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
A D V E N T /C H R I S T MA S /E P I P H A N Y | WIN T E R 2 0 2 1
INSIDE: A RESOURCE PARISH
Seasonal services and concerts OUTREACH
& more
Sarah Bartenstein
A RESOURCE — for the church
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ne of the things that we as Episcopalians love is that whether we are in our home parish in Richmond, or visiting a small church in the Western United States or New England, or worshipping in an urban church in a major city, the shape of the liturgy is basically the same. Every church is unique, of course, because of the people By the Rev. who comprise it. Still, many people believe Patrick J. Wingo that for the most part Episcopal churches only differ in whether or not we prefer Rite I or Rite II when we celebrate the Eucharist, or if coffee hour is before or after the main service. But as I discussed at a Sunday Forum in September, St. Stephen’s Church is different from most Episcopal churches. In the mid-1980s a scholar named Arlin J. Rothauge published a little book that helped us understand that churches of different sizes carry out their ministries very differently. That book, Sizing up a Congregation, has been expanded on by other researchers in the intervening years, and this work shows that there are more differences between large and small churches in the same denomination than between two churches of the same size in different denominations. To sum up Rothauge’s (and others’) work, churches can be identified by looking at their average Sunday attendance, or ASA. (A qualifier: many researchers and scholars now believe that ASA is not a good measure of the effectiveness of a church’s ministry in the 21st century. I agree. But it still remains a good way to distinguish between churches for the purpose of
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understanding how they operate.) Rothauge identified four sizes of churches: • Family Size (less than 50 ASA) • Pastoral Size (50 to 150 ASA) • Program Size (150-350 ASA) • Corporate Size (over 350 ASA) More recent work has identified a fifth size, Transitional, which fits between the Pastoral and Program sizes. Corporate Size churches are now called, more accurately, Resource Size. St. Stephen’s is a Resource church. It is important to note that St. Stephen’s Church is in a category that is far above even the original way of categorizing, because pre-pandemic our ASA was between 1100 and 1200, which puts us in the top 0.5% of Episcopal churches. There are probably only about five other Episcopal churches in the U.S. larger than St. Stephen’s by this measure. With this size advantage come blessings and challenges. As a Resource congregation St. Stephen’s has, well, resources! We have a talented staff, a wonderful building, many parishioners who can carry out ministries, and many of the practical things we need to help us do the work God has called us to do. But there are challenges as well. Communication in a parish this large is daunting, although we are blessed with an outstanding communications team led by Sarah Bartenstein. Management of people and processes needs constant attention, and again, we are blessed to have the Rev. Will Stanley as vicar of the parish, who helps oversee many of the details around these challenges. SEASONS OF THE SPIRIT
There are others as well, and while I could go on and on, there are two vitally important things for me to emphasize: first, there is a perception that St. Stephen’s has all it needs to do its work. On the one hand, we do, because we have faith in Jesus Christ and trust the movement and guidance of the Holy Spirit among us. On the other hand, however, we do not have all we need until each person responds to God’s call to get involved, to give time, talent, and financial resources toward Christ’s ministry in this place. The same list that tells me that St. Stephen’s is the sixth largest Episcopal Church in the U.S. also tells me that we are 16th in giving. If you are not financially supporting St. Stephen’s because you think the church has all it needs, you might want to reconsider that thinking, because it directly affects what we are able to offer. Second, I want to emphasize that the reason large churches are called Resource congregations is not only because they have resources, but because they can be a resource to other churches and to the local community. We do this well in many ways by opening our doors to many outside groups and hosting speakers and programs for the wider community. This has been part of St. Stephen’s history and we will return to it as fully as we can as the pandemic wanes. As the wider church changes, the parish will also be called upon to be an even greater resource to other churches in innumerable ways as well. All of this is important to understand as St. Stephen’s engages in the discernment process to find and call a new rector. The priests who are interested in discerning that possibility will know all of this, and we need to make sure that we are all working to put St. Stephen’s in the best possible position to call the best possible person. You can help by your presence, participation, and prayers. Pat Wingo is interim rector of St. Stephen’s Church.
The reason large churches are called Resource congregations is not only because they have resources, but because they can be a resource to other churches and to the local community. We do this well in many ways by opening our doors to many outside groups and hosting speakers and programs for the wider community.
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
A D V E N T /C H R I S T MA S /E P I P H A N Y | W I N T E R 2 0 2 1 Issue Number 41
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4 Winter Solstice concert and 2022 programs 5 Advent speakers 6-7 New baby ministry 8 Come to the Live Nativity 9 Ethan White joins family ministry team, focuses on youth 10 Youth pageant is back 11 Christmas at St. Stephen’s 12 Where to find livestreams of our services 13 Our farmers market is year-round 14 Two Epiphany reflections 16-17 ReWork Richmond, our capital campaign outreach project 18 Assisting Afghans fleeing to safety 19 SSJE brothers to visit in Lent 21 Discernment committee named 23 Night craft markets highlight local artisans 23 Lo! He comes: an Advent reflection
Seasons of the Spirit Sarah Bartenstein, editor Steven Longstaff, art director Amy Mendelson Cheeley, designer Allison Seay, editorial assistance Contributors: Cate Anthony, Liz Bartenstein, Sarah Der, Briget Ganske, John Jenkins, Anna Jones, Jay Paul, Deb Lawrence, Will Stanley, Brent te Velde, Pat Wingo Copyright © 2021, St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Richmond, Virginia Requests to reprint material from Seasons of the Spirit should be addressed to Sarah Bartenstein at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 6000 Grove Avenue, Richmond, Virginia 23226, or sbartenstein@ststephensRVA.org.
On the cover Three Chopt entrance to St. Stephen’s, December 2020. Photo by Scott Finn
ADVENT/CHRISTMAS/EPIPHANY | WINTER 2021
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Lo! He comes
An Advent reflection
Yea, amen! let all adore thee, high on thine eternal throne; Savior, take the power and glory: claim the kingdom for thine own: Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Thou shalt reign, And thou alone.
Some of you know that I am a singer. From time to time I’ll muse that I am a priest because I was first a chorister. And music has always had a power to convey the grace of God to me in ways both profound and surprising. Such was the case at this service some 13 years ago. If you’ve been to a service of Lessons and Carols before, you’ll recall that it is really a conversation among the Bible, By the Rev. William S. Stanley the Book of Common Prayer, and the Hymnal. Readings from Holy Scripture are coupled with sung hymns and anthems, concluded with an ancient prayer. And like any good drama, good liturgies build energy: they point toward VERSE 4 OF HYMN 57 FROM THE HYMNAL 1982 something, inviting the people of God to yet again focus on TEXT BY CHARLES WESLEY what really matters. Such is the case in Sewanee’s service each Advent. I remember it like it was yesterday: December 7, 2008. It was the end of my first semester of college, at that peculiarly Episcopalian institution known as the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee. I was a member of the University Choir and it was the first of three services of Advent Lessons and Carols. A famed tradition at Sewanee, Lessons and Carols draws all parts of the university—from the most obviously sacred to the most obviously secular—under one roof, All Saints’ Chapel.
All Saints’ stands right in the middle of the central campus. Like any sacrament, the chapel serves as an outward and visible sign at the heart of this academic institution that grace is at its center: the grace of God, the grace given one to another in times of abundance and scarcity, and the grace to draw all of the sheep–even as Jesus says in the Gospel of John, the “sheep that do not belong to this fold”–together under one roof. It is a powerful sign of how to hold unity and diversity together.
“Lo! He comes with clouds descending” is the customary final hymn in that service. And if you ever take time to read its contents, you can’t help but see the drama! It has nothing to say about preparing for a birth of a baby in a manger, but it has much to say about the coming again of that baby at the end of time. For that, too, is an emphasis of Advent, if perhaps a less emphasized one. And it was the last verse—printed at the beginning of this reflection—that caught my attention 13 years ago. As my colleague the Rev. John Jenkins attested in a Sunday Forum earlier this year, Christianity is an apocalyptic religion. By “apocalyptic” John meant that our faith—as expressed in scripture and tradition—is always about an “unveiling,” an “uncovering.” We as the people of God are always called to see anew what God is doing, to contend with faith what God has revealed. That is also what Advent is about, as we wait and prepare “to see this thing which has come to pass” (Luke 2:115) both in the manger, as well as at the end of the age. In both times, it is our Savior, Jesus, whom we meet. And whatever is revealed, whatever is unveiled, whatever is changed, we can hold fast to one unchangeable thing: he is with us. God is with us, Emmanuel. Happy Advent, friends.
From time to time I’ll muse that I am a priest because I was first a chorister. 4
SEASONS OF THE SPIRIT
Concerts bring light to dark months Winter Solstice Concert features the Great ‘O’ Antiphons
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n Friday, December 17, this year’s Winter Solstice Concert will feature settings by living composers of the Great “O” Antiphons. These seven short texts were traditionally sung, beginning at least as early as the eighth century, to Gregorian chant before and after the Magnificat at the evening service of Vespers. Beginning December 17, one antiphon was sung each night leading up to Christmas Eve.
By Brent te Velde The responses by contemporary composers to these ancient texts and melodies are reminders of how deeply meaningful and beautiful they still are for our lives today. Each antiphon begins with a different address to God from the prophetic texts of Isaiah: “O sapientia (O Wisdom),” “O Adonai (O Lord),” “O Radix Jesse (O Root of Jesse),” “O Clavis David (O Key of David),” “O Oriens (O Morning Star),” “O Rex Gentium (O King of the nations),” “O Emmanuel.” The first letters of each of these Latin names form the mnemonic “sarcore,” which, in reverse order, spells “ero cras,” meaning “Tomorrow, I come.” The symbolism of the retrograde acrostic subverts our earthly, linear flow of time and our perception of Christ’s arrival in our lives in a singular moment, and instead seeks to reveal the far greater truth of God’s salvation at work in our lives at all times.
The original Gregorian antiphons were themselves a recognition and celebration of how this truth seemed to have already manifested in the Old Testament, and compositions by contemporary composers add further layers to the richness of this centuries-old ritual. The oldest of the composers represented in this year’s concert, the Estonian Arvo Pärt (b. 1935), composed his settings of the antiphons in a highly personal style that was developed during years of meditation, reflection, and study of medieval and Renaissance music. Pärt also converted to the Russian Orthodox Church during this time, and his style, which has come to be known as tintinnabuli, meaning “bells,” was in part a response to the use of bells in the Orthodox liturgy. A personal form of minimalism, Pärt’s music is harmonically static, meditating on only one or two chords, which has prompted the characterization of his compositions as “icons in music.” In contrast to the music of Pärt, which the composer himself described as white light for which the listener must function as a prism to divide it into separate colors, the music of Cecilia McDowall (b. 1951), whose setting of O Oriens is included in this year’s program, contains a full spectrum of harmonic color. McDowall’s composition represents an entirely different, mystical reception of the ancient text, one that reflects the tradition of centuries of worship in cathedrals suffused by the light of stained-glass windows. This style is a perfect complement to her chosen text: “O Morning Star, splendor of light eternal and sun of righteousness: come and enlighten those that dwell in darkness and in the shadow of death.” We also look forward to an organ recital on January 21 by Dexter Kennedy, winner of the Grand Prix de Chartes. Dexter will present the first of three offerings in 2022 celebrating the legacy and 200th birthday of César Franck, which will include the complete organ works of Franck. The second of these will be the return of our annual Masterworks concert on February 18, featuring two major works for choir, organ, and orchestra by two composers of the generation that succeeded Franck: Louis Vierne’s Messe solennelle and Gabriel Fauré’s Requiem, as well as Franck’s own beloved Prelude, Fugue, et Variation for solo organ. 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
UPCOMING MUSIC PROGRAMS For ticketed programs, visit ststephensRVA.org/concerts to reserve a ticket. Friday, December 17, 2021 at 7 p.m.: Winter Solstice Concert (ticketed) Candlelit, a cappella concert featuring the Great “O” Antiphons Friday, January 21, 2022 at 7:30 p.m.: Organ recital by Dexter Kennedy (freewill offering) Internationally acclaimed organist Dexter Kennedy presents the first installment of a presentation of Franck’s complete works for organ. Friday, February 18, 2022 at 7 p.m.: Masterworks Concert (ticketed) St. Stephen’s choirs perform two largescale works for choir and organ or orchestra, the Messe solennelle of Louis Vierne and the Requiem of Gabriel Fauré Friday, May 20, 2022 at 7 p.m.: Organ recital by Brent te Velde (freewill offering) The final installment in our presentation of Franck’s complete works for organ, presented by our own director of music, Brent te Velde
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‘SUPERNATURAL LOVE’
is focus of two-part Advent Forum
GARDNER CAMPBELL EXPLORES THIS REMARKABLE POEM
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t is rare that a single poem explores the central mysteries of the Incarnation, from the strangeness of our own embodiment to the wonder of God’s loving, sacrificial choice to become human, Emmanuel. “Supernatural Love” is one of those rare poems. Written by Gjertrud Schnackenberg, one of the greatest American poets of the last 100 years, “Supernatural Love” tells the story of a four-year-old girl whose intuitions send her father, a history professor, on a search for knowledge that can explain his young daughter’s visionary insights. The poem is written very simply, as a first-person story told by the young girl, but the universe that her story opens to the reader is breathtaking, unforgettable. Join Dr. Gardner Campbell this Advent as we experience this remarkable poem together, illuminating our own questions, intuitions, and discoveries through the story “Supernatural Love” tells. He will speak in the Sunday Forum at 10:10 a.m. on December 5 and 12.
SUPERNATURAL LOVE
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By Gjertrud Schnackenberg
To read what’s buried there, he bends to pore Over the Latin blossom. I am four, I spill my pins and needles on the floor
My father at the dictionary-stand Touches the page to fully understand The lamplit answer, tilting in his hand
Trying to stitch “Beloved” X by X. My dangerous, bright needle’s point connects Myself illiterate to this perfect text
His slowly scanning magnifying lens, A blurry, glistening circle he suspends Above the word “Carnation.” Then he bends
I cannot read. My father puzzles why It is my habit to identify Carnations as “Christ’s flowers,” knowing I
So near his eyes are magnified and blurred, One finger on the miniature word, As if he touched a single key and heard
Can give no explanation but “Because.” Word-roots blossom in speechless messages The way the thread behind my sampler does
A distant, plucked, infinitesimal string, “The obligation due to every thing That’s smaller than the universe.” I bring
Where following each X I awkward move My needle through the word whose root is love. He reads, “A pink variety of Clove,
My sewing needle close enough that I Can watch my father through the needle’s eye, As through a lens ground for a butterfly
Carnatio, the Latin, meaning flesh.” As if the bud’s essential oils brush Christ’s fragrance through the room, the iron-fresh
Who peers down flower-hallways toward a room Shadowed and fathomed as this study’s gloom Where, as a scholar bends above a tomb
Odor carnations have floats up to me, A drifted, secret, bitter ecstasy, The stems squeak in my scissors, Child, it’s me, SEASONS OF THE SPIRIT
Pre-eminent scholar to open the scriptures anew during
Advent lectures
Dr. Amy Jill-Levine to speak at events sponsored by area churches
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e are excited to partner with All Saints’, St. Mary’s, and St. Paul’s Episcopal churches to host internationally renowned scholar and speaker Dr. Amy-Jill Levine for a two-part Advent lecture series on December 2 and 3. The series is also made possible by a gift from Mrs. Frances Eakin in loving memory of her husband Dr. Frank Eakin.
The first lecture, “Revisiting Christmas: Ancient Jewish Expectations, Christian Interpretations, and Interreligious Responses Today,” will be held at St. Stephen’s on December 2 and is open to the public. The second lecture, “Understanding Jesus and Paul Means Understanding Judaism,” will be held at St. Paul’s on December 3 and is open to faith leaders and educators.
Claudia said, “We are honored to have Dr. Levine with us for an evening of reflection. She is a pre-eminent scholar in Christian and Jewish circles, and I’m excited to hear her open the scriptures in a new way. She’ll help us hear who Jesus was and how he sounded in his first century community, and this will be especially powerful as we move through Advent toward Christmas.”
Dr. Amy Jill-Levine
After reading Short Stories by Jesus, Claudia says, “I’ll not hear the parables in the same way again. I highly recommend the book. Dr. Levine is humorous and totally engaging.”
Dr. Levine is the Rabbi Stanley M. Kessler Distinguished Professor of New Testament and Jewish Studies at Hartford University, and has taught at Vanderbilt University. She has published over 30 books including The Misunderstood Jew, Short Stories by Jesus, five children’s books (with Sandy Eisenberg Sasso), and The Bible With and Without Jesus (with Marc Z. Brettler).
Space is limited and pre-registration is required. There is no charge for admission, but a donation to defray the costs of this event is appreciated. See details below for more information and registration for each lecture. (Please note that each of the two events has its own registration.)
In preparation for Dr. Levine’s visit, the Rev. Claudia Merritt led a study of Short Stories by Jesus in the fall.
Important • At both events, masks and proof of vaccination are required. • The series will not be livestreamed or recorded. • Registration for each event is separate.
He turns the page to “Clove” and reads aloud: “The clove, a spice, dried from a flower-bud.” Then twice, as if he hasn’t understood, He reads, “From French, for clou, meaning a nail.” He gazes, motionless. “Meaning a nail.” The incarnation blossoms, flesh and nail, I twist my threads like stems into a knot And smooth “Beloved,” but my needle caught Within the threads, Thy blood so dearly bought, The needle strikes my finger to the bone. I lift my hand, it is myself I’ve sewn, The flesh laid bare, the threads of blood my own, I lift my hand in startled agony And call upon his name, “Daddy daddy”— My father’s hand touches the injury
Thursday, December 2, 7:00-9:00 p.m. | Public Lecture at St. Stephen’s “Revisiting Christmas: Ancient Jewish Expectations, Christian Interpretations, and Interreligious Responses Today” This event is open to the entire community, though seating will be limited to ensure safe distancing, and masks and proof of vaccination are required for all. To register, visit ststephensRVA. org/Levine-registration. Friday, December 3, 9:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m. | Lecture for Faith Leaders and Educators at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church “Understanding Jesus and Paul Means Understanding Judaism” This event is open to everyone; however, this event is targeted towards faith leaders and educators. Seating will be limited to ensure safe distancing, and masks and proof of vaccination are required for all. For more information and to register, visit stpaulsrva.org/levine-lectures.
As lightly as he touched the page before, Where incarnation bloomed from roots that bore The flowers I called Christ’s when I was four. Gjertrud Schnackenberg, “Supernatural Love” from Supernatural Love: Poems 1976-1992. Copyright © 1982, 1985 by Gjertrud Schnackenberg. Used by permission of Farrar, Straus & Giroux, LLC, http://us.macmillan.com/fsg. All rights reserved.
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 A D V E N T / C H R I S T M A S / E P I P H A N Y | W I N T E R 2 0 2 1
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A ministry for those with new babies Heavenly Father, you sent your Son into this world. We thank you for the life of this child entrusted to our care. Help us to remember that we are all your children, and so to love and nurture this child that s/he may attain the full stature intended for him in your eternal kingdom; for the sake of your dear Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. A PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING FOR THE GIFT OF A CHILD FROM THE BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER
By Betsy Tyson
We’ll welcome babies with a cradle cross, an ABC book on our faith (A is for Altar, B is for Bible), and information and literature on the sacrament of Baptism. Clergy may also visit a new baby in the hospital or at home to offer a blessing. And if you would like the birth or adoption of your child to be included in the prayers in church on Sunday morning, we would be happy to add the child’s name.
The Gracious Gourmets—a ministry of the Women of St. Stephen’s—will also prepare a meal for your family. If you are expecting a baby or have recently welcomed a baby to your family, please call the church office, 804.288.2867, to let us know. The clergy, staff, and parishioners of St. Stephen’s are here to love and encourage you and your little one.
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SEASONS OF THE SPIRIT
Sarah Bartenstein photos
At St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, we rejoice with parents and family on the birth of a new baby or the adoption of a child. In keeping with the prayer of thanksgiving for the gift of a child from the Book of Common Prayer, we welcome a new little one with love and support, trusting in God’s blessing of love and grace upon the child and family.
Sarah Bartenstein
Palmer Hall al fresco
Families with young children enjoyed this open-air service (but we’re glad to go back indoors!) In September, we began holding the Palmer Hall service outdoors to safeguard the health of children too young to be vaccinated against COVID-19. This worship experience—held under a large tent—was enriching and well received by those who had missed being together over the past year. As this edition of Seasons of the Spirit was headed to the printer, the weather was turning colder and COVID numbers were trending downward, and we were making plans to move back into Palmer Hall Chapel. To keep attendance numbers at a safe level in that
relatively small space, we will require advance registration; details are in the Spirit and eSpirit. We appreciate everyone’s flexibility and are so glad to be together again! The Palmer Hall service, offered at 9 a.m. on Sundays, September through May, is designed particularly with families in mind, especially those with babies and young children. The liturgy is from the Book of Common Prayer (Holy Eucharist: Rite Two), with music and other elements selected to make it especially accessible to children. Of course, anyone of any age may register and attend.
THE LIVE NATIVITY RETURNS
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e are excited to announce that Evie and her friends will be back for a live nativity on Tuesday, December 21 from 5 to 7 p.m. Evie is the donkey who visits St. Stephen’s for Palm Sunday and came last year for our first live nativity. Last year’s offering was so well-received that we are happy to continue this new tradition. We are still unable to offer an indoor children’s pageant since young children have not been vaccinated. Instead, we invite children to participate in this live nativity, and we invite everyone to come and see it.
Information about how children can sign up to participate will be available in the Spirit, the eSpirit, and the family ministry email newsletter. Unlike last year, we will not have advance sign-up for those who wish to tour church grounds during the live nativity—you may come anytime during the two-hour period.
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ADVENT/CHRISTMAS/EPIPHANY | WINTER 2021
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Sarah Bartenstein
Ethan with youth ushers at the 9 a.m. service.
A new face in family ministry
Ethan White joins the team as Journey to Adulthood program returns to St. Stephen’s
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he period that began in March 2020 has been challenging in many areas of our parish life, and nowhere more than in St. Stephen’s ministry among middle and high school students. Those who had prepared for Confirmation beginning in 2019, to receive the laying on of hands by a bishop in the spring of 2020, had that rite postponed. They continued to participate in their preparation using various forms of technology, without knowing when they’d actually be confirmed. A new class of young people began the process in the fall of 2020—all on Zoom and video.
Other opportunities for youth to gather in person for fellowship, prayer, and to serve in worship or through outreach ministries, were not available, nor were we able to have the traditional youth pageant on the fourth Sunday of Advent, nor to salute and bless the high school class of 2020 as we usually do. Like so many other things that youth and their families have come to expect and to cherish, these traditions were not available, at least not in their usual forms.
Ethan’s is a two-year appointment as part of a St. Stephen’s internship program for those exploring vocations in the church as lay or ordained ministers. He works most closely with the Rev. John Jenkins to develop new lay-led ministries for youth spiritual formation while also directly ministering to youth and building relationships with them and their families. In full partnership with those who support youth—their families, the vergers and clergy—Ethan also leads our youth liturgical ministries, providing training and support for high-school-aged acolytes and middle-school-aged ushers. At the conclusion of the two-year internship period, we will ponder next steps and possibilities. The parents, vestry members, and staff who met Ethan last summer during his interviews for this position recognized a range of gifts that suit him for this role. While he possesses an easy affability with all, he also demonstrates a depth of maturity and authenticity that contribute to the quality of relationships he forms while working with youth.
And it’s also important to acknowledge and express gratitude for what we were able to experience: a live nativity in place of the youth pageant and the children’s pageant… Confirmation (at last) in May 2021 for both groups of confirmands… a special evening of prayer and blessing for members of the high school class of 2021 and their families called “Sacred Pause.” It’s also important to celebrate plans for the future.
Ethan completed his degree in music and history at the University of the South earlier this year. He came to us from Savannah, Georgia, where he has been a lifelong member of historic Christ Church, Episcopal. His faith formation is uncommonly deep, reflecting the central role of faith and church leadership held on both sides of his family of origin; and Ethan has served or led in many parish and diocesan youth ministries as well as formation ministries while in college. The Rt. Rev. Frank Logue, bishop of the Diocese of Georgia, wrote, “Betting on Ethan White is always a safe bet that will make you look smart for putting your trust in him.”
A big part of that future is Ethan White, who has joined our family ministry team to serve in a number of ways, focusing
The Rev. John Jenkins says, “Well beyond his intellectual and artistic credentials, which are considerable, the prized gift that
It’s an important part of healing to acknowledge and grieve the experiences and hopes that could not be lived.
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especially on youth ministry and developing the relationships necessary to grow and sustain a stable youth program.
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Ethan offers in ministry with young people is his personhood and orientation to the world as a young adult of deep faith. He knows by faith whose he is, and that baptismal identity shapes how he sees, values, and relates to those in his care. His presence is open and inviting, gentle and calming, and that is essential at this time and to this community as we emerge from the long shadow of the pandemic. For all of these qualities and characteristics, I am so pleased he accepted our invitation to join the family ministry team! He will be a generous and faithful presence to young people, and too, I expect, influential in their lives.” “In the midst of a pandemic, it is a daunting task for a young person to balance academic expectations, sports, social life, and the college admission process,” Ethan reflects. “Carving out time to stay involved in a church community tends to add just one more layer of stress and expectation.” He continues, “However, the pandemic has highlighted our collective desire for consistency, acceptance, and a deeper sense of meaning. This is especially important for young people at this unique crossroads. With our family ministry team, I am eager to provide meaningful experiences for youth and to nurture their sense of belonging and place here at St. Stephen’s. I feel excited and hopeful about growing with them in faith, hope, and love
throughout the coming months and years.” Ethan arrived in September and is an integral part of our reintroduction of the Journey to Adulthood program, one of the most acclaimed formation programs in the Episcopal Church. The three-tiered program begins with Rite 13 for grades 6 and 7, J2A for 8th and 9th, and 4Ward for 10th grade and up. If you are ready to be part of this work, to build a vibrant culture in our church for youth, or if you have questions about youth ministry at St. Stephen’s Church, please be in touch with Ethan or John. SUNDAY MORNINGS. 10:10-11:00 A.M. 6th-7th grades, Rite 13 Led by Cate Anthony and Mollie Mitchell; Room 17 8th-9th Grades, J2A Led by Ethan White, Ashley Tunner, and Kendall Rempe; Room 4 10th–12th, 4Ward Led by John Jenkins and Tony Anthony; Library The numbered rooms are on the top floor of the parish house. The Library is between the Small Fellowship Hall and the Café @ St. Stephen’s.
The youth pageant returns! After a year’s hiatus, we’ll have the pageant on December 19; registration will be required Our safe distancing measures require that we limit seating, which will be managed through an online registration process. We are grateful, therefore, to have the means to livestream the pageant so that all who wish to experience it may do so as well as view the recording on-demand afterwards.
St. Stephen’s youth pageant returns on the fourth Sunday of Advent as we prepare to celebrate the Feast of the Incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ! Few St. Stephen’s traditions are as long-lived or deeply loved as our Youth Christmas Pageant. For at least four By the Rev. generations, since the 1920s, some John Jenkins form of this pageant has been enacted; it is cherished by families whose children, grandchildren, and even greatgrandchildren have participated in this wonderful experience and rite of passage.
Sunday, December 19, during the 11:15 a.m. service Information on registration will be available in the Spirit, the eSpirit and on our web site. Livestream at ststephensRVA.org/onlineworship
Preparations begin in the fall, and there is tremendous excitement to restore this beloved event to our common life after our “pandemic Advent” as we prepare to celebrate the mystery of Christmas. 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 2021
Sarah Der
The pageant uses a mode of storytelling with medieval roots, the tableau vivant, a living picture. This way of retelling the Christmas story as found in Holy Scripture resembles the Great Vigil of Easter insofar as substantial passages of scripture are read to unfold the foretelling and fulfillment of God’s promises to God’s people. Senior youth portray in tableaux the story presented and are borne up the center aisle on floats moved along by younger youth.
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Briget Ganske
Christmas Eve will look different in some ways (everyone will be wearing masks, for example), but the stirring readings and sermon, the moving seasonal music, and the beautiful decorations will be back after our pandemic absence.
Christmas services at St. Stephen’s
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hristmas 2020 was unlike any experienced at St. Stephen’s before. We were unable to gather in our beloved worship space for the worship services we’ve come to cherish. Instead, we offered a worship video designed to capture many of the things that make Christmas services special, and permitting people to visit the church for brief periods to see the beautiful greenery, listen to instrumental music, and kneel for a few moments of prayer.
• Everyone must sign up in advance, so that we can keep tabs on the number of people in the church to maintain safe levels. We hope that, since there will be four services on Christmas Eve, you will be able to get a seat for one of them. • Everyone must wear a mask. • We will livestream services so that if you are not able to reserve a spot—or if you are not comfortable being indoors with lots of other people right now—you will still be able to participate.
We are so grateful to be able to re-gather this Christmas.
Information about the Live Nativity and the Youth Christmas Pageant is found on pages 9 and 11.
While we will offer the services we did pre-pandemic, however, that doesn’t mean everything will be “business as usual” (as if Christmas Eve and Christmas Day can even be thought of as business as usual). A few things will be different. 12
The schedule for Friday, December 24, Christmas Eve: • Two identical “family services”—one at 3:00 p.m., the other at 5:00 p.m.— with Holy Eucharist: Rite Two, and
members of St. Stephen’s Choir and instrumentalists. While these services are alike, we offer both of them to accommodate the large number of people who attend. • 8:00 p.m., Celtic Christmas with 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, and a half-hour of special music precedes each service (2:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.). There will be no overflow seating for services this year. The Christmas Day service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, December 25, as usual. Sanctuary, the Compline choir, will sing. Continued on next page SEASONS OF THE SPIRIT
The first Sunday of Christmas (Christmas I), December 26, will follow a slightly altered Sunday schedule.
There will be no Palmer Hall service, Forum or Sunday school on December 26 or January 2; these will resume January 9, 2022.
• 8 a.m., Holy Eucharist: Rite One • 10:30 a.m., Christmas Lessons and Carols • 5:30 p.m., Celtic Evensong and Communion • 8 p.m., Sung Compline
The parish office and the café will be closed December 27-January 3, so there will be no Morning Prayer that week; it will resume Tuesday, January 4, 2022.
The second Sunday of Christmas (Christmas II), January 2, will follow the above schedule, but the 10:30 a.m. service will be Holy Eucharist: Rite Two.
These are our plans as this edition of Seasons of the Spirit goes to the printer. During the pandemic, the only constant is change, so be sure to consult the Spirit, the eSpirit, or our Web site (ststephensRVA.org/Christmas) for the most up-to-date information and links to reservations.
Where to watch our livestreams
Some parishioners are not comfortable coming to church at this point in the pandemic, or they have health conditions or other limitations that make it unwise for them to venture out. We’re grateful to be able to provide this service for them—and for anyone who might be out of town or otherwise not able to attend a service or a forum. We’re also reaching people who are not yet familiar with St. Stephen’s Church. To that end, this fall we begun pushing our livestreams to additional platforms. In addition to streaming on our Web site, we’re livestreaming on our Facebook page and our YouTube channel. The most glitch-free platform remains our Web site, but we know that Facebook and YouTube are helping us reach new viewers. One thing to know about livestreams on our Web site is that each “event” needs to be embedded on its own page. While it would be easier for you to find a livestream if all of them “lived” on one page, technically, it’s not possible. 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
Sarah Bartenstein
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ecessity is the mother of invention, the saying goes. It can also help us get better at things! Beginning in March 2020, we spent a year creating weekly worship videos since we could not worship together in person. Once we were able to re-gather, we began doing something By Sarah Bartenstein that we had been thinking about before the pandemic: livestreaming our services. But while we might have previously thought we’d livestream one or two services each week, the pandemic moved us to offer more. We’re livestreaming daily Morning Prayer on weekdays, and on Sundays the Sunday Forum at 10:10 a.m., the 11:15 a.m. Eucharist, the 5:30 p.m. Celtic service, and the 8 p.m. Compline service. We’ve also been livestreaming the inquirers class this fall.
Dillon Gwaltney at the controls
So here are some shortcuts. Consider bookmarking these on your web browser. Most of them are also linked every week in the eSpirit, our email newsletter. • Sunday morning service: ststephensRVA.org/onlineworship • Sunday Forum: ststephensRVA.org/forum • Celtic service: ststephensRVA.org/celtic • Compline: ststephensRVA.org/compline • Daily Morning Prayer: ststephensRVA.org/livestream • Inquirers class: ststephensRVA.org/inquirer Did you miss a service or a forum, or want to share one with someone else? Go to ststephensRVA.org/video to see archives. A few disclaimers: Sometimes a speaker will ask that we not livestream or record their presentation, and we honor that request. Other things simply don’t lend themselves to livestreaming (and unless something takes place in the main church, we are not equipped to livestream it). Many thanks to Dillon Gwaltney of our communications staff, J.D. Jump, who is on the staff of St. Christopher’s School, and our parish administrator, Betsy Lee, for their contributions to this ministry.
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Keep finding your favorite vendors, even in winter Our farmers market is year-round The need for fresh, 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 Farmers By Liz Bartenstein Market @ St. Stephen’s is year-round. This winter—like last year—we’ve decided to remain outdoors to keep everyone safe. While we’ll switch over to our winter vendors the Saturday after Thanksgiving, we’ll still be in the parking lot. We learned last year, when the pandemic was surging, that people would simply bundle up and do their shopping. Many vendors offer online pre-orders as well as CSAs (Community Supported Agriculture–farm shares), so you can shop quickly and get back into a warm car. Among the blessings of this market are the people. Vendors 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. 14
By Anna Jones
lids are compostable!
THINGS TO REMEMBER The Café @ St. Stephen’s is open Saturdays. Fuel up for your shopping trip with a healthy smoothie or breakfast snacks, and/or warm up after your outdoor shopping with freshly brewed coffee, tea, a latté or other hot drink. Our to-go cups and
The market 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 program. In addition to produce, you’ll find eggs, meats, baked goods and prepared 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.
SEASONS OF THE SPIRIT
Sarah Der
WHAT TO LOOK FOR Fresh produce all winter: Agriberry Farm and CSA, Broadfork Farm, Bundy Heirloom Farm, Crumptown Farm, Liberty Tree Farm, and 22 Oaks Garden are all continuing through the winter. Island Farms will also bring eggs and hydroponic greens, and Haashrooms will have cultivated and foraged mushrooms. Meat and eggs all winter: Black Boar Farm, ShireFolk Farm, Snyder Family Farm, and Wandering Cow Farm will have meat this winter. Among the four of them, you will find chicken, beef, pork, and lamb. The Mayor will continue to bring a variety of sausages, and Black Boar Farm, Island Farms, ShireFolk Farm, and Snyder Family Farm will all have eggs. Services: Sharp Again will be here every other week, ready to sharpen your kitchen and garden tools. Prepared foods and the Café: Once again, My Empanada will be with us over the winter. The Mayor will continue to carry his breakfast sandwiches. 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 miniature cheesecakes, Cakes by Jen will have coffee cakes, Chewy’s Bagels will have bagels, and saltncinnamon microbakery will have breads and pastries. Richmond Olive Oil Co. will have imported olive oil, grown and bottled in ways
sustainable for people and planet. As mentioned, the Café @ St. Stephen’s will be open with fresh coffee, tea, espresso drinks, smoothies, and other goodies. There’s indoor and outdoor seating at the café, so you can enjoy a warm drink safely and comfortably. Food trucks: there will be a new rotation of food trucks this winter: Meat Wagon Barbecue, Brekkie Waffles, and more. 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: KR2 Fiber Arts, Shady Nook Alpacas, Laura Heyward (paper goods), DK Designs Jewelry, Lovely to Look At Jewelry, Wandering Cow Farm, One Hive Farm, Brookland Park Pottery, RVA Cutting Boards, Perry Spires (cutting boards and other wooden items), and Tangara Handmade Purses. ✤ MARKET LEADERSHIP Anna Jones is the market manager, and Larry Bidwell is the assistant market manager. Volunteers are needed every Saturday—contact us at farmersmarket@ststephensRVA.org or sign up online at ststephensRVA.org/market. Christmas Day 2021 and New Year’s Day 2022 fall on Saturday, so we’ll be closed on those days.
Read about some of our market artisans coming to a special evening market, page 23. 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
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‘The Magi’ by Henry Siddons Mowbray
A gift for a broken and frightened people (us)
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his fall the Thursday morning Bible Study group has gathered each week to consider passages from scripture which prompt the response, “What?!” These passages draw the reader to this exclamation for many reasons: some are surprisingly silly, like the fish with the coin in its mouth By the Rev. (Matthew 17:24-27), while others are far Cate Anthony more complicated than we learned as children in Sunday school (Noah’s ark, anyone?). Still others prompt a “What!?” that is more shocked than amused; these Bible stories are not for the faint of heart. Soon we celebrate the season of Epiphany, a season begun by the visit of the three Magi to the infant Jesus in the manger in Bethlehem. This story is familiar to us, prompting images of sumptuously dressed strangers drawn to the baby by a star, bearing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Indeed, the Gospel appointed for the feast day depicts this story as we remember it, ending with the Magi seeking an alternate route home, “having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod” (Matthew 2:12).
The story does not end there, however. Unfortunately, “when Herod saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, he was infuriated, and he sent and killed all the children in and around Bethlehem who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had learned from the wise men” (Matthew 2:16). 16
Y’all, this is one of those stomach-churning “What?!” moments— the kind of moment I am left to wonder what we are supposed to make of this. What does it mean that Jesus’ birth causes such a thing? At the root of some of my discomfort here is, I think, the Epiphany reminder that following Jesus has tangible political ramifications. That word, “political,” is charged in our current world—it conjures ideas of partisan loyalties and national governments. It helps me to remember that to be political is to be concerned with the polis—the community—and its flourishing. We know that Jesus’ ministry as an adult focuses on challenging the principalities that hoard power and maintain a skewed status quo: Jesus was intensely concerned with the flourishing of the community. And, as it turns out, even his birth sent waves through the political leaders of the land, a first sign that their power was not as almighty as they probably hoped it would be. And so Herod does the unthinkable, killing innocent children in a desperate attempt to maintain control. The fact that even Jesus’ birth disrupts and threatens the political order of his time should not be too surprising, all told—and Herod’s actions are one of many stories we have of the corrupting influences of power and fear. Ultimately, I wonder if the hope of Epiphany is this: that Jesus is not only the king of all things, not only the true priest for his followers, but also the gift that a broken, frightened humanity really needs in order to be made whole and flourish. SEASONS OF THE SPIRIT
Epiphany: A revelation
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he Epiphany is a revelation. What was known at Christmastime to Mary and Joseph and the shepherds—that God is with us—is now, “by the leading of a star,” made known to us and to all creation. A friend once explained it to me this By the Rev. way: “At Christmas, the sun has Michael Sweeney begun its return; you just can’t see it yet. Then in January, little by little, you start to notice the days are getting longer.” It’s a good analogy if you live in the northern hemisphere, and surely not unrelated to the dates of the feasts. But the Epiphany must mean more than longer days, as if all this broken world needed were a global redistribution of sunshine temporarily in our favor. Rather, this feast is an opportunity to ask, “How am I to participate in the revelation of Christ?”
One day my son, Emmett, and I were playing “I Spy” with the pictures in Richard Scarry’s What Do People Do All Day? Emmett pointed to a railroad switch and asked, “What’s that?” I began to explain, and—between Emmett’s insatiable need to know “Why?” and the train obsession I inherited from my model-railroadenthusiast father—things got a little advanced for a two-year-old. To make sure he was still with me, I stopped and asked, “Does that makes sense?” Emmett nodded breathlessly. Soon Briget came in to join us, and Emmett took the book from me to show his mom the train page. He twisted his face in concentration, took on a serious tone of voice, and proceeded to 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
explain all about the trains. It was nearly unintelligible, lots of pointing and nodding, with a word here or there that sounded almost like English, and then he said, “That make sense, Mommy?” I had to bite my cheek to stop from laughing. No, it didn’t make any sense at all. It was nonsense. The words, anyway. What came across loud and clear were wonder and love—his wonder at this world, filled with amazing things like railroad switches, and that wonder spilling over in love, in the desire to share these awesome revelations with his beloved mother. It’s what we do when we’re amazed by something. We want to share it—the great book, the beautiful vista, the best song— with someone we love. The Epiphany is like this. If the most amazing thing has, indeed, happened, we will want to share it. And yet, given the magnitude of the revelation, this desire might feel more like fear. Who am I to say anything about God? “Fear not!” says the angel. Your love will speak louder than words. This reflection was originally published in the 2019 AdventChristmas-Epiphany edition of Seasons of the Spirit. The Rev. Michael Sweeney is the former director of family ministry at St. Stephen’s Church. Earlier this year, he graduated from Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria and was ordained to the transitional diaconate. He is scheduled to be ordained priest December 18, and the next day, Sunday, December 19, he will celebrate his first Eucharist at St. Stephen’s Church at 9 a.m. Michael serves as middle school chaplain at St. Christopher’s School, and he, Briget, and Emmett have welcomed another son, Isaac, to their family since this was originally published.
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A path to meaningful employment ReWork Richmond continues to guide East End adults to meaningful, family-sustaining careers ReWork Richmond, the workforce development program that came about through a partnership among St. Stephen’s, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Church Hill, the City of Richmond’s Office of Community Wealth Building and Challenge Discovery Projects, is changing the lives of East End Richmond residents.
By Deb Lawrence
ReWork’s mission is to empower underemployed adults living in Richmond’s East End to obtain the skills and support needed to qualify for and ultimately attain thriving, living-wage careers. Born of the capital campaign that St. Stephen’s conducted as part of its centennial observance, ReWork takes a unique approach to employment. ReWork is about employment support and job sourcing for East End families, creating lasting career opportunities as opposed to entry-level jobs that cannot sustain a family. The program is structured to provide a comprehensive array of personal support and employment referral services tailored to meet the individual goals of each ReWork member (not “client” or “participant”). Each member works with the ReWork staff to strategically design their individual career plan.
for success. Tonyelle is excited to continue networking and teaching as she works towards opening her own community art studio where she can work, sell her pieces, and offer art classes for all ages. NEW OFFICE SPACE
With continuing financial support from St. Stephen’s and other invested community partners, ReWork Richmond is making a difference in the lives of East End adults and their families. Member enrollment continues to grow each month and members are making great progress on their path to meaningful, sustaining careers.
We are excited to announce that ReWork will soon move to a new office space, just a few blocks away from its current location at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church. We are extremely proud and grateful to have been housed at St. Peter’s since opening our doors in February 2019. Having our own office space will allow for more community awareness and visibility. The new office is located at 2123 Fairmount Avenue in the heart of the East End.
AN ARTIST’S SUCCESS STORY
YOU CAN HELP
Member Tonyelle B. is a recent example. Tonyelle was recommended to ReWork by community partner Richmond Public School’s Parent Engagement Program and came to ReWork without a high school diploma, but with a goal and dream of using her artistic skills and talent to become an art teacher. Through ReWork’s partnership with Dream Academy, an organization that provides an opportunity for adults to earn a high school diploma, Tonyelle was able to complete course work and obtain her diploma in six months. She graduated in June. Tonyelle was employed by UP RVA as a driver, but she did not want to abandon her dream of teaching art to children. After becoming a ReWork member and working with its staff, Tonyelle got an interview with the Boys and Girls Club in the East End, and one week later was offered the position of art teacher to children enrolled at the club. Although Tonyelle does not have a formal teaching background, we believe that having real experience in art education will position her 18
ReWork member Tonyelle B. displays her art at a community event.
Would you like to make a difference in the lives of ReWork members and support their rise out of poverty? There are several ways you can help. Transportation to a new job or school can be a critical need for our members. If you have a roadworthy vehicle to donate, please let us know. Each car is thoroughly checked out and detailed prior to delivery. Mark Murphy (markmurphydmm@gmail.com or 203.249.2164) can provide additional details. All donations to ReWork Richmond are tax-deductible. ReWork also seeks committed volunteers who are interested in career and financial coaching, or assisting with resume writing and interview skills. To explore how your generosity and skills can help, please contact Deb Lawrence at deblawrence@reworkrichmond.org or 804.869.3704. Please read more at reworkrichmond.org. Deb Lawrence is executive director of ReWork and St. Stephen’s former outreach director. SEASONS OF THE SPIRIT
I was a stranger and you welcomed me Afghans fleeing to safety
Parishioners answered the call to provide warm clothing for Afghans at Ft. Lee; one had a particularly moving shopping experience
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n mid-October, St. Stephen’s vestry member Martha Sherman ventured out to purchase items from a list of urgent needs for Afghan refugees housed at Ft. Lee. Like many St. Stephen’s parishioners, Martha was moved by the perilous journey that led these men, women, and children from their home country to the United States. Afghan citizens Martha Sherman who had assisted U.S. forces during America’s longest war were in grave danger because of that activity, and many—along with their families—were permitted to come to this country. Many St. Stephen’s parishioners already know the Ahmadi family, whose resettlement from Afghanistan to Richmond we helped facilitate under similar circumstances several years ago. The family—which has grown to five!—is doing very well here. Since early fall, outreach director Ron Brown has worked with officials at Ft. Lee and non-governmental organizations to determine how St. Stephen’s Church could help provide clothing for the coming winter, as well as other needs of Afghans who left everything behind. After Ron provided a list of these needs, our parishioners stepped up in a big way to fill them. Martha initially thought she’d go to a “big box” store to buy items from the list. Daunted by the idea of fighting large crowds, though, she decided to visit Dillard’s department store at Stony Point Fashion Park.
explained why she was there, he sprang into action. Though Martha did not ask the salesperson his country of origin, not wanting to pry, she noticed his accent and thought the man might be from or near a Middle Eastern country. After he finished ringing up her purchases, he asked, “You said you are doing this through your church?” Martha answered yes, and identified our church. He answered, “God bless you.” Then Martha headed to another department to purchase items for women and girls. There she met another helpful salesperson—this one having an accent similar to the salesman’s in the men’s department. The salesperson seemed to have an excellent grasp of what was needed and where to find it, Martha noted. This young woman was so enthusiastic about Martha’s mission that she called a manager who came to the department to help. Another saleswoman also pitched in. Martha sensed that everyone at Dillard’s who helped her that day was deeply moved—and so was she. Many thanks to Martha and to all from St. Stephen’s (as well as All Saints’, Holy Comforter, and St. Paul’s churches) who so generously responded to the call to clothe our new neighbors. And thanks be to God for the enthusiastic way that employees of Dillard’s got into the spirit with us! So often when we see images and reports of human suffering— whether among refugees or victims of natural disasters or those affected by violence or injustice—we want to help, and we simply do not know how. When we have a way to show our love and support—as we did in this instance—we are grateful.
Her first stop was the men’s clothing department. A salesperson approached her, and when she showed him the list and 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
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Sarah Bartenstein
The monastery in Cambridge offers serenity.
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SEASONS OF THE SPIRIT
Sarah Bartenstein
Brothers from SSJE return to St. Stephen’s in Lent
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efore the pandemic it was customary for St. Stephen’s Church to receive one or two of the brothers from the Society of St. John the Evangelist to lead a retreat here at the beginning of Lent. Last year, for obvious reasons, that did not occur. (In fact, one of the last public events we held at St. Stephen’s in 2020 before things closed down was the Lenten retreat led by Br. David Vryhof and Br. Sean Glenn.) So we’re especially pleased that Br. James Koester, the order’s Superior, and Br. Lucas Hall plan to join us the weekend of February 25, 2022, just before Ash Wednesday.
The Society of St. John the Evangelist is the Anglican Communion’s oldest religious order for men. SSJE is based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, near the campus of Harvard University. In addition to having the brothers come to Richmond to lead retreats, individuals and groups from St. Stephen’s often travel to the monastery in Cambridge, or to Emery House, SSJE’s retreat center in Newburyport, Massachusetts, for silent retreats, spiritual direction and refreshment, and worshiping, taking meals, and entering into the rhythm of life with the brothers.
Ruff… meow… quack
Cate Anthony selfie with Philomena
As soon as we receive additional details about their visit, we’ll communicate with you via the Spirit, the eSpirit, and our Web site (ststephensRVA.org/lent).
The annual Blessing of the Animals service took place Sunday afternoon, October 3. While most of the animals the clergy meet at this service are dogs and cats, with a few gerbils, rabbits or guinea pigs, we had an unusual visitor this year: a duck. Larry Bidwell of the parish staff brought his two dogs, and Larry’s girlfriend brought a rescue duck, Philomena. 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
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Sarah Bartenstein
St. Stephen’s is here for us from the beginning of our life in Christ.
Thank you for supporting St. Stephen’s Church If you have not made a pledge for 2022, it’s not too late!
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ince March 2020, the people of St. Stephen’s Church have learned to stay in community even while physically apart. We have learned new ways to remain connected, to worship and pray and learn together, and exercise important ministry while doing all we can to keep one another safe and healthy. We’ve learned how much we want to be together: to praise God, to receive the Sacrament of Communion, to share a meal and enjoy one another’s company, to work together to help others, and simply to sit in our beautiful church. We’ve held fast to what is good, while we’ve learned to sing a new song. As we move through our current season of transition, we’ll need to take what we learned and continue to hold fast and to sing a new song.
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The financial support of St. Stephen’s pledging members is always crucial. But at no time has it been more important than in 2022, as we prepare to call a new rector. Talented clergy being considered for service as the next rector of this great parish will look for signs that we have weathered these extraordinary times with strength and grace, and that we are positioned to continue serving as a leader in the Episcopal Church. One of the most significant signs of this vitality is the strength of our annual giving. The leadership of St. Stephen’s Church is grateful to God, and to all who have made a pledge thus far, for the gifts entrusted to us for the work of St. Stephen’s Church. If you already have made a pledge for 2022, thank you.
If you have not yet made a pledge for that work, please give this your prayerful attention. You may make a pledge in any of the following ways: • Using the pledge card mailed to you in September • Picking up a pledge card at any of the tables throughout the parish house. • Calling the parish office to request that a pledge card be mailed to you. • Making a pledge online at ststephensRVA.org/pledge If you have any questions, you may contact Christi McFadden, 804.288.2867 or cmcfadden@ ststephensRVA.org, or either of our annual giving campaign co-chairs: Alison Fauls, afauls@icloud.com, or Blair Nelsen, bhnelsen@gmail.com. Thank you for your support. SEASONS OF THE SPIRIT
Discernment committee named
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dvent may have particular resonance for our parish community this year as we move through our season of transition, discernment, and anticipation.
At the Sunday Forum on September 26, the Rev. Patrick J. Wingo, interim rector, and Allison Koschak, our senior warden, announced the vestry’s appointment of two co-chairs for our discernment committee: Jay Moore and Shelley Spalding. Jay and Shelley have both been deeply involved in the ministries of St. Stephen’s Church, including service on our vestry. At the same Forum, the Rev. Sarah Brockenbrough, the diocesan transition minister, discussed the discernment process, including the qualities most desirable in a discernment committee (the group that many of us remember as a “search committee”). That presentation was livestreamed and videotaped, and is available in our video archive at ststephensRVA.org/video.
Soon after, we opened a nomination and application process for parishioners to serve as members of the discernment committee. After receiving applications from 39 people, the vestry unanimously approved the following committee (including Jay and Shelley):
Christkindlmarkets feature local artisans On two Tuesday evenings in Advent, November 30 and December 14, the Farmers Market @ St. Stephen’s will host an event inspired by Christmas craft markets in Germany and around the world. These “Christkindlmarkets” will take place from 5 until 7 p.m. They’ll be festive evening markets with 15 to 20 local artisans, along with warm beverages, carolers, and plenty of good cheer. Many of the usual holiday craft fairs around the city have been cancelled or altered because of the pandemic, so this will be a time for our favorite craft vendors to shine. Some will be familiar to market shoppers, and some will be new! Just like the Saturday farmers markets, the Christkindlmarkets will be in the parking lot for fresh air and safety.
Golf tournament returns!
The discernment committee will keep the parish apprised of its work through the Spirit, the eSpirit, and our Web site, ststephensRVA.org/transition. In the meantime, please keep them and their task in your prayers. This time of discernment is a formative spiritual process. As Bishop Goff blesses churches engaged in this work, she says: “May you listen closely for the movement of the Spirit as you seek to separate the voice of God from all of the other voices that compete for your attention. Then, may you have the grace and courage to respond to God’s voice in trust.” And from the Book of Common Prayer: Almighty God, giver of every good gift: Look graciously on your Church, and so guide the minds of those who shall choose a rector for this parish, that we may receive a faithful pastor, who will care for your people and equip us for our ministries; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 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
Sarah Bartenstein
Gussie Bannard Robert Birdsey Becky Boyers Bob Dibble Thomas Goode Richard Kay Sharon Machrone Mary Ashburn Pearson Martha Proutt
This photo shows Mike Koschak, Molly Meem, Will Stanley and Chris Crowe, the coed team with the lowest score.
In September, not only were we able to hold our annual golf tournament after a one-year, pandemic-induced absence, but the weather was perfect. Two of our clergy played on foursomes, one clergy spouse played, and another priest drove a golf cart (which she said was the fulfillment of a lifelong dream). Forty-four people—parishioners and others—played, we had more than 20 individual and corporate sponsors, and we raised $13,000 (after expenses) to supplement our budgeted outreach funding. Many thanks to Ron Brown, outreach director, and Nancy Thompson, outreach committee chair and vestry member, for organizing this fun-filled event, and for the many dedicated volunteers who worked with them in advance and on the day of the event.
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SPIRIT
Presorted First Class Mail U.S. Postage PA I D Richmond, VA Permit No. 320
A DV ENT/CHRIS TMAS / EP I PHANY | W I NTER 2021 I s s u e N u m b e r 41 ST. STEPHEN’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH 6000 Grove Avenue l Richmond, Virginia 23226 ststephensRVA.org
Parish Staff To reach a staff member, call 804.288.2867 or send an email using the initial and name provided in parentheses, with @ststephensRVA.org. The Rev. Cate Anthony (canthony), Associate Priest Stan Barnett (sbarnett), Director of Kitchen Ministries Liz Bartenstein (lbartenstein), Hospitality and Pastoral Care Sarah R. Bartenstein (sbartenstein), Director of Communication Larry Bidwell (lbidwell), Sexton and Assistant Market Manager Ron Brown (rbrown), Director of Outreach Chris Edwards (cedwards), Director, St. Stephen’s Choir Dillon Gwaltney (dgwaltney), Communications Associate/Video Producer Claire Hackley, Sunday Community Supper Chef Melissa Hipes (mhipes), Finance Chris Holman (cholman), Sexton The Rev. John Jenkins (jjenkins), Associate Priest Anna F. Jones, (ajones), Farmers Market Manager The Rev. David Knight (dknight), Assisting Priest for Pastoral Care Betsy Lee (blee), Parish Administrator Christi McFadden (cmcfadden), Finance The Rev. Claudia W. Merritt (cmerritt), Associate Priest Coco Provance (cprovance), Membership Allison Seay (aseay), Associate for Religion & the Arts The Rev. William S. Stanley (wstanley), Vicar Brent te Velde (btevelde), Director of Music Betsy Tyson (btyson), Chaplain to Palmer Hall Ethan B. White (ewhite), Assistant for Family Ministry Tyronn Wilkins (twilkins), Sexton The Rev. Patrick J. Wingo (pwingo), Interim Rector The Café @ St. Stephen’s 804.288.3318 Phin Generelly, head barista Annie Ward Love, barista Brianna Maurice, barista Aleho Zintseme, barista Bo Zintseme, barista Bou Zintseme, barista Our missionaries in Argentina Heidi Schmidt, Monica Vega
The mission of the church is to restore all people to unity with God and each other in Christ. AN OUTLINE OF THE FAITH, THE BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER
St. Stephen’s Church is A Village Green: Inviting Since ancient times, Benedictine communities and parish churches have served as centers of village life, embracing friend and stranger alike. We strive to be a beckoning, welcoming, and centering presence today, offering hospitality, belonging, and life-giving practices for all people. A New Abbey: Grounding In a culture that can be overly distracted and enamored with the new, we are focused on preserving enduring wisdom, spiritual insights, and ancient liturgical practices of prayer and contemplation that nurture the soul and lead to eternal life. In an age of electronic engagement, virtual connections, and increasing loneliness, we continue ancient practices that attune human beings to the Divine, to one another, and to our own souls. A Healing Community: Serving Though Jesus was known as a prophet, a rabbi, a teacher of wisdom, and the leader of a social movement, he was known primarily as a healer. As individuals and as a church community, we seek to incarnate the One who binds, heals, and nurtures, especially where forces in our society tear, wound, or divide. As Teresa of Avila put it, we seek to be Christ’s hands, feet, and eyes in the world; we are Christ’s body on earth.
