shepherd), where there is a handrail and an usher is available to assist you.

You may, of course, take Communion at any of the three altars during the 9 a.m., 11:15 a.m., or 10 a.m. summer service. Some people find it easier to eceive at either side chapel, where there are no stairs to climb; you may receive kneeling or standing.

Our clergy and chalice bearers are always ready to walk to a pew to administer communion to any for whom a trek to any of the three altars would be a challenge. Simply let an usher know if you or a loved one wish to receive Communion in your pew.

Participating in worship and receiving Communion are meant to unify the Body of Christ. St. Stephen’s is committed to making the Sacrament available to all.

“We who are many are one body, because we share one bread and one cup.” ✤

ADVENT/CHRISTMAS/EPIPHANY | WINTER 2019

11

Photos by Briget Ganske

Keep finding our favorite vendors, even in winter Year-round farmers market goes indoors December 7 The need for f esh, locally-raised produce and prepared foods doesn’t just disappear in winter. And while some of the food that is available in the colder months changes, our commitment to connecting local farmers and producers with this community doesn’t. The armers Market @ St. Stephen’s is yearround, and moves indoors for the winter beginning Saturday, December 7.

One of the blessings of this market is the people. Vendors

By Liz Bartenstein and customers are part of one another’s weekly routine, and in that rhythm, they become a community. Keeping the market going in winter means that this community continues to thrive—especially during a time of year that can be lonely and challenging for many. We cherish these connections and the ways they enrich our lives.

THINGS TO REMEMBER With the Café @ St. Stephen’s open a few steps away from the market’s winter location in the Fellowship Hall, market patrons can enjoy coffee, tea, a latté or othe hot drink on their way in or out, or fuel up for their shopping trip with a healthy smoothie, breakfast, or snacks.

The ma ket is open 9 a.m. until noon. Fresh produce is available from several vendors, but it’s in great demand. So be sure to arrive early, or better yet, sign up for your favorite vendor’s CSA (Community Supported Agriculture program). In addition to produce, you’ll find eggs, meats, baked goods and p epared foods.

Do you receive the market newsletter? Go to ststephensRVA.org/email to sign up for this free weekly email so you’ll be sure to know when your favorite vendors will be at the market, and to learn about market surprises. Each issue also includes a recipe and a prayer to say at mealtime. We’re also on Facebook and Instagram.

PREPARED FOODS AND THE CAFÉ: Once again, My Empanada and Red Cap Patisserie will be with us over the winter. Truly Scrumptious, Curds and Whey RVA, Souper Chef G and Unkol Chuck’s Brunswick Stew will also have grab-and-go food. Geescakes will continue to offer their delicious miniatu e cheesecakes, and new vendor Cakes by Jen will have coffee cakes. As mentioned, the Café @ t. Stephen’s is just down the hall with fresh coffee, tea, esp esso drinks, smoothies, and other goodies. The e’s free wifi in the café, so ou might want to take a break before or after shopping at the market to enjoy this relaxing, welcoming space.

ARTISANS AND CRAFTSPEOPLE: In addition to all of our great food vendors, we’ll have a number of jewelry makers, craftspeople and artisans as part of the indoor market. Visit them for Christmas décor and gifts, and come see them throughout the winter months: Linda’s Wreaths, KR2 Knitting, Shady Nook Alpacas, Laura Heyward (paper goods), DK Designs Jewelry and Much and Stuff. ✤

WHAT TO LOOK FOR INDOORS FRESH PRODUCE ALL WINTER: Agriberry Farm and CSA, Broadfork Farm, Byrd Farm, Crumptown Farm, and 22 Oaks Garden are all continuing through the winter. Island Farms will also bring hydroponics, and Casselmonte Farm will have turmeric and ginger.

CHICKEN AND EGGS ALL WINTER: ShireFolk Farm will stay with us through the winter, providing a cold-weather supplier for pastured chicken and eggs, along with Byrd Farm. Black Boar Farm, Crumptown Farm, Deer Run Farm and Snyder Family Farm will have eggs as well.

SERVICES: Sharp Again will be here every other week as they are during the outdoor season, ready to sharpen your kitchen implements and garden tools.

12

On Saturday, December 21, there will be so much activity in the Fellowship Hall as we prepare for the Fourth Sunday in Advent and Christmas Eve, the market will be back outdoors for one Saturday only. This has become a holida tradition, with hot drinks available for shoppers. Come pick up food for your Christmas feast, as well as décor and gifts, and enjoy hot drinks outdoors. It will be a fun and festive market morning!

MARKET LEADERSHIP Liz Bartenstein is the interim market manager; other market staff a e Anna Jones and Barry Cleaton. Volunteers are needed every Saturday—contact us at farmersmarket@ststephensRVA.org or sign up online at ststephensRVA.org/ market.

SEASONS OF THE SPIRIT

Needlepoint guild and volunteers making strides on church projects

W

ith the completion of needlepoint kneelers for the cathedral chairs in the Chapel of the Holy Spirit, our guild of stitchers turned their attention to kneelers for the Chapel of the Good Shepherd. Each has a red background and a shield with a diffe ent symbol, many inspired by motifs found in our stained glass windows. The can ases were designed and painted by parishioner Jessica Tongel and stitched by skilled volunteers from throughout the parish.

stitched for a loved one. Or you might simply want an ornament for your Christmas tree that reminds you of St. Stephen’s, your spiritual home.

If you wish to purchase an ornament canvas but you do not stitch, the needlepoint guild will be happy to have it stitched for you for an additional $25 donation. You’ll buy the canvas in the May Fair House (or place an order), take it to one of the local needlepoint shops to select colors and threads you like, and bring it back to the church office; e will find a stitcher for ou. You will need to take the stitched piece back to one of the local shops for blocking and finishing.

We’re delighted to report that of the 60 kneelers in this chapel, 50 have been needlepointed and installed. Five are on the way to the finisher to be blocked and attached, leaving just 10 to be completed (all are in process). The needlepoint guil ’s goal is to have all 60 completed by the spring—well ahead of the initial goal of fi e years to finish ood Shepherd.

NEEDLEPOINT ON FRIDAYS Remember that members of the needlepoint guild gather on Friday mornings at 9 a.m. in the parish house to stitch and chat. You may bring any project you are working on—you do not need to be working on a project for the church. In fact, it doesn’t even have to be needlepoint, but if it is, just know that experienced stitchers are here to help you. No RSVP is needed.

Just come and join us!

The first two ws in this chapel have 80-inch kneelers; each is twice the length of the other kneelers. Jessica is at work on a design for these coverings, and the Women of St. Stephen’s have generously donated the funds for the materials. These can ases are due to be painted by early 2020, with stitching to commence shortly afterwards. Be sure to notice the beautiful designs and stitching the next time you are in the Chapel of the Good Shepherd.

FUTURE PROJECTS The needlepoint guild is at wo k on determining, in consultation with the rector, what projects will come after the Good Shepherd kneelers are complete.

HOLY SPIRIT KNEELERS CHART With all cathedral chair kneelers in the Chapel of the Holy Spirit completed and installed, we have attached a small, numbered metal plate to the back of each kneeler, and created a chart to make it easy for you to find a pa ticular cushion. The chart will also ensure that building staff or others who m ve the chairs for particular occasions return them to their proper places.

Copies of the chart will be available at Information Central and in the narthex (the vestibule at the Th ee Chopt Road entrance to the church).

Thanks to all who ha e generously given money, time, and skill to these projects. If you have questions, please contact Robyn Kay, rrkay1@ gmail.com. ✤ WHICH CHAPEL IS WHICH? The Chapel of the oly Spirit is on the Grove Avenue side of the church; its altar bears carvings of several of the apostles.

Stained glass windows include one above the altar depicting the coming of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost. The Vigil Candle stays in this chapel. It has cathedral chairs (like those you see at the Washington National Cathedral), while the Chapel of the Good Shepherd has pews. Good Shepherd is on the courtyard side of the church. The a ea behind the altar in this chapel features a mosaic of religious symbols, and the stained glass windows on the outer wall depict scenes from Holy Week.

This kneeler is located in ood Shepherd. Photo: Jay Paul

CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT CANVASES Christmas ornament-size canvases replicating some of the motifs in the Good Shepherd kneelers, as well as other designs, are available for purchase in the May Fair House, the gift shop run by the Women of St. Stephen’s. These make wonde ful gifts. You might purchase a canvas showing the entrance to the church, stitch it, and present it to a couple who were married here.

You might stitch one with a motif that recalls the kneeler you

Rethink gift giving

M

any of us enjoy giving gifts to our family and friends at Christmas. This can be a l vely tradition, a tangible way to express our appreciation for those who make our lives sweeter.

It can also become a burden in any number of ways. For some, it becomes a financial bu den.

Others find that practice of giving mo e things to those who do not need or want them, simply because it’s traditional to do so, rather joyless. (Those on the By Sarah Bartenstein receiving end can share that sense.) And still others just find the shopping—sea ching or scouring stores or the internet for just the right thing—wrapping, shipping, and so forth very stressful.

As Charlie Brown once said in frustration from a school stage, “Isn’t there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?!”

Consider having an honest conversation with the teenage and adult members of your family about gifts—what people’s hopes and expectations are, whether they’d like to rethink this tradition in any way. You might find that others do not ha e a burning desire to receive lavish gifts. They might p efer experiences, including those that you can share. Or they might want gifts given to others in their honor—people who truly do not have what they need, or the organizations who help them. One of the benefits of having this kind of con ersation is that it helps you learn what’s truly important to the members of your family.

Younger children might or might not be able to participate in such a conversation.

But you can set the tone for them about why we give presents at Christmas, and what to expect to find under the t ee. My sister, for example, always set a three-gift limit for her daughters when they were young, because that was the number of gifts Jesus received from the Magi. It can be difficult to go against the grain of wh their friends’ or classmates’ families do, but this is simply another area of your life in which to explain, “In our family, we do this. Other families do other things.”

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

Meaningful gifts—the ones we remember—do not necessarily need to cost a fortune. When a person sees that you put some real thought into a gift, she or he feels known and cared for. It might be something you created yourself…or something that supports a cause near the person’s heart…or an experience with the recipient, like tickets to see a performer they admire, or a gift card for a movie or a restaurant...or performing a task or service they would not do for themselves.

Consider the following sources right here at St. Stephen’s for meaningful gifts.

EXPERIENCES • Tickets to one of our winter concerts • A gift card from the Café @ St. Stephen’s • Tuition for the annual icon workshop at St. Stephen’s SUPPORTING OTHERS IN HONOR OF A LOVED ONE • The bundant Gifts Catalog (available at the outreach table and on our Web site) • Make an extra gift to St. Stephen’s in honor of a loved one SOMETHING YOU MADE • Christmas ornament canvases of St. Stephen’s symbols (available from the May Fair House) MAKING SOMEONE ELSE’S LOAD A BIT LIGHTER • Casseroles from the May Fair House (or a gift certificate f om the shop) OTHER IDEAS • Farmers market vendors offer a wide array of handmade items y local artisans • A bag of St. Stephen’s Blend coffee f om the Café @ St. Stephen’s • Books, prayer beads, icons, Thistle arms products from the Bookshop @ St. Stephen’s • Picture frames from the May Fair House with a photo of something you and the recipient enjoyed doing together • Original art in the exhibits in the Gallery (outside Fellowship Hall) or the Café @ St. Stephen’s ✤

ADVENT/CHRISTMAS/EPIPHANY | WINTER 2019

13

St. Stephen’s ‘core values’ emerge from two-year visioning process

By Allison Seay

Editor’s note: The two- ear process which began in the summer of 2018, “Envisioning Our Future,” provides a structure for appreciating, understanding, and evaluating the ministries of this rich and complex parish and identifying our core principles as a community of faith. This p ocess has helped us deepen our understanding of the evolution of church and society and build our capacity to respond effecti ely to social and cultural change.

An important part of the Envisioning our Future process is an exploration of our core values. This explo ation began with ministry liaisons brainstorming a list of values that mattered to them at St. Stephen’s. Groups from each ministry area added their input, and an additional exercise was offe ed during the Forum on Sunday morning and after the Celtic service on Sunday evening. Th ee rose to the top: love, community, and nourishment.

When we speak about the “core values” of St. Stephen’s, we speak about the most interior substance of our mission, the imperatives that guide the principles of everything we do, every ministry we offe . Of course, a church as vibrant and brimming as this one values many things at once; the integrated systems and components of healthy parish life depend on a many-chambered heart. That said in distilling what parishioners have identified as core values,” there are three descriptions that illuminate both specifically and expansi ely the vision of the church and clarify its mission as one of welcome and worship, blessing and healing, service and sanctuary. At the nucleus of our work and as vessels for this mission are love, community, and nourishment.

LOVE: The e is—in song, in poetry, in scripture—all kinds of vocabulary that attempt to rename love, or to better describe the essence of what love means or is.

God is Love, and we are from God, made of love. Thus, e are living our true life when we love. For us at St. Stephen’s, to say that love is our most essential value means that it is our fundamental and foundational mission to love God and to love our neighbor; this “core value” means that we work to honor in word, deed and prayer, the privileges and responsibilities of our common humanity. To love is to accept, to embrace, to feed, to include, to serve—all with a sincerity of heart. And, perhaps above all, to love is to bless. We honor and bless all those who come to us and are blessed and honored in turn by all those we welcome.

COMMUNITY: A healthy community—one that is compassionate, self-aware, imaginative, and generous—works in every direction: it works inwardly to heal, enrich, serve and inspire its own members, not simply by allowing people to participate in the life of the church or even in accepting them into the fold, but in truly embracing into the Christian household all people all ways. And a healthy community works outwardly to extend its message of love, welcome, and healing

beyond its own vision and border and to better understand itself as part of a larger whole. St. Stephen’s working paradigms—as Village Green, as New Abbey, as a Healing Community (or a Guild of Weavers)—depend on community as an essential and sacred value that shelters, strengthens, and sustains this family of faith.

NOURISHMENT: Even more than “growth,” St. Stephen’s values spiritual nourishment, which is to say a deepening in and with God that widens, softens, magnifies, or nu tures the beauties and mysteries of faith. In nourishing the spirit we find both energy and est, both desire and satiety, and in feeding are we fed. In valuing the safety, health and care of the soul—through prayer, worship, study, and service—we hope to be more generous with others, more sincere in our mission to love, more patient in our work, more attentive to the hungers of the larger community, and more attuned to the peace and call of God. ✤ Much more information about “Envisioning Our Future,” including background, a list of ministry liaisons, and the results of the SAINT analysis, is available at ststephensRVA.org/future.

Steering Committee: John Bates, Becky Boyers, Braxton Hill, Allison Koschak, Betsy Tyson; Gary Jones, rector Consultant: Susan Wilkes

THE TIMELINE The p oject we call “Envisioning Our Future” is taking place in phases, with ministries gathering once each semester to lead interested parishioners through the process of reflection and input. usan Wilkes, our consultant, provides an outline for each of the meetings.

• In the fall of 2018, groups looked back on the history of their area of ministry and in the process identified co e values.

• Last spring, participants engaged in a “SAINT” analysis: Strengths, Aspirations, Improvement needed, Needs of society, Trends in the world around us.

• This fall, g oups met to discuss “Future Vision and Goals.”

• Next spring, we’ll finali e the process and the project’s leaders—the rector, a steering committee, and our consultant—will share the results.

Blessing of the Animals

One of the things parishioner look forward to each fall is the Blessing of the Animals service which is held near the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi. These pooches received a blessing from our clergy, and got to meet—and exchange the Peace with—other pets. Dogs were predominate but there were some cats and at least one lizard who were camera shy. Photos by Jay Paul

14

SEASONS OF THE SPIRIT

F

or many people, being in nature is a spiritual experience. Walking along a quiet path in the forest with birds chirping in the canopy above, and sunlight poking through the foliage to create glowing patches on the ground, certainly transforms my outlook and gives me a refreshed feeling. Thos who participate in the annual parish retreat in the natural setting at Shrine Mont feel more connected to God and one another. We humans enjoy being in nature. It lifts our spirits and makes us feel better.

By Julia Campus We have a responsibility to protect and preserve God’s creation. From actions large to small, how can we find ways to ca e for our natural environment, as God has called us to do?

The t. Stephen’s community has multiple initiatives, groups, and dedicated people working to enhance our stewardship of the Earth. Do you know about our composting and recycling effo ts at the church? These educe materials from the waste stream that ultimately ends up at a landfill. We can recycle all our paper, aluminum, and plastic, and be sure to place compostable cups, plates, and flatwa e in the composting receptacles in the parish house. What an easy way to have a positive impact! (Plastic bags cannot go in our recycling bins, though if they are clean, they can be used by our fruit ministry. A bin for these is in a room across from the kitchen.)

We partner with several local organizations to share resources and increase the impact of our positive actions. Real Local RVA and Shalom Farms both strive to support the local food movement and support healthy lives right here in our city.

Both partnerships enhance our ability to serve and steward. In addition, generous farmers from our weekly farmers market donate unsold produce and other foods to our food pantry ministry so that it does not go to waste, and adds fresh foods to the items we’re able to offer our pant y clients.

Sarah Bartenstein

Being faithful stewards of all that God has made Another forward-thinking initiative in place at St. Stephen’s is the ability to create electricity from a renewable resource, the sun. Each day, energy is generated at the church through roof-mounted solar panels (pictured above). This is especiall exciting given our governor’s recently-announced goal to make 100 percent of Virginia’s electricity produced from carbon-free sources by 2050. St. Stephen’s is in the game and already actively reducing emissions.

While these collective effo ts are wonderful, sometimes we feel as though issues of stewardship of our land can be too ambitious for the average person. Yet small, daily effo ts do make a diffe ence: not only do they help you affirm our own priorities, but the small actions of many can change the world.

Many farmers market shoppers bring their own reusable bags. If you’re not among them, why not begin this practice? When we shop at the market and feed our families with locally grown foods, we reduce transit-generated pollution. By bringing our own reusable water bottles and coffee mugs, and y properly recycling/ composting items from the Sunday Community Supper and the Wonderful Wednesday supper, we divert single-use resources from landfills. These small chang add up, especially if the entire St. Stephen’s community (and beyond) lends a hand.

Perhaps this could be a new practice you take on during Advent.

One last thought: if you are able, when’s the last time you biked or walked somewhere? What a great way to spend more time outdoors while reducing your impact on the earth. Richmond’s bus service has expanded—why not give it a try?

Members of St. Stephen’s environmental stewardship project team are working to further these effo ts and consider others. They elcome all who would like to assist.

Please contact Penny Nash, pnash@ststephensRVA.org, or Sue Wootton, swootton@ outlook.com, to get involved. ✤ Parishioner Julia Campus is part of the environmental stewardship project team.

Are you using our electronic communications?

Did you know that St. Stephen’s Church has a free app? For those who love to use apps, St. Stephen’s app will be the easiest way to make a pledge (or make a payment on your pledge), find out wha ’s on the menu at this week’s parish suppers, or to consult the parish calendar. Just go to the App Store or Google Play and do a search for “St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church.”

Our app will come up in the search.

If you’re more of a Web person than an app person, please be sure you’ve bookmarked ststephensRVA.org. You’ll find all kinds of resources: parish calendar, service times, audio of sermons, Celtic service reflections, Compline, and the unday Forum; online registration for events; information on offerings for child en and youth; online pledging; the Weekly Bible Study guide and Wellspring, the weekly poetry guide; descriptions of small groups, classes, Bible study, and practice groups such as yoga; photos of clergy and staff; cur ent vestry member names; and much more.

The Web site also offers an easy way to sign up for our egular email newsletters, at ststephensRVA.org/email. Email newsletters include the eSpirit, the Farmers Market newsletter, the Weekly Bible Study, family ministry news, and others.

You may sign up for as many as you like. All are free, you do not need to be a St. Stephen’s parishioner to subscribe, and you can unsubscribe any time. Rest assured, we will not give your email address to any outside party. Signing up to receive the eSpirit not only means you’ll receive important news and information every Wednesday morning, but you’ll also be notified when, for example, the office closes due to inclemen eather. ✤ 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

ADVENT/CHRISTMAS/EPIPHANY | WINTER 2019

15

Seasons of the Spirit Advent/Christmas/Epiphany Winter 2019-20

St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church

Issue Number 34

ststephensRVA.org

6000 Grove Avenue Richmond, Virginia 23226

Parish Staff

Presorted First Class Mail U.S. Postage

PAID

Richmond, VA Permit No. 320

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

Janet S. Allen (jallen), Associate for Development & Operations Stan Barnett (sbarnett), Coordinator of Kitchen Ministry & Café Manager Liz Bartenstein (lbartenstein), Hospitality and Interim Farmers Market Manager Sarah R. Bartenstein (sbartenstein), Director of Communication Deonte Campbell, Sexton Dawn Childs (dchilds), Assistant for Children’s Music Ministry Barry Cleaton (farmersmarket), Farmers Market Staff Donald Clements, Sexton Chuck Dixon, Sexton Chris Edwards (cedwards), Director, St. Stephen’s Choir Melissa Hipes (mhipes), Finance Manager Chris Holman, Sexton Anna F. Jones, (farmersmarket), Farmers Market Staff The ev. Gary D. Jones (gjones), Rector Deborah Lawrence (dlawrence), Director of Outreach Betsy Lee (blee), Parish Administrator Becky Lehman (blehman), Hospitality & Communication Assistant Jan Locher (jlocher), Preschool Director (288-6401) Christi McFadden (cmcfadden), Finance Assistant The ev. Stephen Y. McGehee (smcgehee), Associate Rector The ev. Claudia W. Merritt (cmerritt), Priest Associate The ev. Penny A. Nash (pnash), Associate Rector Ben Nelson (bnelson), Sexton, Sunday Community Supper Cook Josh Rockett (jrockett), Outreach Coordinator Allison Seay (aseay), Associate for Religion & the Arts Wei-Li Suen, Palmer Hall accompanist Brent te Velde (btevelde), Director of Music Betsy Tyson (btyson), Chaplain to Palmer Hall Greg Vick (gvick), Organist Tyronn Wilkins, Sexton The afé @ St. Stephen’s 804.288.3318 DaVinci Al Amin, barista Alex Badecker, barista Claire Hackley, barista Brianna Maurice, barista Holly Schlect, barista Bou Zintseme, barista Our missionaries in Argentina Heidi Schmidt Monica Vega

Vestry

Term expires 2020 Melinda Hardy Braxton Hill, Register Richard Kay Martha Orr Proutt Cyndy Seal Chip Tompkins

Adult offerings in Epiphany and Lent In Epiphany and Lent, adults will have several opportunities for study and spiritual enrichment.

Life of the Beloved book study Initially written for a Jewish friend, Life of the Beloved has become Henri Nouwen’s greatest legacy to Christians around the world. This testimony on the p wer and invitation of Christ is a guide to a truly uplifting spiritual life. This stud , led by Catherine Whitham and Betsy Tyson, will convene February 11, 18, March 3, 17, 24, and 31 from 9:30 until 11:00 a.m. This class is limited to 12 people. lease sign up in the parish office 804.288.2867.

Lenten retreat Br. David Vryhof of the Society of St. John the Evangelist will come to St. Stephen’s to lead a Lenten retreat in February, accompanied by Br. Sean Glenn.

On Friday, February 28, parishioners may share a simple supper at 6 p.m. with the two brothers, after which Br. David will give a brief talk titled “Listening to God.” What do Christians mean when we speak of “listening to God”? What do we expect to hear?

How do we come to know and recognize the “voice of God”? How will we know this word is from God? In this evening program, Br. Sean and Br. David we’ll draw from the wisdom of St. Ignatius of Loyola and other resources to explore these questions.

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

Br. David will speak in the Sunday Forum on March 1 on “The pirituality of the Fourth Gospel.”

Term expires 2021 Mary Bacon, Treasurer Orran Brown Sr. Robert Dibble Mollie Hines Mitchell Alston Williams Wesley Wright

Sunday Forum Dr. Gardner Campbell, associate professor of English at Virginia Commonwealth University, is a popular speaker in our Sunday Forum. Past series have focused on John Milton’s Paradise Lost; the metaphysical poets (John Donne, George Herbert and Sir Thomas rowne); and last fall’s series on the mid-20th century TV series TheTwilight Zone and an examination of the parables to be found in various episodes. Dr. Campbell is also known for his presentations of classic films during our summer film serie

Term expires 2022 Bobby Fauntleroy, Assistant Treasurer L.H. Ginn Alice Goodwin Lynn Ivey, Junior Warden Allison Koschak, Senior Warden Shelley Spalding

He’ll offer two mo e series in the coming months. During Epiphany, he presents “Beautiful Ideas, Challenging Meditations,” a series exploring three ideas that, in one way or another, have long been part of Christian theology and devotional practice. Each idea has a simple power and complex implications. Each can be used or abused. This will be a thought-p ovoking journey through these beautiful, challenging ideas. No prior knowledge is assumed or required.

January 12: The reat Chain of Being January 19: The usic of the Spheres January 26: The acrocosm and the Microcosm

Seasons of the Spirit

Sarah Bartenstein, editor Steven Longstaff, designer Contributors: Liz Bartenstein, Julia Campus, Briget Ganske, Gary D. Jones, Deb Lawrence, Jan Locher, Claudia Merritt, Jay Paul, Josh Rockett, Allison Seay, Julianne Tripp, Betsy Tyson

In Lent, Dr. Campbell will present “Listening for God: Contemporary Literature and the Life of Faith,” based on a rich anthology of short stories and essays. Its editors write, “Our hope is that people gathering around the fiction and essays included in this esource will take the occasion to listen for God in new places. The e is no telling, of course, where one may hear the Word spoken; it has been said that even the stones will cry it out. The hope of this curriculum, in any e ent, is that the selections chosen here will raise questions, spark discussion, make the life of faith more an engagement with contemporary American culture and less a flight from it.” Dr. Campbell will discuss the following works: March 8, Lent II: Flannery O’Connor, “Revelation” March 15, Lent III: Patricia Hampl, Chapter Six from Virgin Time March 22, Lent IV: Richard Rodriguez, “Credo” ✤