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
PENTECOST | SUMMER 2019
SPIRIT A
writer for Richmond magazine recently interviewed church staff and volunteers about St. Stephen’s Church. She’d heard there was a buzz about St. Stephen’s being a vibrant and welcoming gathering place for the city, with offerings that appeal to a broad cross-section of Richmond. She was interested in our “church as village green” approach and where that comes from, and she asked me for a written comment. I had to be succinct, she said, because the article had to be brief.
Sarah Der
Why a village green? learn from all of us, along with others who know her. We need each other that way. No one of us has the full picture. In the same way, I don’t care that much about abstract religious doctrine anymore, unless it helps a person to love more and judge less, to see how much we need and belong to each other. If we are loving and taking care of each other, then we are loving and taking care of God. But failure to love and take care of each other is, in my view, a form of blasphemy. By Gary D. Jones
I tried to do what she asked, but I failed at being succinct. I sometimes sense that tweets, simplistic slogans, and labeling are responsible for the pervasive misunderstandings, combativeness, and lack of depth in our cultural dialogue now. The village green idea emanates from a particular theology and a particular understanding of our society’s need. But church is more than that. We also have a deep, rich, and expansive heritage as Anglicans, so another paradigm I use is “the church as the new abbey,” that is, the church as a place of reverence and hospitality for all who are journeying through this transient and often difficult life. But that’s another article. For now, here’s how I answered the writer, being as brief as I could possibly be. ✤✤✤
You asked me for a succinct statement about my “overarching hope for establishing the church as a multifaceted community hub or village green.” Well, you can kick this back to me with a note that I failed my assignment because it’s too long, or you can lift a couple of sentences here and there and use them as you wish. But honestly, I just don’t know how to talk about this sort of thing succinctly, because in my view there are so many misunderstandings about what church should be all about. For starters, I don’t think God cares about a person’s religion. I think God only cares about whether or not we are loving and caring for each other, for the world and all its inhabitants. The tradition that shaped me teaches that all human beings are sacred bearers of the divine, and that if there’s one God, then all human beings are equally loved siblings from that same God. And I’m not sure it matters much how we describe God. If you asked my brother, my sister and me separately to describe our mother, you’d come away from those separate conversations with very different ideas about who our mother is. So I’m not surprised we have so many different ideas about who God is. But I love my brother and sister to pieces and would never doubt their love for our mom or the sincerity and truth of their relationship with her. And if you really want to know who my mother is, you’d need to listen and
So, my hope for church as a “village green” is to help expand people’s understanding of what a church is all about. Some people think it’s important to genuflect before an altar or the sacrament. But if that doesn’t lead us to genuflect before each other, even before perfect strangers, immigrants, or whomever, recognizing that all humans are equally sacred and precious, then what’s the point? Again, I don’t think God really cares about a person’s religion. Religious ideas and practices are good if they help people to become more compassionate. If they don’t, they’re bad. And there’s a lot of bad religion out there. Our current epidemic of loneliness, depression, anxiety and suicide is not just a social problem. It’s a theological problem. So “church as village green,” church as a place where all people equally belong and are equally cared for, where all are invited into healthy practices that care for our souls and bodies, and for the earth (as in our farmers market, our emphasis on reverence in a time of contentiousness, and our classes on meditation), a community where all are invited more deeply into soul-nourishing experiences of beauty (as in poetry, art, and music), where all are supported and cared for in intimate communities (as in all sorts of small groups), and where all are invited to lives of service (as in our ministries with prisoners, the unemployed, the distressed, and the marginalized), this kind of egalitarian village green feels to me and to many of us like what the world needs most right now, and will always need. ✤
in this issue: Retreat: a time to step back and gain perspective National outreach tends to areas hit by disaster RE:work’s members work toward independence A time to serve Books and movies Virginia Girls Choir celebrates milestones The ministry of the acolyte Farmers market welcomes new vendors
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Silence, sanctuary, sustenance A retreat is not an advance
O God of peace, who has taught us that in returning and rest we shall be saved, in quietness and in confidence shall be our strength: By the might of your Spirit lift us, we pray you, to your presence, where we may be still and know that you are God; through Jesus Christ our Lord. The Book of Common Prayer, page 832
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retreat is not an advance. For much of life we are on the advance as we anticipate, investigate, instigate, navigate what is ahead. A retreat is moving in mostly the opposite direction. A retreat is a time to recover, restore, redeem, renew what has been spent or lost in life. If you only live life on the advance, you will completely miss the perspective you glean by looking back on your life. Your retreat experience will give you gratitude for the past, clarity and strength for the present, and hope for the future.
Will your retreat time be difficult? Maybe. The clarity gleaned in retreat may be comforting; the clarity may also be confronting, exposing you to a spiritual trial. In the SSJE Rule of Life, we acknowledge there may be an emptiness in retreat time that “may compel us to face the painful signs of our need for healing that it was easier to overlook during our usual routines. So our retreat times will be opportunities to strive against everything that would discourage us from radical dependence on the love of God.” (SSJE Rule of Life, Ch. 29, “Retreat”)
By Br. Curtis Almquist, SSJE
For many people, life is navigated at a pace which may blur their being able to see clearly what is going on. Sometimes what is happening in your life is so close to you, you cannot make sense of it. It’s blocked. Only by retreat, by stepping back, can you find perspective and clarity. The psalmist calls this experience “being lifted up.” Or you may have passed through a period of suffering. It is very difficult to see clearly through pain and tears. We want to escape from suffering. And yet, there may be something important to redeem from what is otherwise only pain or loss. Something incredibly good may be claimed from what was undeniably bad. The significance of something lost on you is now found. Until an experience is remembered–until life is remembered–it’s not a complete experience, because life looks very different looking ahead than it does when you look back and see it from behind. What even may have seemed a black hole at the time may well prove to be a goldmine, in the fullness of time. A retreat is an invitation to get on good speaking terms with the whole of your life, for “the eyes of your heart to be enlightened.” (Ephesians 1:18) A retreat is also a graceful time to look and listen deeply into life. Entering a monastic setting, you will come into a place of silence, sanctuary, and sustenance: • Silence, where you can be still and listen deeply to your life, where God is meeting you, leading you, healing you, nourishing you. The psalmist says, “Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10 • Sanctuary, where you feel safe, where you can let down your guard. Who you are, what you are, why it is you are the way you are, God knows and God loves. A retreat is often a breakthrough. Meister Eckhart, the 13th-century German Dominican, said that “the eye through which I see God is the same eye through which God sees me; my eye and God’s eye are one eye, one seeing, one knowing, one love.” • Sustenance, where you are fed deeply. The psalmist speaks of our hungering and thirsting after God; Jesus speaks of his “food that will last.” Soul food. And yet, Jesus went to many dinner parties and also knew that people are hungry for real food. A retreat time will help assuage your hungers. A retreat also affords time for a reckoning with life. Life is a gift, and it will make a world of difference to you if you live your life as a gift, rather than as a given. Take nothing for granted; rather, live your life in gratitude. A retreat will offer you space to “taste and see that the Lord is good,” to recollect how your life teems with blessing. (Psalm 34:8) I am not suggesting you should sugarcoat an experience of life that is bad; however I am saying that claiming gratitude for so much that is so good in your life will be a significant counterweight on the scale of your life. Gratitude will rebalance your life. The psalmist speaks of this as “the sacrifice of thanksgiving,” where you have the time and perspective to name, claim, and offer your gratitude to God for the wonder of life that God has shared with you. (The psalmist speaks of “the sacrifice of thanksgiving” in Psalms 50:14 & 24; 107:22; 116:15.) Gratitude transforms life from the inside out. Make your retreat time a sacrifice of thanksgiving as you reckon with your life.
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Will your retreat time change you? Yes and no. Much of what you leave behind at your home and work will still be waiting for you, unchanged, upon your return from retreat. However, your retreat will help you garner perspective and strength to do some old things in new ways. Think of the captain of a ship going to sea. In the course of the journey, the captain will need to adjust the ship’s course multiple times. It’s not likely that the captain will make radical, 180-degree course adjustments; more typical is the adjustment of the course by a fraction of a degree. Those slight adjustments will make all the difference, and will ultimately bring the ship to a different port of call. A retreat will be a significant help to get you on course (or back on course) in life. In the SSJE Rule of Life, we speak of this as “lifelong conversion.” What should you bring with you on retreat? Bring with you your emptiness, your ache, whatever fills, overjoys, or breaks your heart. Bring your questions. Bring your desire. Bring your exhaustion and your need. God is already powerfully at work within you “to accomplish abundantly far more than all [you] can ask or imagine.” (Ephesians 3:20) Minimize whatever will likely prove distracting. Don’t bring a satchel of books or work projects. Consider taking a sabbatical from your electronic gadgetry: email, social media, mobile phone. Bring a notebook to log what is catching your heart’s attention. You may want to bring walking shoes or exercise clothing to enjoy movement and the beauty of God’s creation. You may want to bring something for gentle recreation in solitude: sewing, drawing, painting, photography. God has already caught your attention. Take Jesus at his word that he is with you until the end: the end of your retreat, the end for which God has created you, the end of your life. Your retreat will be an answer to prayer, an answer to God’s prayer for you. ✤ Br. Curtis Almquist is a member of the Society of St. John the Evangelist, the oldest continuing religious order for men in the Anglican Communion, based in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Some of the brothers live at Emery House in Newburyport, Massachusetts. Members of St. Stephen’s make retreats at both locations, and the monks come to St. Stephen’s to lead retreats here, as well. This article is reprinted with permission from Cowley, the order’s periodical.
CAN’T GET TO CAMBRIDGE? HERE ARE SOME OTHER RETREAT OPTIONS: • We offer in-house retreats right here at St. Stephen’s Church during Advent and Lent. • Our clergy are available to help you plan group or individual retreats at other locations. • Roslyn and Shrine Mont, conference centers owned by the Diocese of Virginia, are available for retreats. • Richmond Hill is an ecumenical retreat center in Richmond’s Church Hill which is available for individual retreats.
SEASONS OF THE SPIRIT
UNITEDPURSUITS United Pursuit!
Sarah Bartenstein
The slogan for the men’s basketball team at the University of Virginia, 2019 NCAA champions, is brilliantly brief, yet it has the two crucial elements for achieving something great. Perhaps By Susan Wilkes the team’s success can relate to Envisioning our Future, St. Stephen’s ambitious project to review its ministries, assess the changing societal landscape, and cast new visions. The first crucial element of the team’s success is the clear message that team members need to be cohesive in their pursuit of greatness. As Most Valuable Player Kyle Guy quoted from an African proverb, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” Even after their difficult loss to a 16thranked team during the 2018 NCAA men’s basketball tournament, the team committed to getting through that tough time together. The second crucial element is their bold aspiration: to win the national championship. They weren’t afraid to dream big, even when others doubted them, saying their style of play couldn’t win a championship, or that they were likely to “choke” during big games. We know now that those predictions were wrong.
We’re not afraid to dream big together at St. Stephen’s, either. This church has acted boldly over the past decade, bringing innovative projects like a farmers market, a client-choice model food pantry, and a café to fruition. Together, parishioners are fulfilling the vision of being a “village green” for the community. Another ambitious pursuit is RE:work, the comprehensive community services organization in the East End where St. Stephen’s is united in partnership with St. Peter’s and others, aiming to go beyond the limitations of other employment assistance programs. Looking ahead, I wonder what the next united pursuit of St. Stephen’s might be. In recent weeks, participants in the Envisioning our Future process have been conducting a “SAINT” analysis for each area of ministry, identifying key strengths, aspirations, ways to improve, the needs of society, and trends that might affect their areas. Participants in each group are building cohesion as they talk together about their hopes and dreams for their ministries. We may well have multiple “united pursuits” as each area of focus sets out new goals for the future. Curious about the aspirations of your favorite offerings at St. Stephen’s? Results of the SAINT analysis will be posted on the project landing page at ststephensrva.org/future. In the fall, focus groups will meet again to articulate a vision and identify goals for the coming years. Everyone is welcome to participate in any ministry area that interests them. We hope you’ll join in these conversations and be a part of our own united pursuit(s)! ✤
SAINT ANALYSIS Each ministry area is assessing: Strengths Aspirations Improvements Needs of society Trends that may affect the ministry
ENVISIONING OUR FUTURE STEERING COMMITTEE John Bates Becky Boyers Braxton Hill Allison Koschak Betsy Tyson Susan Wilkes, consultant
WHAT IS THE ENVISIONING OUR FUTURE PROCESS? This two-year process consists of three phases: • Looking back at how each ministry developed (conducted fall 2018) • Assessing where these ministries are today (conducted spring 2019) • Looking ahead and considering how the decisions we make today will position us for the future (to begin this fall) If you would like more background on the process, please visit our Web site where you’ll find a list of ministry areas, facilitators, staff liaisons, and a blog that includes relevant articles and reflections, with commentary by the rector. Go to ststephensRVA.org/future. Everyone is invited to take part in this process. You do not have to be involved in a particular area of ministry to attend its sessions. Everyone is welcome.
St. Stephen’s travels to areas affected by natural disasters
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n August 2017, Hurricane Harvey barreled into Texas and before it left, it had tied with Hurricane Katrina (2005) as the costliest tropical cyclone on record, causing $125 billion in damage, primarily from catastrophic rainfall-triggered flooding in the Houston metropolitan area and Southeast Texas.
Harvey was the first major hurricane to make landfall in the United States since Wilma in 2005, ending a record 12-year span in which no hurricanes made landfall at the intensity of a major hurricane throughout the country. In just four days, many areas received more than 40 inches of rain and suffered unprecedented flooding. More than 30,000 people were displaced from their homes.
By Josh Rockett
At St. Stephen’s Church, we have sent teams to communities suffering from natural disasters, from Katrina and Rita in Louisiana and Mississippi, to Superstorm Sandy in the Northeast and Maryland, to flooding in West Virginia, and Hurricane Florence in New Bern, N.C. One of the effects of climate change is more intense weather events, and clean-up, recovery, and rebuilding after such events is the major focus of our national outreach work. During the first week of March, seven volunteers from St. Stephen’s traveled to Pearland, Texas, where the Mosaic in Action Storm Recovery Center focuses on rebuilding homes affected by Harvey in northern Brazoria County and the surrounding areas. Mosaic in Action is a volunteer-driven organization started by St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Pearland. Our project was building a handicap-accessible ramp for “Mrs. T,” whose home is raised several feet off the ground because the area beneath it is often flooded. Her main method of transportation is an electric scooter, so her challenge has been getting herself up and down the stairs in front of her house. Our team built a ramp that extended over the low-lying, wet areas around her house to her driveway. Mrs. T is now able to come and go from her home freely. In May, another team drove to New Bern, N.C., to assist those still recovering from Hurricane Florence. The team there installed new flooring throughout a woman’s home which had over 18 inches of water in it last September. The grateful homeowner looks forward to moving back into her home soon. To participate in a national outreach trip in the future, please be in touch with Josh Rockett, jrockett@ststephensRVA.org, or Deb Lawrence, dlawrence@ ststephensRVA.org. Each team includes experienced, skilled workers—as well as newer participants who have no construction experience. In other words, a willing heart and helping hands are all we need! ✤ 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
PENTECOST | SUMMER 2019
St. Stephen’s team in Texas
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RE:work welcomes first members A fter an exciting launch earlier this year, RE:work RICHMOND has officially begun its pilot year and the staff is hard at work with five “members,” the term RE:work uses for the individuals and families who engage with this organization to navigate a path out of poverty by gaining family-sustaining careers. That path is composed of many steps that will ultimately lead to a network of support and real opportunity for RE:work members and the people of the East End.
Dan Currier
By Deb Lawrence RE:work’s process begins with Diana Vasquez, director of employment services, listening to a member’s passions and sense of direction and basing the employment course on what she learns. We believe that the member is the expert in their own life and they remain at the center of RE:work’s process. As RE:work helps identify the member’s talents and skills, they clarify a path using a highly regarded aptitude/strength-finder test called YouScience. That path may call for education, so educational opportunities are offered when and where needed, using our access to resources through our partnership with the City of Richmond’s Office of Community Wealth Building.
Diana Vasquez (standing) works with a new member on the YouScience instrument at the RE: work office. Ferdie Baruch (in background) recruits potential employers.
We’ve all learned that who you know is as important as what you know. RE:work’s Good Neighbor Network of volunteers provides a variety of member supports along the way in areas of essential skills training, transportation and child care, creating a region-wide network of support to encourage each member’s full thriving. A crucial part of that network is job connections and that’s where Ferdie Baruch, director of development and corporate relations, comes in. Ferdie identifies specific employment opportunities in the member’s chosen career field, drawing on a list of employers and congregational networks.
was recommended to RE:work RICHMOND in March and I can already see things changing for me. When I took the YouScience Strengths Finder, it gave me direction on which career field would be a fit for me and pique my interests. It also gave me various options on how to get there and what education I would need. RE:work has a very friendly staff who is considerate of the needs of their members and have helped us overcome many barriers as we try to make a career plan. They help with financial issues, education, and putting me in direct contact with employers. I would like to thank everyone who is involved in any type of way with this program. I am, honestly, very proud to be a member of RE:work and I’m looking forward to being one of their first success stories!”
One of RE:work’s first enrolled members, is very happy to be in the program. She says, “I am a 37-year-old single mother who has had many barriers in life. I
If you are interested in being a part of RE:work, or want to learn more, contact Deb Lawrence, 804.288.2867 or dlawrence@ststephensRVA.org. ✤
Serve others this summer Even for those no longer on a school schedule, summer usually promises a less hectic pace and more time for family, for reading, for travel, for rest—and perhaps for volunteering. For those who are still on a school schedule, taking part in volunteer work is not only a nice thing to do—it can provide some helpful structure in the midst of weeks of free time, as well as community service hours. St. Stephen’s Church offers a wealth of opportunities for giving of ourselves in the service of others, and the frequency of your participation is usually flexible, as your schedule permits. If you can do something every week, great; if you can come once a month, that’s fine, too. Following are some suggestions. All of these activities are suitable for adults, most are suitable for high school students, and some can involve the entire family. Staff contacts can be reached by phone at 288.2867, or by email using the first initial and last name ststephensRVA.org. ✤ THE CAFÉ @ ST. STEPHEN’S When: Saturday mornings during the farmers market, Wednesdays just before movie night, and at other times What’s needed: volunteers to serve coffee and lemonade at the café tent at the market, and operate the Square; volunteers to handle transactions in the café just before movies begin on movie night (for already-prepared items). Training on the Square is provided. Contact: Stan Barnett [sbarnett] FARMERS MARKET @ ST. STEPHEN’S When: Saturdays between 7 a.m. and 1 p.m. What’s needed: volunteers to serve two-hour shifts for various tasks, including set-up; welcoming and providing information; walking through the market to find out what vendors might need, such as change, or a quick break to go to the rest room; clean-up. Orientation is provided. Contact: Garner Stewart [farmersmarket] MARKET GLEANING When: Saturdays between 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. What’s needed: gleaners to roll a cart through the farmers market to collect donated produce, eggs, bread and other foods from vendors with unsold items, then take the donations to the food pantry in the basement. Contact: Josh Rockett [jrockett] FOOD PANTRY DISTRIBUTION When: Mondays, 9-11 a.m. or 12:45-3 p.m. What’s needed: volunteers to gather food donations from around the church, stock the “store” shelves, and prepare the store and paper bags for afternoon shoppers. In the afternoon, we need volunteers to help check in pantry clients and assist them with their shopping. Contact: Josh Rockett [jrockett]
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SUNDAY COMMUNITY SUPPER PREPARATION When: Sundays, 3 p.m. until 8 p.m. What’s needed: volunteers to prepare supper in St. Stephen’s kitchen with guidance and support from church staff members; they also set up, serve, and clean up with help from staff. Individuals or groups may volunteer for one Sunday or several. Contact: Penny Nash [pnash] MEAL PREP FOR SIDE BY SIDE When: Third Tuesday of the month What’s needed: volunteers to prepare and deliver suppers to Side by Side (formerly ROSMY, an organization providing support to LGBTQ youth). Delivery time is between 5:30 and 6:00 p.m. Contact: Deb Lawrence [dlawrence] PETER PAUL DEVELOPMENT CENTER SUMMER PROMISE When: June 27-August 17 What’s needed: volunteers to read with students during lunch weekdays at the Peter Paul Development Center and to help with the day camp at Roslyn in August. There are several other volunteer needs at Peter Paul this summer; please visit our Web site at ststephensRVA.org/outreachlocal to learn more. Contact: Josh Rockett [jrockett] MATH CAMP AT ST. STEPHEN’S When: 8:15-9:45 a.m., July 29-August 2 What’s needed: volunteers (adults and youth grades 9 and up) to help prepare and serve breakfast to Peter Paul students participating in the morning-long math camp. Contact: Deb Lawrence [dlawrence] DRIVERS FOR WESTMINSTER-CANTERBURY RESIDENTS When: Sunday mornings, about four times per year What’s needed: drivers to take one of St. Stephen’s vans to WestminsterCanterbury to pick up residents for our 10 a.m. Sunday service, and take them home afterwards. When we are fully staffed with volunteer drivers, the commitment is about four times a year. Contact: Betsy Lee [blee] VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL VOLUNTEERS When: July 8-12, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. What’s needed: adults and youth (grades 6-12) to help in a variety of roles: teachers, classroom assistants, snack coordinators, and helpers with music, games, and arts and crafts. Ideally, volunteers are able to help for the whole week, but partial-week volunteers are welcome, too. Contact: Sarah-Keel Crews [skcrews] ✤
SEASONS OF THE SPIRIT
ST. STEPHEN’S FIRST SPRING OUTREACH BENEFIT IS A HUGE HIT
Sarah Bartenstein
On Friday, April 26, St. Stephen’s hosted its first spring fundraiser for outreach. This ‘maiden voyage’ was a tremendous success. We sold 250 tickets to ‘Angels, Art & A Cappella,’ and auctioned 24 pieces of original art. Twenty-one sponsorships added support, and the food and flowers prepared by volunteers and staff were stellar. The proceeds total nearly $30,000. Thanks to all who supported this effort, including wonderful a cappella groups from St. Catherine’s School and the University of Virginia, Silhooettes and Academical Village People (shown at right) who performed at a concert in the church. Thanks also to the dedicated planning group chaired by Carrie Marshall. We had so much fun, we’re going to offer another one on April 17, 2020.
Music and golf raise additional outreach funds
Rebuilding Together Richmond helps homeowners stay put
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or the past six years, St. Stephen’s has kicked off the fall with two events designed to offer fun and fellowship for the entire community while raising additional funds for outreach. Both events are back this September, so it’s time to mark your calendars and start talking them up to friends, neighbors and colleagues. Everyone is welcome!
On Friday, September 13, the Bluegrass Bash returns in the church parking lot, from 5 until 8 p.m. This fun-filled event offers food trucks, local beer and wine (as well as non-alcoholic beverages), free activities for kids, and of course, live music. We will have an exciting announcement very soon about the band headlining this year’s event. Help us spread the word about this community-wide offering—more people make for a more festive atmosphere, and help us raise more funding for our crucial outreach ministries. Advance ticket prices are $7 for children (ages 2-11), $10 for ages 12 and up, and the family maximum is $30. Be sure to reserve your tickets in advance, since prices go up the day of the event ($10/$15/$40). You may purchase tickets in the parish office, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday, or online at ststephensRVA.org/bluegrass. Two weeks later, St. Stephen’s Outreach Golf Tournament takes place Thursday, September 26 at Meadowbrook Country Club, with lunch at noon and a 1:30 p.m. shotgun start. Why not arrange a foursome? Or register individually and we will team you up with other players. It’s an afternoon of fun and good-natured competition to support outreach. Even if you don’t play, you can be a sponsor— many sponsorship opportunities and levels are available. Information and registration can be found at ststephensRVA.org/golf and at the outreach table near the elevator and the parish office. ✤
St. Peter’s offers new volunteer collaboration By Josh Rockett
We have begun a new collaboration for the Church Hill congregation’s growing food ministry. St. Peter’s distributes food to over 100 clients on the first and third Wednesdays of the month. Volunteers from St. Stephen’s have been working at St. Peter’s on the first and third Tuesdays, 4-6 p.m., sorting and bagging food from FeedMore to be distributed the following morning. It has been a joy to work with them and get to know our neighbors in the East End. After a recent afternoon of volunteering together, a St. Peter’s parishioner commented to our group, “I love having you here! It feels like family!” If you would like to participate in this collaboration, please contact me at jrockett@ststephensRVA.org. ✤ S A I N T S T E P H E N ’ S E P I S C O PA L C H U R C H
PENTECOST | SUMMER 2019
Sarah Bartenstein
St. Peter’s Episcopal Church has been serving the residents of the East End for over 100 years. St. Stephen’s and St. Peter’s have a long history of collaboration, and most recently have worked together to establish a comprehensive employment initiative called RE:work RICHMOND (see facing page).
In late April, a team of volunteers from St. Stephen’s took part in the annual home-repair blitz known as Rebuilding Together Richmond. Each volunteer group is assigned to one house where they make improvements—replacing rotting wood, constructing ramps, making repairs to steps or handrails—for people who are not able to handle such repairs themselves because of physical and/or financial limitations. This allows homeowners to remain in their homes safely, which is good for them and good for their communities. Many thanks to all who participated.
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SUMMER @ St. Stephen’s WORSHIP SCHEDULE
Contemplative Prayer | No registration or experience needed Tuesdays and Fridays at 8:45 a.m. in the Lounge; led by Millie Cain This group gathers to sit together in silence. We have a short walking meditation and then a contemplative dialogue. We close with silence.
Saturday Holy Eucharist: Rite Two, 5:30 p.m. in Palmer Hall Chapel Sunday Holy Eucharist: Rite One, 8 a.m. in the church Holy Eucharist: Rite Two, 10 a.m. in the church* Celtic Evensong and Communion, 5:30 p.m. in the church* Sunday Community Supper, 6:30 p.m. (outdoors, weather permitting) Compline, 8 p.m. in the church *denotes child care available for ages 4 and under
Thursday Bible Study | No registration needed Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. in the Small Fellowship Hall; led by Penny Nash This weekly group, open to all, focuses on specific books of the Bible. (Note: no meeting June 6 or June 13) Moving Meditation (Tai Chi/Chi Kung) Tuesdays, 6:00-7:30 p.m., Room 18 No registration is necessary; suggested donation is $10 per session.
Second Saturdays Centering Prayer continues all summer, second Saturday of each month, 9-11 a.m. (Room 14).
The regular Sunday schedule of services, including the Palmer Hall service at 9, resume September 8, “Rally Day.” Sunday school, the Sunday Forum and other educational offerings return Sunday, September 15. Wonderful Wednesdays suppers resume September 11. The May Fair House is closed for the summer and will re-open September 16.
FOR CHILDREN Vacation Bible School | July 8-12, 8:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m. St. Stephen’s Vacation Bible School is open to children age 3 (potty-trained) – rising fifth graders. Youth in grades 6 and up are encouraged to participate as volunteers. Register your children, and sign up to volunteer, at ststephensRVA.org/vbs.
FOR YOUTH Each summer, St. Stephen’s youth have the opportunity to take part in a week-long mission trip. This year, a group will take part in an “in town mission trip,” learning more about the City of Richmond, the challenges faced by so many of our neighbors, how our history contributes to these challenges, and what we can do to be the “Beloved Community” in Richmond. Senior high participants will have a residential experience, based at Richmond Hill. Middle school students will take part in daytime activities.
Icon Writing Workshop | July 21-26, taught by Suzanne Schleck Full; waiting list available This workshop will take place for the seventh year in a row this summer. Instructor Suzanne Schleck will return to guide students in “writing” these religious works of art using the traditional materials of egg tempera and gold leaf on wooden panels. The workshop is full, but if you are interested in participating, call 804.288.2867 to be placed on a waiting list.
ALL AGES Summer Movie Nights | Wednesdays at 6 p.m., June 5 through August 21 (no film July 3) Films are shown in the Large Fellowship Hall on Wednesday evenings; the movies and popcorn are free, no reservations required. You may purchase a box supper from the Café @ St. Stephen’s (these must be ordered and paid for in advance). Two films will be suitable for young children; others are for youth and adults. Introductions precede each film, and a brief, optional post-screening discussion will take place led by Gardner Campbell (June) and by other parishioners and staff. Additional details are on page 7.
PARISH AND COMMUNITY EVENTS Holy Baptism | Saturdays, June 9, July 20, at 10:30 a.m., main church Saturday baptism services are offered several times each year, including twice this summer. Please contact any member of the clergy if you would like to be baptized or have your child baptized. (There is also a Saturday baptism service offered September 22, if neither of these summer dates works for your family.)
Parish Retreat at Shrine Mont | June 21-23 Led by the Rev. Becky McDaniel, Sarah-Keel Crews, and Andy Russell This weekend for individuals, couples, and families offers large and small group reflection as well as plenty of time to relax, swim, hike, read, nap, explore, and to be with family and friends. The deadline has passed, but if you want to go and you haven’t made a reservation, speak with Sarah-Keel to see if any spaces have opened up due to cancellations (skcrews@ststephensRVA.org).
Sunday Community Suppers | 6:30 p.m., year-round These suppers have become an integral part of the Sunday evening experience, and an important form of hospitality for the entire community, including those for whom this may be the only meal they can rely on all week. This is part of our outreach to the larger community, and is a symbol of our church’s ministry to feed all who are hungry. Donation-based; no reservations needed Farmers Market @ St. Stephen’s | Saturdays, 8 a.m.-noon In keeping with our commitment to environmental stewardship, wellness, and outreach to the community, St. Stephen’s Church hosts a farmers market every Saturday. Now in its eleventh season, the market hosts a wonderful array of vendors offering locally produced seasonal vegetables, fruit, herbs, eggs, poultry, beef, pork, pasta and other foods. In addition, the market features local artisans, locally roasted coffee, and more. ✤
GROUPS, CLASSES, AND RETREATS While Emmaus Groups and other small groups do not generally meet in the summer, some groups will continue year-round, including the following:
Sarah Der
Sarah Der
The Sunday Community Supper moves outdoors in the summer, weather permitting (below, left); Vacation Bible School participants do a service project (below, right); the Café @ St. Stephen’s is open during the summer (above, right); beginning Monday, June 10, weekday hours are 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
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Sarah Bartenstein
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd training | July 29-August 2 (Level One); August 5-9 (Level Two) This offering is for adults who want to go deeper in their spiritual lives about what it means to “be like little children.” Some will decide to serve as “catechists” (guides) for the young children who participate in our Catechesis of the Good Shepherd offering on Sunday mornings. Others may not— but all are welcome and all will benefit. See page 10 for more information, or visit our Web site, ststephensRVA.org/levelone or ststephensRVA.org/ leveltwo.
The daily services of Morning Prayer and Communion (8:10 a.m.) and Evening Prayer (5:30 p.m.) continue Monday through Friday.
SEASONS OF THE SPIRIT
If you plan to purchase supper from the Café, you’ll order that in advance each week. (Menus will be posted at ststephensRVA.org/boxsuppers.) June films will be hosted by Campbell. Other parishioners and staff will host the subsequent films, as shown in parentheses. Here’s the line-up:
LET’S GO
To the movies
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ast summer, St. Stephen’s offered a mid-week film series hosted by Gardner Campbell (the VCU English professor who is a favorite in the Sunday Forum). Campbell signed on for the month of June, but people clamored for more. So staff members offered films on subsequent Wednesday evenings.
This series was so popular, we’re bringing it back this year. Films will be shown Wednesdays at 6 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall; box suppers will be available in the Café @ St. Stephen’s. No reservations are needed for these free films. There will also be free popcorn.
The two films hosted by family ministry staff members are suitable for young children. Other films will be suitable for teenagers and adults; parents should decide which of these movies might be appropriate for their older children. Want to read Housekeeping by Marilynne Robinson before you see the film? We have copies of this and other Robinson books in our bookshop in anticipation of her visit to St. Stephen’s next year. ✤
Learning to appreciate silence
New and notable New books by familiar authors
Autumn Light: Season of Fire and Farewells Pico Iyer Iyer visted during Lent 2019, accompanied by his wife Hiroko, and spoke on “The Stillness We Ache For.” His book The Art of Stillness has become a favorite among St. Stephen’s parishioners, and at least two small groups studied it in anticipation of his March visit. Iyer’s newest book was released in April. As his readers know, he has split his time between the U.S. (specifically California) and Japan, where he and Hiroko have a small home. When Hiroko’s father died suddenly, calling Iyer back from California sooner than he’d planned, it forced Iyer to come to terms with how to hold onto what we love even as we know that everything is temporary—everything ends. In this memoir, this new friend of St. Stephen’s Church reminds us to take nothing for granted. Holy Envy: Finding God in the Faith of Others Barbara Brown Taylor Barbara Brown Taylor has packed the house at St. Stephen’s three times: in 2014, 2017, and 2019. Named by Time magazine as one of the world’s 100 Most Influential People in 2016, this Episcopal priest is known for her books Leaving Church, An Altar in the World, Learning to Walk in the Dark, and others. When she was here in 2017, the title of her talk was “Holy Envy: Learning to Live with Religious Difference”—a foretaste of this just-published book. Taylor draws on what she has learned since she left parish ministry to teach in a college classroom where religious differences are the rule, not the exception. Holy Envy is the latest Barbara Brown Taylor book to land on the New York Times bestseller list. You can purchase it in the Bookshop @ St. Stephen’s. The Oxford History of Anglicanism Volume V William L. Sachs, editor Our own Bill Sachs, priest associate, is the editor of the just-released Volume V of The Oxford History of Anglicanism. This series provides a global study of Anglicanism from the 16th century to the present. The five volumes in the series look at how Anglican identity was constructed and contested since the English Reformation of the 16th century; they examine its historical influence during the intervening generations. They consider not only the ecclesiastical and theological aspects of global Anglicanism, but also the political, social, economic, and cultural influences of this form of Christianity that has been historically significant in Western culture, and a burgeoning force in non-Western societies since the 1800s. Written by international experts in their various historical fields, each volume analyzes the varieties of Anglicanism that have emerged. ✤
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
June 5: Housekeeping (based on Marilynne Robinson’s novel; she’ll visit St. Stephen’s in 2020) June 12: Gates of Heaven June 19: Signs June 26: Time Bandits July 3: no film July 10: Coco (Sarah-Keel Crews) July 17: To Kill a Mockingbird (Brad Cox) July 24: Much Ado About Nothing; Kenneth Branagh’s 1993 adaptation (Penny Nash) July 31: Tender Mercies (Tom Cox) August 7: Forrest Gump (Steve McGehee) August 14: Howl’s Moving Castle (Becky McDaniel) August 21: Being There (Bill Sachs)
PENTECOST | SUMMER 2019
By Meg Eckman
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n preparation for writer Pico Iyer’s visit to St. Stephen’s in April, the Rev. Claudia Merritt, priest associate, and Allison Seay, associate for religion and the arts, led a group discussion of his book, The Art of Stillness, spending three sessions reflecting on his work and ideas. Each session began with a few minutes of silence. I found sitting silently as a group easier than when I try it on my own at home. At St. Stephen’s I am more accustomed to thinking deliberately rather than focusing on the minutiae of daily life. At Pico Iyer du home, I have traditionally filled the silence of living St. Stephen’ring his visit to s alone with television, podcasts, and music. Small and large group discussions gave us the opportunity to reflect on themes that Iyer addresses in his work, focusing on stillness. In my table’s discussion, the unanimous opinion was that stillness and the presence of God could be found in nature, especially near water. One audience member asked Iyer how he managed to fit stillness into his everyday life. He said that he takes advantage of small individual moments during the day to practice stillness. In response to the sessions and Iyer’s remarks, I have reduced the frequency with which I have background music and podcasts playing and have increased the time I spend sitting still outdoors. As someone who grew up enraptured with the idea of learning while doing daily life tasks (as exemplified by the Gilbreth children in the beloved children’s classic Cheaper by the Dozen), now that I live in a world of multitasking made commonplace by technology, being literally silent and focusing on one task at a time feels like a radical move. My introduction to meditative practice was praying the Anglican rosary at a youth event in Jay Paul middle school. Praying and meditation have always been linked in my mind. Even before Iyer’s visit, I had decided that my Lenten discipline for this year would be praying the Anglican rosary daily. I repeat the words aloud as I go through the beads, my eyes closed and my fingers counting for me. Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner. My mind sinks into stillness as I pray. Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy Immortal One, have mercy upon me. I don’t have a regular meditation practice, and I may never have one. My daily life certainly does not resemble his. But God put both of these parts together for me in Lent – praying in a meditative way and the idea of stillness in daily life – and this has helped me listen to what God is saying. ✤
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Virginia Girls Choir ceremony honors choristers’ accomplishments Auditions offered this summer
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hen a girl joins the Virginia Girls Choir, she serves for a time as a “novice,” getting to know the other choristers and the repertoire, and demonstrating her ability to meet the requirements for participating in a choir of this caliber. During services, each novice wears a red cassock (robe). Once she has demonstrated the skills and dedication to become a full member of the choir–often at the end of her first year–she receives a white cotta to wear over her robe and becomes a junior chorister. In the tradition of the Royal School of Church Music, this is called a “whiting ceremony.” At St. Stephen’s, it takes place in the context of a Sunday morning service of Holy Eucharist. Six choristers received their cottas on Sunday, May 5: Reed Bishop, Mikayla Blackman, Grace Connell, Zoe Green, Mary Kenzie Hubbard, and Samantha Nasser.
At the same ceremony, the parish also said goodbye to two choristers. Head Chorister Lauren Elam, who has been a member of the choir for seven years, who graduates from high school this spring and will attend James Madison University where she plans to major in math and music. Lily Turner, a chorister for four years, will move to another city with her family this summer. You may have seen Lily in the music department’s production of “Amahl and the Night Visitors,” when, at age nine, she had the title role. Director Kerry Court thanked both girls for their dedicated service to the Virginia Girls Choir, and announced that Parker Sale will be the new Head Chorister. Court is also leaving this summer to move to Washington, D.C., where her husband Ben now works. We are deeply grateful to her for her wonderful work with this excellent choir since stepping in on an interim basis after the untimely death of Peter Hopkins. During her time as director, the choir continued to sing for Wednesday Evensong, Sunday morning services, as well as for a special Mother’s Day concert and tea in 2018, and a lovely Winter Solstice Concert with Sanctuary, the Compline Choir, last December. Auditions for the choir will take place this summer in anticipation of a return to the choir’s regular participation in services in the fall. To audition, you may call the parish office at 804.288.2867 or visit ststephensRVA.org/vgc. Remember that the group is a community-wide choir and is open to all, regardless of church membership. If you know a girl who loves to sing, please send her our way! ✤
Rubens’ depiction of the conversion of St. Paul
Our summer read is a book about Paul, but don’t worry: it’s a novel
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e read from the letters of Paul most Sundays during morning services. Certain passages have become cherished words of comfort or inspiration at funerals and weddings. Some of Paul’s writing is beautiful and encouraging. Some is daunting, even scary. Particular verses have been used to justify the oppression or condemnation of whole groups of people. And for some of us, certain of his writings can come across as theological word salad. No matter what you think of Paul, however, no one in the early church did more to spread the way of Jesus beyond his Jewish followers. Paul never ceases to amaze, fascinate, confound. Scholars, theologians, and preachers have studied his life, his dramatic conversion, and his writings for generations. So while it’s not unexpected that the rector would recommend a new book about Paul to St. Stephen’s readers, the form might surprise you: this one is a novel. The Damascus Road is a new work of historical fiction by a well-known and regarded practitioner of the genre, Jay Parini. Gary Jones says that when he read the book, he couldn’t put it down. So it’s his pick for a “summer read” for this parish. The book tells the story of Paul, his conversion, and many of the events we read about in the Acts of the Apostles. The Book of Acts, of course, is also where we meet our patron saint, Stephen, the first deacon, whose stoning was approved by Paul before the apostle’s conversion. The book alternates between Paul’s perspective and the voice of his companion Luke. This fall, Parini will visit St. Stephen’s and speak at the September 22 Sunday Forum. Read the book this summer so you’ll be ready with questions when the author arrives. Copies of The Damascus Road are available in the parish bookshop, open whenever the office is open, and on Sunday mornings in the Fellowship Hall. Our price is competitive with Amazon’s, and when you buy your book from St. Stephen’s, you help support our speakers series. There are also a few lending copies in the office. ✤
A guide to plugging in Before cottas (top photo); after cottas (bottom photo)
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eople who are new to St. Stephen’s—or those who have been here awhile but might want to take a fresh look at where to offer their time and gifts—often wonder how to “plug in.” This is an unusually large parish with a wealth of groups, ministries, and volunteer opportunities. The good news: that means there’s something here for you. The challenge: how to find that “something” and identify the people who can help you take part.
Sarah Bartenstein
This summer, parish staff are working on a new parish guide designed to help you learn about ministries that can lead you to become more deeply engaged in the life of this community. Whether you’re considering teaching Sunday school, joining or facilitating a group, reading the lesson or the prayers during worship, writing a reflection for The Spirit (our weekly newsletter), joining one of our many choirs, serving as a chalice bearer or healing prayer minister, greeting people when they come to a regular service or to a funeral, serving as an acolyte, cooking meals, serving on a team to repair someone’s home, taking Communion to the city jail or to a parishioner who cannot get out anymore, reading to a class at Fairfield Court Elementary School, or taking part in any number of other opportunities—this publication will be your guide.
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The new booklet will list the ministries and roles available to participants, what the rotation/time commitment is, whether training is required and how to obtain it, and whom to contact to discuss whether a particular opportunity could be a good fit for you. Look for it at Rally Day, September 8. ✤ SEASONS OF THE SPIRIT
Robert Dilday to be ordained here Robert Dilday will be ordained to the transitional diaconate at St. Stephen’s Church on Saturday, June 15, at 10:30 a.m. In the Episcopal Church, candidates for the priesthood are first ordained to the transitional diaconate. They serve as deacons for a time—usually about six months—before being ordained priest. Dilday has been very active at St. Stephen’s since 2014 and was confirmed here in 2016. He’s been a chalice bearer, subdeacon, reflector in the Celtic service, officiant at Morning Prayer and Evening Prayer, usher captain, confirmation mentor, chairman of the environmental stewardship project team, and a jail minister. He’s written for The Spirit and Seasons of the Spirit. Dilday was the preacher at this year’s Easter Vigil on April 20. He was active at First Baptist Church before coming to St. Stephen’s, and before entering seminary, he was editor-in-chief of Baptist News Global, an independent, self-governing, non-profit news organization focusing on contemporary issues from a progressive Christian faith perspective. He held a number of other editorial positions prior to that. A graduate of Baylor University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, from which he received an M. Div., Dilday has been studying at Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria, where he has received a postgraduate diploma in Anglican studies. His two adult sons, Harrison and Andrew, will be readers at his ordination. All are welcome at the service, to be followed by a reception in the Fellowship Hall. ✤
Help St. Stephen’s stewardship of God’s creation
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t St. Stephen’s Church, we want to be good stewards of the earth God has entrusted to us, from installing solar panels to using compostable products in our café to recycling. During Lent this year, there was a noticeable increase in attention given to taking on disciplines or fasts related to the environment. Ideally, those adopting such Lenten practices continued them after Easter.
Environmental responsibility is often summed up with the three R’s, reduce, reuse, recycle. More and more, however, markets for recycled materials are dwindling. This increases the urgency to pay attention to the first two R’s: reduce and reuse. Think before you print an email. Use scratch paper for notes (and don’t use the more costly sticky-back nametags on our Welcome Tables for notes or doodles). Use refillable containers, not single-use plastic water bottles. Buy fewer clothes or shop at consignment stores. Donate items you no longer use (if they are still in good condition) to the CARITAS furniture bank, Goodwill, or next summer’s youth group rummage sale; clothing in good condition can go to the Healing Place. Of course, be courteous—if you are discarding an item because it is not in good repair or has moth holes, it should not be donated.
Here are some things to remember about recycling at St. Stephen’s: Look at the label on each receptacle: there are bins labeled for recycling, separate bins for composting, and those for trash. (If you see a can without one of these symbols, you can assume it’s for regular trash.) When you use a bin labeled RECYCLING: Please remove food residue before placing items in the bin. Recyclables include: • Aluminum cans • Aluminum foil • Paper • Cardboard • Glass • Plastic cups and containers with a “recyclable” symbol on them. Please do not put any of the following in a recycling bin or can: • Plastic bags • Plastic film/Saran Wrap • Liquid • Food • Table scraps
When you use a bin labeled for COMPOSTING: St. Stephen’s uses a composting company that can accept some items that most home composters cannot. At St. Stephen’s, you may deposit: • Food scraps (including meat scraps), flowers and greenery, coffee grounds • Compostable cups and flatware from the Café @ St. Stephen’s Please do not put any of the following in composting bins: • Plastic bags • Plastic film/Saran Wrap • Liquid • The small butter pat containers (plastic and foil); these are sometimes on your dinner plate with your food scraps after a parish supper; please be sure to remove them before scraping your plate into the compost bin. TRASH/LANDFILL • Anything that cannot be placed in recycling or composting bins. WHAT ABOUT PLASTIC BAGS? Please try to re-use plastic bags (or better yet, don’t buy or accept them in stores; use reusable bags or containers). Please do not place them in the recycling bins or the composting bins. If you have clean plastic grocery bags, you may leave them for the fruit ministry volunteers who will re-use them for fresh fruit deliveries. There is a receptacle for these in the room between the kitchen and the restrooms—or you can bring them to the parish office. IN THE PARKING LOT We have two large dumpsters in the parking lot. These are for the trash collected at the church (not for personal trash). One is marked with a recycle symbol and is ONLY for recyclables. If the recycling company finds other items in this dumpster (including plastic trash bags used to collect recyclables), they will stop collecting our trash for recycling. ELECTRONICS, ETC. Please do not toss batteries, ink cartridges, cords, or electronics in any of our trash receptacles. Please find a source for responsible disposal (and possible recycling) of these items. Periodically we invite electronics recyclers to visit our church to receive TVs, computers, and other electronics. ✤ Are you interested in serving on St. Stephen’s environmental stewardship project team? Send an email to Janet Allen in the parish office, jallen@ststephensRVA.org. Read more about creation care at https://www.episcopalchurch.org/creation-care.
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You’re already a catechist. Would you like some training? Editor’s note: This article is reprinted from the Pentecost 2018 edition of Seasons of the Spirit. Michael Sweeney has just completed his junior (first) year at Virginia Theological Seminary after serving at St. Stephen’s as director of family ministry. Michael’s description of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd and the role that catechists play is difficult to improve upon.
Grandma held the host, pinched gently between thumb and index finger, her right hand reaching towards the cup, her left hand cupped under the bent right elbow, supporting it. “The blood of Christ, the cup of salvation.”
Briget Ganske
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ne Sunday morning at St. Stephen’s, I watched as three generations of a family received communion together. The youngest child, a girl of six or seven, walked behind her grandmother as they By Michael Sweeney came forward. Each received the bread, placed into hands held flat and open, then turned and walked to the intinction cup, to dip the bread in the wine.
Anna Hurdle (center) leads training for catechists here each summer. People come from various faith communities locally and from across the country to receive this outstanding training.
Sunday after Sunday we recount the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord. We mimic his gestures; we allow his words to speak through us: “Our Father, who art in heaven...” We are echoers, catechists. (The word “catechesis” is derived from a Greek word meaning “to echo.”) As Psalm 78 says, we speak what we have heard.
“The blood of Christ, the cup of salvation.”
There is often confusion about the word “catechist.” Parents and grandparents have sometimes told me, “Oh, I could never be a teacher. I don’t have that gift.” The truth is, if you are a parent or grandparent, you already are a catechist. Your children echo and mimic you all the time, the good and the bad. That’s what children do; it’s how they learn.
It was some moment. Time collapsed. Two people became one. I could see the grandmother as the young girl and the young girl as the grandmother. And beyond both of them the echo of previous generations, beyond form now, yet somehow present, their left hands cupped under bent right elbows, too.
In his groundbreaking work, Soul Searching, Christian Smith sums up years of research like this: “The best social predictor of what the religious and spiritual lives of youth will look like is what the religious and spiritual lives of their parents do look like.” In other words, if you are a parent, you are a catechist.
I heard the words of Psalm 78: “That which we have heard and known, and what our forefathers have told us, we will not hide from their children. We will recount to generations to come the praiseworthy deeds and the power of the Lord, and the wonderful works he has done.”
If you’re interested in becoming an intentional catechist, I encourage you to consider taking the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd training course here this summer. It will be a rich week of spiritual formation for you, and a gift to your children, grandchildren, and the children of St. Stephen’s generally. You’ll also get to meet Christians from all over the country—New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Wyoming—who come to Richmond for this special opportunity.
The girl followed her, the host pinched gently between thumb and index finger, her right hand reaching towards the cup, her left hand cupped under the bent right elbow, supporting it.
I also thought of the Words of Institution: “Do this for the remembrance of me.” As we eat the body and drink the blood, we take our place in an ongoing lineage of remembrance, united not only with Christ, but with all those before and after us, our parents’ parents and our children’s children.
We are, all of us, mouthpieces of the Holy Spirit. It is the message of Pentecost. We are inspired by tongues
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd and St. Stephen’s Preschool: a perfect match By Marion Chenault and Jan Locher For many years our church has been fortunate to have a member of the staff lead Christian education with children in our weekday preschool. We were delighted when the church adopted Catechesis of the Good Shepherd as its primary spiritual formation program because it has added tremendously to the preschool program we offer for the wider Richmond community. St. Stephen’s Preschool uses many Montessori methods in its presentation of materials to children. Teachers model how to use new hands-on, concrete materials before they are available to the children. The place to work with a material is defined by a tray, rug or placemat. Children restore their work (putting it back as they found it) before moving to another space. These concepts were introduced by Maria Montessori as a method of instruction, first in a school setting, then as a means of sharing God’s love in the person of Jesus the Good Shepherd. One of the first participants in the intensive Catechesis of the Good Shepherd training program St. Stephen’s Church offered was Jan Locher, who was not only a teacher in the preschool but who eventually became St. Stephen’s lead catechist. The preschool was fortunate to have this expert to lead the preschool’s staff and children in this way of nurturing the child’s spiritual life and his or her natural capacity for prayer and a relationship with God.
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of fire, given language beyond our human understanding, language to proclaim the wonderful works of the Lord. We have only to listen and echo what we hear. Catechesis training is, as much as anything, a training in listening, so that our echo may be faithful to the source, the true teacher, who is Christ. ✤
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a unique approach to the spiritual nurture of young children based on the work of Sofia Cavalleti and Maria Montessori. This offering recognizes that children are already in touch with God in their deepest being. It is not “Sunday school,” in the traditional sense, with adults imparting information to children. Rather, adults accompany children on their spiritual journey. Adults who take part in this way find that it profoundly enriches their own spiritual lives. Families whose children spend Sunday mornings in the atrium—the name given to the classroom environment—are similarly affected. At St. Stephen’s, there are atria for children from age 3 through grade 3. Please consider taking part in the amazing opportunity to learn more about the ministry of a catechist. Even if you decide not to be a catechist this year, you will find this week of spiritual formation deeply enriching. There is no cost to St. Stephen’s parishioners. Details: ststephensRVA.org/levelone Level I training: July 29-August 2 Level II training: August 5-9
When Jan was no longer available to teach Catechesis in the preschool, Martha Lynn Corner, and later Sandy Roney, led the lessons. Today Sarah Moyer-Thacker, the church’s current lead catechist, gently guides the preschool children, age two to five and a half years, into a deeper understanding of their spiritual natures. Now the rector has called Jan to succeed Marion Chenault as preschool director. This will only deepen our preschool’s immersion in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd approach. The church’s atria (sacred spaces) with child-sized altar, sacristy cabinet, vessels and other materials have all been carefully created to help foster love for the child, love for God, and love for the earthly life that Jesus led. The light of Christ is readily seen in the faces of the children who spend time in these special spaces. The children who attend St. Stephen’s Church with their families are blessed to have Catechesis of the Good Shepherd available. The preschool children, who include members of the church and the larger community, are blessed to share this experience as well. In fact, involvement with our preschool has influenced families to join St. Stephen’s. The teachers in our preschool have been moved by the Catechesis program, as well. They have said that in working with the young children in this space, their personal faith has deepened. Every summer, the church offers ongoing adult formation for those who are interested in serving as catechists in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. This formation and training are available to all, not just parishioners. The love and humility shown by the catechists and shared with so many in the church, preschool, and larger Richmond community make us all aware of the gifts we have as children of God. ✤ SEASONS OF THE SPIRIT
The ministry of the acolyte meaningful way. If you’d like to serve as an acolyte, please contact Sarah-Keel Crews at skcrews@ststephensRVA.org, or visit ststephensRVA.org/acolytesignup. Two St. Stephen’s acolytes share their reflections on their acolyte service below. Peter Bowles Before I chose to go through confirmation class, I rarely attended Sunday worship or any other form of church activity. It wasn’t until I got to know SK Crews and Michael Sweeney [former director of family ministry] through confirmation that my involvement changed. They welcomed my friends and me into the acolyte program in 2016, and since then my involvement has increased dramatically. From Wednesday night Bible studies to Friday lock-ins, it all started through the acolyte program. As I reflect on my time as an acolyte, many Sundays come to mind highlighted by the long black cassocks and Andy Russell attempting to talk to us about football.
Sarah Bartenstein
My favorite part about being an acolyte is serving Communion. It is the only part of the service in which the acolytes engage directly with members of the congregation. I try to greet everyone with a smile as they approach the altar, and they always return the favor. I deliver my line [“The blood of Christ, the cup of salvation”], and then they return to the pews, while the entire church engages in hymn singing. Gary always congratulates the acolytes as we finish up. The acolyting program at St. Stephen’s has completely changed my view of my church, and led to me being much more involved in both worship and youth activities. It is a large reason for my newfound love for church, and for that, I am extremely grateful.
Acolytes serve at all of our Sunday morning services, and at many other services, including Holy Week liturgies, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, and funerals and weddings.
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ne of the things that characterizes St. Stephen’s beautiful worship services is the leadership provided by acolytes, youth in grades 9 through 12. From the crucifer who sets the pace of the procession as he or she carries the cross, to the young people who offer the “intinction” cup in which many people choose to dip their bread at Communion (rather than drinking from the larger chalice), acolytes are an integral part of our liturgies. They serve on Sunday mornings, at special services such as those on Thanksgiving Day and at Christmas, and for funerals and weddings.
At St. Stephen’s, acolytes are organized into teams, each led by senior acolytes called wardens. Acolytes serves at the 8:00 a.m., 9:00 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. services (and at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. in the summer), rotating from one to another and experiencing the different liturgies. In addition to serving as crucifers and intinction cup bearers, acolytes read the lesson, lead the Prayers of the People, and carry torches, the Gospel book, or banners during the procession. Joining the acolyte ministry is a wonderful way to get to know other youth at St. Stephen’s, to learn more about liturgy, and to enter into worship in a particularly
Opportunities to serve in worship With the 9 a.m. Palmer Hall service on hiatus until September, and the 9 and 11:15 a.m. services in the main church combined into a 10 a.m. summer service all of us have the opportunity to worship together in the main church. (The 8 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. services continue as usual.) When fall returns, there are roles for adults and children alike in both the main church and Palmer Hall. Here, several adults who attend the Palmer Hall service regularly reflect on their experiences of serving. Preparing the table I was raised in the Deep South. One of my fondest childhood memories is Sunday dinner at my grandmother’s house. I remember the time that she put into making not just my favorite dish, but the favorite dish of each of her grandchildren (she had 12). She used her best china and linens and spent hours preparing the food. These were expressions of her love for her family. Service on the altar guild for the Palmer Hall liturgy is an expression of my love for God. Before anyone walks into church to celebrate the Eucharist, the linens are washed and ironed. The silver is polished. The table is set. After the feast, the dishes are cleared and cleaned. I take pride in helping provide a sense of welcome and inclusion as I prepare the altar for Communion, so that those who take part feel loved and connected to God. In the setting up and cleaning up, I too feel more connected to God. Even though this is often quiet work, I have a shadow, my 10-year-old daughter Betsy, who loves to help me with these duties. It brings us closer together as we experience Christ and his love in our work. Shelley Spalding Offering the blood of Christ One of the pure delights of being a parent of young children is witnessing their imagination as they play. It often brings back memories as well. When I was a child one of my favorite scenarios was to bless, distribute, and consume Communion. This came from a deep place of spiritual longing, but I knew it was 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
PENTECOST | SUMMER 2019
Cabell Crowder I have been a “church regular” since day one. Every Sunday morning at my house means getting up, making your bed, and going to church. My family sits in a pew and waits for the service to begin. For many years I looked forward to watching the procession; the older kids looked both important and calm as they walked down the nave. I couldn’t wait to participate in this way in the service I had grown to love. Acolytes have a special connection with the service. By participating in the procession and readings, and their close proximity to the altar, acolytes can intimately see the actions of the priests. I walk away from acolyting with newfound understanding of the workings of each church service, and the meaning behind the actions that priests perform. Acolyting also offers a community within the church; I am able to stay in touch with old Sunday school friends who attend different schools and I have firmer relationships with the clergy and staff. I have begun to describe acolyting as having a ripple effect. As acolytes participate in the service, they deepen their connection to the mission of the church—to love and serve others. Acolytes guide the congregation throughout the service, a service which will send them out to live the Word of God throughout their daily lives. I am a firm believer that kindness is contagious, and acolyting is an opportunity to put that belief into action. I look forward to acolyting throughout high school and plan to remain a “church regular.” ✤
also transgressive: in the church of my childhood the blessing and distribution of the Eucharist was done only by men. So, unlike some imaginative play that is done with friends, this was solitary play—that’s why I had to fill all the roles myself. (Of course, that changed in 1977 when women began to be ordained.) Soon after our family joined St. Stephen’s, there was an open invitation to be trained as a chalice bearer, and I felt called. The first time I served as a chalice bearer in the evening Celtic Service those childhood memories returned, along with a sense of pure joy and awe—I was standing in Christ’s place offering his redemptive blood to all who came to partake. That feeling returns each time I serve as chalice bearer, whether in the Celtic Service or Palmer Hall. Any concerns or challenges weighing on my heart or mind recede in that moment when I come up to receive the chalice. I’m filled with the sacrificial love of Christ and am so grateful to extend that love to others through the Eucharist. Allison Thurber Presenting the bread and wine Serving as an oblation family in the Palmer Hall service has brought our family closer to God and to the church. The oblation family carries the bread and wine, as well as the offerings of the congregation, to the altar during the Offertory. Serving others is one way that we have found as a family to share God’s love. The children truly enjoy being participants, and they are beginning to understand more about the service as they become a part of it. Our hope is that through serving, they have the opportunity to learn the value of contributing, not just benefiting from the efforts of others. And being more involved with the service at Palmer Hall has been a tangible way for our family to express our gratitude for the many gifts we have been given. Nate, Meghan, Alex, Grace Virginia, and Claire Deal
If you are interested in serving in any of these roles, or learning more about other ways to be involved in the Palmer Hall service, please contact Sarah-Keel Crews (skcrews@ststephensRVA.org) or Becky McDaniel (bmcdaniel@ststephensRVA.org) in the parish office.
11
Seasons of the Spirit Pentecost /Summer 2019
St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church
Issue Number 32
Richmond, Virginia 23226
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6000 Grove Avenue
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ststephensRVA.org
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Parish Staff To reach a staff member, call 804.288.2867. To send an email to a member of the staff, use the initial and name provided in parentheses, with @ststephensRVA.org. (If no email is listed, it means that the staff member does not have a St. Stephen’s email address.)
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 Term expires 2021 Mary Bacon, Treasurer Orran Brown Sr. Robert Dibble Mollie Hines Mitchell Alston Williams Wesley Wright Term expires 2022 Bobby Fauntleroy, Assistant Treasurer L.H. Ginn Alice Goodwin Lynn Ivey, Junior Warden Allison Koschak, Senior Warden Shelley Spalding
Seasons of the Spirit Sarah Bartenstein, editor Steven Longstaff, designer Contributors: Br. Curtis Almquist, Marion Chenault, Dan Currier, Sarah Der, Meg Eckman, Briget Ganske, Gary D. Jones, Deb Lawrence, Jan Locher, Jay Paul, Josh Rockett, Michael Sweeney, Susan Wilkes
Market celebrates and promotes community
Sarah Bartenstein
Janet S. Allen (jallen), Associate for Development & Operations Stan Barnett (sbarnett), Coordinator of Kitchen Ministry & Café Manager Sarah R. Bartenstein (sbartenstein), Director of Communication Deonte Campbell, Sexton Marion S. Chenault (mchenault), Preschool Director (2886401) Dawn Childs (dchilds), Assistant for Children’s Music Ministry Barry Cleaton, Assistant Market Manager Donald Clements, Sexton Kerry Court (kcourt), Director, Virginia Girls Choir Sarah-Keel Crews (skcrews), Minister to Children and Youth Chuck Dixon, Sexton Chris Edwards (cedwards), Director, St. Stephen’s Choir Melissa Hipes (mhipes), Finance Manager Chris Holman, Sexton The Rev. Gary D. Jones (gjones), Rector Deborah Lawrence (dlawrence), Director of Outreach Betsy Lee (blee), Office Manager Becky Lehman (blehman), Hospitality & Communication Assistant Becky McDaniel (bmcdaniel), Associate Rector & Director of Family Ministry Christi McFadden (cmcfadden), Finance Assistant The Rev. Stephen Y. McGehee (smcgehee), Associate Rector The Rev. Claudia W. Merritt (cmerritt), Priest Associate The Rev. Penny A. Nash (pnash), Associate Rector Ben Nelson (bnelson), Sexton & Sunday Community Supper Cook Josh Rockett (jrockett), Outreach Coordinator Marshall Rotella, Sexton Andy Russell (arussell), Minister to Children and Youth The Rev. William L. Sachs (bsachs), Priest Associate Allison Seay (aseay), Associate for Religion & the Arts Steve Simon (ssimon), Facilities Manager Michael Simpson, Director of Celtic Service Musicians Elizabeth Spell (weddings), Wedding Coordinator Garner Stewart (farmersmarket), Market Manager Wei-Li Suen, Palmer Hall accompanist Greg Vick (gvick), Principal Organist
T
he best place to be on a summer Saturday morning? The Farmers Market @ St. Stephen’s! The market began its eleventh year this spring, and for the third year in a row, the readers of Virginia Living magazine have voted it one of the three best farmers markets in the region. In a time of increasing loneliness and social isolation, our farmers market is one of our most important ministries and a beloved celebration of community.
We are so proud of our market, which has a reputation for being friendly, walkable, suitable for children, strollers, and (leashed) dogs. We’re known for our wonderful mix of excellent vendors, for being not too big and not too small, and for being open year-round. Many people like to walk or bicycle to our market, but those who drive find it easy to park. The Farmers Market @ St. Stephen’s is committed to supporting local farmers and small businesses, while helping consumers get to know the people who grow and prepare their food, and reducing the carbon footprint for shoppers and food producers. We also take pride in the generosity of our vendors, who donate unsold food to our pantry ministry. This means that when our neighbors who deal with food insecurity come to our client-choice “grocery store” style pantry, they can select delicious, fresh, local foods along with the canned and boxed staples our parishioners donate every Sunday.
TO VOLUNTEER
• Coffee sellers should contact Stan Barnett, sbarnett@ststephensRVA.org • Market volunteers should contact Garner Stewart, farmersmarket@ststephensRVA.org • Gleaners for the food pantry should contact Josh Rockett, jrockett@ststephensRVA.org
This summer, in addition to the fine vendors you’ve come to expect at the market, you’ll see three new ones: • 2 Dye 4 specializes in tie dye fabric and apparel • Brookland Park Pottery makes handmade and painted ceramic pottery • Littlest Local makes baby food from locally-sourced organic fruits and vegetables Also new this summer will be freshly brewed coffee (hot or iced) and lemonade from the Café @ St. Stephen’s, available for sale at a table near Red Cap Patisserie’s tent. The Café itself will be open for smoothies, espresso drinks, breakfast, lunch and other offerings. But for those who want to enjoy coffee or lemonade while they shop, this saves a walk to the Café. In fact, market volunteers and coffee sellers will be needed all summer long. Shifts are one or two hours and training is provided. We are also recruiting gleaners to receive donations from our vendors and transport them to our food pantry. Our self-sustaining market is managed by two part-time staff: Garner Stewart is the manager and Barry Cleaton is the assistant manager. They receive support from church staff and volunteers, including a project team composed of parishioners, staff, and vendors. Thank you for your support of the Farmers Market @ St. Stephen’s! ✤