3 minute read
A new weekly rhythm for the parish
A new rhythm for the fall
Weekly offerings at St. Stephen’s
During the past six months, St. completely different). It will simply be in a Stephen’s clergy and staff, parish different container. leaders and dedicated volunteers have learned many new ways of keeping all You’ll find details about some of these of us connected even as we are physically opportunities in this edition of Seasons apart. Over these many weeks, we’ve Zoom Sunday Forum featuring the day’s preacher of the Spirit, which is also in a different learned what works well, what’s been most helpful to our parish and container—after nine years, it has been reimagined as a magazine. the community, and how to continue to exercise ministry in innovative Look for articles about online groups and confirmation preparation for ways while protecting the health and wellbeing of all our people. youth; a series for adults on the gifts of wondering about God with The cliché that is so often associated with churches—“We’ve always done it this way”—has flown the coop. Some offerings are available on demand; others are livestreamed or on And yet one of the things we have always done, marking the fellowship and small group gatherings. Zoom links and registration are beginning of a new program/academic year with a new line-up of detailed in e-communications about each event; you may also call the speakers, groups, classes and more, will happen again this fall—as it parish office for help, 804.288.2867. always has. Thoughtful, engaging, in-depth offerings—the kinds of things for which Stephen’s has become known and appreciated— Here is an introduction to this new rhythm of our life as a parish as we will signal the beginning of a new school year (though school looks look forward to the time we can be physically together again.
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. 9:00 a.m. Livestreamed service from St. Stephen’s Church; also recorded for later viewing (beginning in October) 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) children; outstanding speakers; and more. Zoom but also recorded. Some are online but not recorded, such as
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)
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) 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.
