A new rhythm for the fall
Weekly offerings at St. Stephen’s
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completely different). It will simply be in a uring the past six months, St. different container. Stephen’s clergy and staff, parish leaders and dedicated volunteers You’ll find details about some of these have learned many new ways of keeping all opportunities in this edition of Seasons of us connected even as we are physically Zoom Sunday Forum featuring the day’s preacher of the Spirit, which is also in a different apart. Over these many weeks, we’ve container—after nine years, it has been reimagined as a magazine. learned what works well, what’s been most helpful to our parish and Look for articles about online groups and confirmation preparation for the community, and how to continue to exercise ministry in innovative youth; a series for adults on the gifts of wondering about God with ways while protecting the health and wellbeing of all our people. children; outstanding speakers; and more. The cliché that is so often associated with churches—“We’ve always Some offerings are available on demand; others are livestreamed or on done it this way”—has flown the coop. Zoom but also recorded. Some are online but not recorded, such as fellowship and small group gatherings. Zoom links and registration are And yet one of the things we have always done, marking the detailed in e-communications about each event; you may also call the beginning of a new program/academic year with a new line-up of parish office for help, 804.288.2867. speakers, groups, classes and more, will happen again this fall—as it always has. Thoughtful, engaging, in-depth offerings—the kinds of Here is an introduction to this new rhythm of our life as a parish as we things for which Stephen’s has become known and appreciated— look forward to the time we can be physically together again. will signal the beginning of a new school year (though school looks
SUNDAYS: Worship and Fellowship 6:00 a.m. Recorded worship video available to watch on demand, featuring clergy, choir and other musicians, and parishioners of all ages; this is a continuation of the videos we have been producing and sharing since Lent.
WEDNESDAYS: Prayer 6:30-7:30 p.m. Contemplative Chapel: Practicing Lectio Divina and Centering Prayer with the rector, livestreamed; not recorded (began in July; ongoing)
9:00 a.m. Livestreamed service from St. Stephen’s Church; also recorded for later viewing (beginning in October)
THURSDAYS: Education series 7:00-8:00 p.m. Webinars with renowned teachers from around the world; live and recorded; free; registration required for live webinars at ststephensRVA.org/Thursdays (September 10 through December)
10:00 a.m. Sunday Forum: Engaging with the homilist of the day, livestreamed/interactive; also recorded for later viewing (beginning September 20) 10:45 a.m. Virtual Fellowship Time, live on Zoom, interactive; not recorded (beginning September 20) 5:00 p.m. Middle School Youth Group; live on Zoom, interactive; not recorded (beginning September 13) 7:00 p.m. High School Youth Group; live on Zoom, interactive; not recorded (beginning September 13) 8:00 p.m. Compline and weekly wrap up, livestreamed; also recorded for later viewing (beginning in October) MONDAYS: Sharing what we have 1:00-3:00 p.m. Monday has traditionally been the day we receive neighbors from throughout the community who need our assistance to feed their families. TUESDAYS: Bible Study Noon-1:00 p.m. Panelists of clergy and parishioners reflecting on the Gospel appointed for the coming Sunday, livestreamed and recorded (beginning September 29)
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8:00-8:45 p.m. A special series for all ages: Entering the kingdom of heaven, “Listening to God with children,” livestreamed and recorded; registration required; contact Allison Seay, aseay@ ststephensRVA.org (beginning September 10) FRIDAYS: Art, music and the beauty of holiness Noon Musical performances by parish musicians, livestreamed from the church, as well engaging with icons, listening to poetry, and more (beginning October 2) SATURDAYS: Feed and be fed | Sabbath begins at sundown 8 a.m.-noon* The Farmers Market @ St. Stephen’s, a safe environment to shop for food, will remain outdoors all winter this year, to maintain the safety of all. Enjoy local, fresh, healthy food; support local farmers and businesses; help make it possible for vendors to share their products with our food pantry clients. *Hours shift to 9 a.m.-noon October 3 SEASONS OF THE SPIRIT
