Seasons of the Spirit, Issue 39: Pentecost 2021

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Transition, reopening, making room for new life

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The holy work of transition A message from the vicar

I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now.

When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth; for he will not speak on his own, but will speak whatever he hears, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. JOHN 16:12-13

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t times the words of Scripture can seem foreign and out of date, texts written by a people so different from ourselves and for a time gone by.

The language might sound clunky and out of touch for our time, for so much has changed in those thousands of years, has it not? And then we read words like these from near the end of the fourth Gospel according to John.

By Will Stanley

Friends, could these ancient words be any more relevant to us?

“Clergy come and go…but the laity are forever!” That was a favorite, provocative phrase of an equally provocative parishioner at my first parish in Atlanta. It is true that, to some extent, in the life of the church transition is always occurring. And for better or worse, we clergy are more often the focus of change. When we are called to new things and leave, it’s noticed.

Gary Jones was a transformational rector. For close to 16 years, he helped shepherd this large community of faith into new life, new paths, new dimensions of “all the truth.” I had the good fortune to come and work closely with Gary for the last year or so of that time.

Yet of course, it wasn’t an average year, for pandemics have a way of disrupting all notions of time. More often than not, it felt to all of us—clergy and laity alike—closer to three or four years!

Yes, the reality is that clergy come and go…and that Gary’s departure is significant and comes with its own consequences. At the same time, the pandemic did not so much create new dynamics as it intensified and exacerbated those already present and at work. And here at St. Stephen’s it was no different: again and again, the already excellent team of clergy, staff, and lay leadership set about to pivot and change into all that the Spirit of truth was calling us. We were already a community of genuine welcome and hospitality, so in time we became even more expansive as that Spirit led us deeper to take that welcome into the digital realm.

I often see God most clearly in the rearview mirror. Only with the gift of time and perspective can we look back and see how we got to a given place. This is all to say, when you’re right in the middle of something, it may not be an overly enjoyable experience; it’s one which “we [cannot entirely] bear.” Yet the deep truth of all growth— be it physical, spiritual or any other kind—is that it is only through the struggle of transition that the new can reveal itself: “Behold, I am making all things new” (Revelation 21:5).

Pentecost celebrates the gift of the Holy Spirit, that gift which Jesus gives to each of us “to lead us into all truth.” The good news is that this truth never seeks to forget or supplant the past, but rather to whisper in new ways the same truth which God has been speaking to this place for over a century: I am with you and you are mine. In ways large and small, this place has been about the holy work of transition for all its life. So in that sense, what’s old is new!

May we walk into “the things that are to come” knowing in our bones that God is with us. And I have something to say to you: I can’t think of a group of folks with whom I’d rather be walking. Know that we walk this road together.

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hat a year. During one week in March 2020, the clergy and staff of St. Stephen’s went from discussing plans for how to safely administer Communion in the midst of concerning reports of the spread of a new coronavirus in the United States, to deciding to offer Morning Prayer (not Communion), to replacing in-person worship with a worship video which we created in the span of a couple of days.

And that was only the beginning.

Dillon Gwaltney

Thank you!

As we look back on this time, we feel all sorts of things…grief, exhaustion, relief, amazement…but we also feel gratitude for the ways that people stepped up and did whatever they could to keep our community together. Deep thanks to those who: • Appeared in any of our worship videos • Made phone calls to check on parishioners

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As we look back on this time, we feel all sorts of things…grief, exhaustion, relief, amazement…but we also feel gratitude for the ways that people stepped up and did whatever they could to keep our community together.

• Wrote notes to parishioners • Wrote notes to staff, and brought in baked goods and treats to thank them for their efforts • Donated to our food pantry • Donated to holiday meals for East End neighbors and a Christmas shop at Fairfield Court Elementary School, school supplies for Anna Julia Cooper School, and household cleaning supplies for Fairfield School families • Volunteered in our food pantry—sorting donations, bagging them, greeting visitors and delivering groceries to their cars when we could not invite them into the building, delivering groceries to Virginia Supportive Housing • Continued to sort and deliver fresh fruit as part of our fruit ministry • Found new ways to offer cherished services and events such as the Holiday Memorial Service, a Live Nativity instead of a traditional pageant (shown on page 2), Shrove Tuesday, Ash Wednesday, Stations of the Cross, and others • Served on the vestry, helping to lead us through an extraordinary time • Kept their pledges current, or gave a little extra, knowing that others were hit by the slumping economy and could not give as they would wish • Served on the flower guild, continuing to provide beautiful arrangements to appear in worship videos • Served on the altar guild, setting the table for worship videos • Served as greeters and ushers as we began to re-open the church gradually • Found creative ways to make the May Fair House accessible to customers, so that the Women of St. Stephen’s could still make significant donations to local outreach organizations • Made purchases at the May Fair House—by phone, online, and outdoors on Saturdays • Visited the café, using the online and phone ordering options, and enjoyed the outdoor seating in all kinds of weather • Participated in online Confirmation preparation and inquirers classes • Volunteered and shopped at our farmers market • Learned how to use Zoom to attend webinars, the Sunday Forum, and other offerings • Took part in one of the 67 baptisms we held outdoors in 2020 and 2021 • Assisted with funerals • Prayed THANK YOU TO ALL.

PENTECOST | S P R I N G 2 0 2 1 Issue Number 39

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4 Thanksgiving and healing 5 Words of gratitude from Gary Jones 6 A tenure of consequence 8 Holy Baptism–indoors!

10 At last: youth and adults confirmed by our bishop 11 Family ministry: some things are back, some will wait 12 Reading with children in uncertain times 13 Meet our interim rector: The Rev. Patrick J. Wingo 14 What happens next in our transition?

15 Emerging opportunities in outreach 17 Godspeed to two valued staff members 19 New vestry members elected at virtual annual meeting 20 Summer at the Cafe!

22 The needlepoint project advances 23 May the circle be unbroken: we are opening up

Seasons of the Spirit Sarah Bartenstein, editor Steven Longstaff, art director Amy Mendelson Cheeley, designer Contributors: Liz Bartenstein, Ron Brown, Dan Currier, Sarah Der, Briget Ganske, Dillon Gwaltney, John Jenkins, Anna Jones, Gary Jones, Jay Paul, Kathi Overbay, Heidi Schmidt, Allison Seay, Will Stanley

On the cover View of the west door from the baptismal font; photo by John Jenkins

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May the circle be unbroken

Sarah Der

AS THINGS OPEN UP AFTER A DIFFICULT TIME, LET’S REJOICE—AND BE PATIENT WITH ONE ANOTHER

Sunday Community Supper

By Sarah Bartenstein Holy Week, Easter, Pentecost, Advent, Christmas, Lent, and back around again to Holy Week and Easter… summer offerings like Vacation Bible School, math camp, the icon workshop, and outdoor suppers…Rally Day, Sunday school, youth groups, Thanksgiving Day, the Advent fair, pageants, the indoor market, speakers and retreats, concerts, small groups and so many more cherished seasons, holidays, services, and activities had to be reconfigured, reimagined, or foregone altogether during the pandemic of 2020 and 2021. Some 16 months after our lives changed dramatically, we are finally beginning to emerge from “lockdown” and significant limitations on how, when, and where we can gather.

The vestry, staff, and people of St. Stephen’s Church rose to the occasion in so many ways, finding new forms and delivery methods for worship, prayer, study, and fellowship. Videos; livestreaming; Zoom gatherings; blog posts; take-home kits for Advent, Christmas, Epiphany and Lent; notes and telephone calls.

We learned to exercise new muscles, and we’re grateful for the efforts of so many, and the patience of all.

At every step of the way, our goal was to keep all God’s children as safe as was in our power to do, while remaining connected to one another and to God. We took guidance from the CDC, from our own medical experts, from our governor (a physician) and from our bishop and diocesan staff, and using metrics from the highly regarded Brown University School of Public Health.

Now, we are grateful that new cases of covid-19 are in the “yellow zone” in our area, and look with eager anticipation toward the day we’ll be in the “green zone,” as more and more people in our region are vaccinated against the virus. Decisions by vestry

and staff will continue to take into account public health data— numbers which we hope will continue to trend downward—so even decisions we make now may change in the future.

Given these positive trends, the vestry and staff have adopted the following schedule and protocols for the coming weeks.

SUNDAY WORSHIP INDOORS

We have returned to our traditional summer schedule of Holy Eucharist at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m., and the Celtic service at 5:30 p.m., in the church. Compline will return July 4 at 8 p.m. (A reminder: there is no Sunday Forum in the summer.)

Mask-wearing is still required for all. If you’ve been vaccinated, you may wonder why you must wear a mask. Please keep in mind that there are others in the congregation who have health conditions that prevent their being vaccinated or who are immunocompromised. And no one under the age of 12 is able to be vaccinated at this time, and we certainly do not want to exclude children from worship.

Communion will continue to be offered in one kind (bread only).

With these precautions in place, we are able to loosen other requirements. For example, we no longer require sign-up to attend a service, nor are we limiting the number of people attending.

Congregational singing is now permitted—again, with masks firmly in place, covering the nose and mouth.

We know that removing some of these safeguards may cause some in the parish to stay away. We will continue to offer continued on page 21

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There is room: come, rest, stay A time of grieving and rejoicing

One of the wisest and most beautiful lessons I learned came from a priest I love and is about the difference between a Hebrew way of knowing and a Greek way of knowing. We are primarily inheritors of the Greek way, he told me; we are measurers, analyzers, answerers, probers, provers of things. We have subjects and objects. We prefer certainty.

By Allison Seay But in the Hebrew way, knowing is more emotional and invisible, probably deeper and more profound though less explainable. When a Hebrew talked about “knowing” another person, there was a depth about that knowledge: “Abraham knew Sarah,” the priest reminds me, but that is about much more than Abraham simply having information about Sarah.

If you asked a Greek, for example, “How high is that high diving board over there?” the Greek might measure angles and distances and respond practically, “It is 18 feet, 6 inches high.” But, if you asked the Hebrew person the same question, he might respond, “If you really want to know how high it is, stand at the base of the ladder, close your eyes, and climb the rungs, slowly and in silence.

Make your way by feel alone, without seeing, make your way to the end of the board until your toes curl over the edge. Then, look down. That feeling? … that is how high the high diving board is.”

Truly, by the Greek standard, I assure you I know little. Or, I know some things about some things—literature, poetry, a garden— and they matter deeply to me. I certainly do not have “Greek” knowledge about theology, doctrine, whatever they might have taught me had I gone to school properly. I am very much a child of religion, a child of the world.

And yet, somehow, dare I say it, I like to think I know enough to Know some things in that other way, things I know are true though I cannot prove them. I heard the poet Li-Young Lee say a beautiful thing I try to remember each morning like a prayer: “The kingdom of God is coming,” he says, “and the kingdom of God is here. The task of the poet and the task of the faithful is to name it.”

If I have one task, that feels like a good one. Or, Ernest Hemingway says it similarly, that “all we have to do is write one true sentence… the truest sentence that you know.” Maybe by “know” he means the Hebrew kind of Know. The unprovable but surer, deeper, harder way. And maybe the work is to say what we can, as carefully as we can, to live as harmlessly as we can, to understand what we are able to understand and to appreciate the mystery of what is not ours to claim.

I find myself in a peculiar time along with the rest of the world.

What is there to say of a pandemic almost over? What true thing might be said that has not yet been uttered? What else to say of masks and distance and lockdown and loneliness and fatigue. What

to say of a virus that nearly undid us, that brutalized us, that robbed us, that killed so many of us. It has been a “nightmare,” except that a nightmare is over quickly and, on waking, nearly forgotten.

The Greek way in us might look at data and evidence: at numbers, risings and fallings, rates and ratios. The Greek way in us is interested in cells and transmissions and vaccines and variants. And this matters deeply, for it is the difference in life and death.

But this way alone leaves out that important other way of Knowing, which is perhaps more difficult, more inarticulate, more nuanced and also, I am sure of it, a matter of life and death, too. The lifting of restrictions does not perfectly equate to the lifting of a pandemic fog, thick as cloud cover and heavy as steel.

I was once a long-distance runner and I am thinking of the way recovery from a marathon takes time well beyond the moment the race is over; there is an immediate relief when one can stop running— the breath returns, water and rest, the people congratulate one another—but there is a much longer time in which the invisible work of recovery goes at its own pace deep in the body: residual soreness, unquenchable thirst, exhaustion and dull ache.

When the pandemic is declared “over” it will be a relief in every direction and the Greek ways in us will rejoice at the proof we are given of our survival and triumph. But it will not be the full story, and in the Hebrew way of knowing we will know enough to know the work is not yet finished, or may even start anew. After all, grief does not end with the burial of the dead but, in a way, only begins.

Exhaustion and hunger are not cured with a nap and snack, but with extended rest, a depth of care and patience and tenderness, days of good, long meals, and nights of deep and peaceful sleep.

And it is here where I think the Church has an important role to play. She rejoices in the chorus of thanksgivings that resound as the world emerges into a post-pandemic world. But she is also a listener for the prayers of the desperate, home for the winded and weary, for the hungry, the poor, the defeated, the conflicted, the bereaved. The Church is in the business of healing and endurance, however long it takes, however long we need, the Church says: come, rest, stay.

We at St. Stephen’s Church of course value science and safety and data and protocol; we value knowledge and expertise and research and evidence. We also value the invisible, the incalculable, the unspeakable, the kind of knowledge that surpasses our understanding.

And there is room here for all of it—for the multitudes we each carry inside of us, for all that we carry and all we cannot keep holding.

There is room here for our Greek and our Hebrew ways, room here for rejoicing and for grieving, for the new and for the old, for all that we know and all that we do not. We say: come, rest, stay.

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We’ve been writing our own headlines

By Gary D. Jones

Gary in South Africa with children of the Isibindi Project

During his final service as our rector, the Rev. Gary Jones made the following remarks. Many have asked to read them.

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y dear friends, Heidi Schmidt and Monica Vega, are cherished spiritual counselors who have been like good shepherds to me through all sorts of trials and transitions, over many years. Recently, Heidi related a story that the Baptist clergyman Andy Stanley told in a time of personal frustration, and I found it helpful as I prepare for retirement.

“Sometimes I just want it all to stop,” Andy Stanley said. “The pandemic and mask debates, the looting, and daily violence and brutality. The division and ugliness in everyday life. I can’t watch or read the news anymore. I lose my way. I become convinced that this seeming ‘new normal’ is now our real life.

“Then,” Stanley continues, “I met an 87-year-old who talked about living through polio, diphtheria, Vietnam protests, and all sorts of hardships, and yet he is still enchanted with life.

“The elderly man seemed surprised when I said that 2020 must have been especially challenging for him. “‘No,’ he said slowly, looking me straight in the eyes. “I learned a long time ago not to see the world through the printed headlines. I see the world through the people who surround me. I see the world with the realization that actually, we love big. We love really big. “‘So,’ the 87-year-old went on, ‘I just choose to write my own headlines: Husband loves wife today….Family drops everything to come to Grandma’s bedside….”

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Heidi Schmidt

Grateful beyond words

Then the 87-year-old took Andy Stanley’s hand, looked him in the eye, and as he patted Stanley’s hand, he offered one final headline: Old man makes new friend today.

Stanley concludes his story, “The old man’s words collided with my worries. I have been holding on so tightly to my upset and worry, but his words have the effect of prying open my hands and fingers, allowing my worries to float away. And I am left with a renewed spirit. I sense now that I have a new way of being in this beleaguered world. I am going to write my own headlines.”

Heidi Schmidt

This is how I feel about our time together at St. Stephen’s these past 16 years. So many births and deaths. We thought our hearts would burst for joy as we welcomed each tiny newborn. And there were times when we worried our hearts would be crushed and we would not be able to go on, as precious people whom we have loved moved on to the larger life.

Hundreds of baptisms, confirmations, marriages, ordinations, healings, spiritual rebirths, reconciliations, renewals of marriage vows, feeding the hungry, housing the homeless, caring for the sick, visiting prisoners, welcoming the stranger as if she were Christ, embracing the marginalized and strengthening the vulnerable throughout Richmond and beyond.

And in the spirit of St. Paul, we say, “Forgetting what lies behind, we are straining forward to the new life of unconditional love and forgiveness that we believe God is offering every human being every day.”

I think we have come to realize now the truth of what the spiritual teacher Ram Daas said so memorably, “We are all just walking each other home.” And although the printed headlines say one thing about this journey we are traveling together, headlines about church decline, political division, social discord, and disturbing contentiousness, we at St. Stephen’s have been busy writing our own headlines. We have been busy healing and “loving big,” as the 87-year-old put it.

And so, I close with this prayer: O Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof. Yet, 16 years ago, you invited me to come here under yours. It has been one of the greatest honors and privileges of my life. And now, inspired by this sacred community, I enter my next chapter determined not to live my life by the printed headlines, but to use what I have learned among your faithful people here and seek to write my own.

“Come here, all you who are weary and carrying heavy burdens, and we will refresh you.”

There is a prayer in our marriage service that describes what I have experienced in this counter-cultural community of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church. With the married couple standing before us all, we pray, “‘Make their life together a sign of Christ’s love to this sinful and broken world, that unity may overcome estrangement, forgiveness heal guilt, and joy conquer despair.” That prayer speaks of my experience in this community: these are people intent on being a sign of Christ’s love to a broken world, the world you love. And these have been just a few of the headlines your people have written while I have been among them: “Unity overcomes estrangement,” “Forgiveness heals guilt,” and “Joy conquers despair.”

The printed headlines speak of a world in need of communities like this one who will write new ones.

If you are feeling guilty or ashamed, or if you feel as if you have fallen short in some way (and who doesn’t from time to time?); if you feel as if something has been missing, and you are hungry for that ineffable More in your life, notice the two main pieces of furniture here: a large bowl of water, and a big table with bread and wine. That’s why we’re here: to offer everyone who wants it a bath and a meal. A new life, a fresh start, a “born-again” life. What we have been is past, what we shall be, through Christ, still awaits us.

And now as you send new leadership here, may this extraordinary church go from strength to strength in the life of service in your kingdom. I am not worthy to have you come under my roof, O Lord. But 16 years ago, you invited me to come here under yours.

It has made all the difference in my life; it has been one of the greatest honors and privileges of my life; and to you and to your beloved people of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, I will always be grateful beyond words. Amen. ✤

We have been writing our own headlines here at St. Stephen’s.

We’ve noted the printed headlines, and we have responded to those by carefully, reverently, and enthusiastically writing our own.

Life is short, and we do not have much time to gladden one another’s hearts, so our message and way of life are urgent, and we deliver our message over and over again, day after day, week after week:

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Sixteen years: A consequential tenure

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here are many words that can describe the time that the Rev. Gary Jones led St. Stephen’s Church as our rector, but none is more apt than “consequential.” As our vicar notes in his reflection in this issue, the past 16 years have been transformational. It can be easy to overlook or forget how far we’ve come

By Sarah Bartenstein during this period. Here are a few of the things that have become a part of the fabric of our life as a parish, and which will continue to be.

Renowned writers, teachers, poets, civic and religious leaders, experts, and others have spoken to standing-room-only audiences in the church and the Fellowship Hall, during events that have attracted people from throughout the community. Speakers have included poet Mary Oliver; U.S. Poet Laureate Natasha Tretheway; poet Jane Hirshfield; writer Anne Lamott; priest, professor and writer Barbara Brown Taylor; brothers from the Society of St. John the Evangelist; historian and commentator Jon Meacham; teacher, poet, and authority on Celtic spirituality John Philip Newell; pastor, writer, and podcaster Rob Bell; priest and entrepreneur Becca Stevens; Harvard professor and author Harvey Cox; writer Pico Iyer; and many, many others.

The thing for which we may have become known most widely is the Celtic service, held at 5:30 p.m. each Sunday, and that’s probably because of two things. One is the profound effect this service has on the people who attend it. The other is the wide net it has cast. This service has attracted people from all over the city: St. Stephen’s parishioners, clergy and people from other churches and religious traditions, people of no religious tradition, people who had been estranged from the church. The service has become so appreciated and so well-known that clergy and church leaders from around the country have visited St. Stephen’s to attend the service. Faith communities from around the world have requested information about how to begin or adapt a similar service in their own settings. At last count, the parish staff had fielded requests from 170 churches, cathedrals and chapels in 40 states, and 26 from 12 countries outside the United States. Many are Episcopal or Anglican communities, but others are not.

Emmaus groups have also become integral to our life. Groups of women and men meet for 10 weeks at a time to consider “How is it with my soul?” and to support one another, read and reflect on Scripture together, and engage in acts of service together. In fact, during the pandemic, one of the most frequent questions the staff received was, “When can my Emmaus group come back into the parish house?”

Its influence extends beyond the Celtic service itself. Perhaps you prefer the traditional services from the Book of Common Prayer, which we offer every Sunday morning (Holy Eucharist: Rite One and Holy Eucharist: Rite Two), as well as those we offer on weekdays from the Daily Office. If you attend any of these services, you’ve experienced the reverence, the silences, the cadences and rhythms that are found in the Celtic service—characteristics that make Prayer Book services that much more beautiful and holy.

St. Stephen’s has become known as a place to learn from others.

An already-robust outreach ministry has expanded dramatically to include a free “grocery store” for those who need food assistance, overseas mission trips in new locations, more “hands-on” engagement with our partners in the East End, youth involvement in outreach, onsite assistance in communities that have been affected by natural disasters … the list of consequential ministries Gary inspired goes on.

We’ve become known for the thriving farmers market we established 12 years ago—a favorite not only with customers but among the farmers themselves.

We began a café to serve our youth and other parishioners, as well as the larger community. It became a lifeline for those feeling isolated during the pandemic, who visited with friends at outdoor tables in all kinds of weather.

We established the Virginia Girls Choir, a community-wide choir to sing in church and well beyond it. These talented girls continued

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also became the leaders for a new service, choral Evensong, on Wednesdays before our mid-week supper.

During our centennial year, we offered a weekly sung Compline service on Sundays evenings—and it was so popular (in particular with college students and young adults), we kept it after the centennial was over.

Also as part of our centennial, we held a capital campaign to renovate aging systems and our nave, to be good stewards for future generations, and founded a new initiative with the city, with St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, and other partners, to help adults in the East End train for and establish family-sustaining careers, in a comprehensive effort to combat poverty, ReWork Richmond.

We established the Legacy Society to encourage planned giving and increased the value of St. Stephen’s Endowment We established a cherished relationship with the Society of St. John the Evangelist in Cambridge, Massachusetts, taking groups to the monastery for silent retreats, and bringing the monks to St. Stephen’s to speak, preach, and lead retreats here Through Gary, we came to know two missionaries, Heidi Schmidt and Monica Vega, whose call is to live among the poorest people on earth. We provide them prayer and financial support and consider this their “home parish.”

We launched several successful events to raise additional money for outreach while offering fun and fellowship for the entire community, including the Bluegrass Bash, a fall golf tournament, and “Angels, Art and a Cappella,” a silent art auction, concert, and party.

Of necessity, we quickly expanded our video and livestreaming capacity during the pandemic—and committed to maintaining it even after the pandemic, to reach our own parishioners who are ill, shut in, or traveling, as well as those who live beyond Richmond.

Year after year, we’ve prepared large numbers for Confirmation.

Our youth Confirmation program is robust and meaningful, and each time we receive a visit from one of our bishops, 30 or more youth step forward to receive the laying on of hands. Our inquirers classes for adults are in such demand that we offer them three times a year—and many who attend these courses also choose to be confirmed or received in the Episcopal Church.

Perhaps most remarkable of all, during a period when mainline churches are losing members, and struggling to grow, we’ve added more than 1,000 members during Gary’s tenure—faithful, involved, committed, generous members—who make these ministries possible. It has been a transformational, consequential time.

Video honors Gary Jones’ ministry and looks to the future

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oon after Gary Jones retired as rector of St. Stephen’s Church, staff videographer Dillon Gwaltney and his colleagues produced a video that not only serves as a tribute to Gary’s 16-year ministry here, but also as an encapsulation of things that have characterized St. Stephen’s Church and contributed to its continuing growth and vitality.

In addition to current parishioners, parish leaders, and staff, the video includes comments by former members of our staff, church leaders from beyond St. Stephen’s, and people who have come to know the parish through visits to speak and teach. The Rev. Weezie Blanchard, who served on the staff before her ordination and later returned as a priest, talked about all she had learned from working with Gary. Weezie is now the rector of Church of the Ascension in Denver. Michael Simpson, who was an integral part of our music staff for many years, expressed appreciation for Gary’s vision for the church, and his ability to implement that vision. Writer Pico Iyer, Br. Curtis Almquist of the Society of St. John the Evangelist, and writer and teacher John Philip Newell, an authority on Celtic spirituality—all of whom have spoken or led retreats here—participated. Church leaders who have come to know Gary through a colleagues group spoke admiringly of Gary’s gifts and of the ways St. Stephen’s serves as an example to the broader church: the Rev. Brenda Husson, rector of St. James Episcopal Church in New York City; the Very Rev. Kate Moorehead, dean of St. John’s Cathedral in Jacksonville, Florida; and the Very Rev. Barkley Thompson, dean of Christ Church Cathedral in Houston. The video can be viewed at ststephensRVA.org/videos. ✤ Pages 6, 7, left to right. Gary with Chris Holman, family, and colleagues following Chris’ baptism. Gary and his wife Cherry visiting Iona. Gary with Gene LeCouteur at Gene’s ordination. Relishing his role as MC at the Bluegrass Bash. With the Virginia Girls Choir and former director Kerry Court. Getting ready to serve at the Sunday Community Supper. With missionary Heidi Schmidt, Cherry, Janet Allen, and missionary Monica Vega. With parish staff at Emery House, the Society of St. John the Evangelist’s rural location: Sarah Bartenstein, David Anderson, Mary Frances Siersema, Janet Allen, Abbott Bailey, and Mary Anne Akin. Page 8, left to right: With present and former St. Stephen’s clergy celebrating our centennial: David Anderson, Thom Blair, David Knight, Bill Sachs, Gordon Peerman, Randy Hollerith, Claudia Merritt, Melissa Hollerith, Tom Smith, and Weezie Blanchard. Gary’s final Sunday as St. Stephen’s rector. The Celtic service.

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Briget Ganske

Baptism now permitted indoors

As we return to indoor worship, we’ve scheduled Holy Baptism in the church

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ow that we are able to worship indoors again, we plan to resume our pre-pandemic practice of celebrating Holy Baptism (for babies, children, adults, and any who desire it) at principal services on designated dates. Rather than the more private ceremonies we have been scheduling for one family at a time outdoors, we will now welcome multiple families at a time and in the main church. This way, the whole congregation can witness these sacred occasions and celebrate the newly baptized together.

DATES FOR THE REST OF 2021 INCLUDE:

Saturday, July 24, 2021 at 10:30 a.m.

Saturday, August 14, 2021 at 10:30 a.m.

Saturday, September 25, 2021 at 10:30 a.m.

Sunday, November 7, 2021 (All Saints’ Sunday) at 11:15 a.m.

We will publish dates for 2022 soon.

This is a sacrament of the church which we invite any to receive. We are happy to discuss further details, including scheduling, membership, and diocesan guidelines regarding in-person worship.

Contacts are Betsy Tyson and St. Stephen’s clergy.

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Confirmation 2021 at St. Stephen’s

On Sunday, May 23–the Day of Pentecost–the Rt. Rev. Susan E. Goff made an episcopal visit to St. Stephen’s Church for the first time since spring 2019. With limits on the number of people permitted in the church still in effect that day, we held two separate Confirmation services in the afternoon, in addition to our regular schedule of Sunday services at 8 a.m., 9 a.m., 11:15 a.m., and 5:30 p.m. Bishop Goff presided and preached at five of these six services!

Confirmands were able to invite two family members and a sponsor to attend their Confirmation service. Here, Kiki Wallace and her sponsor, Elizabeth Wallace, are shown with Bishop Goff.

Coco Provance, on the left, worked closely with the clergy and Allison Seay to coordinate the Confirmation services.

Briget Ganske

Photos by Sarah Bartenstein

Youth and adults in the 1 p.m. service (left) and the 3 p.m. service (right) assemble on the steps before Confirmation with Bishop Goff, the Rev. Will Stanley, and Allison Seay.

The groups included those who prepared during the 2019-20 program year as well as those who just completed their preparation in 2020-21. Youth in the 2019 group attended seminars on topics such as Holy Baptism, prayer, and Holy Communion, and took part in service and small group activities. They also met individually with Allison Seay, who coordinated their formation program. Each youth confirmand had a Confirmation mentor with whom they checked in periodically throughout the year. And then they waited ... since the planned time for their Confirmation, in the spring of 2020, had to be postponed.

The group who began their preparation in the fall of 2020 during ‘lockdown’ had a very different experience, with their seminars taking place by video. Each video was followed by a Zoom session where they were able to ask questions of the speaker. Staff and volunteers worked faithfully to make the experience as meaningful and supportive as possible within the constraints of the pandemic.

Adults prepared for Confirmation in one of the regular inquirers classes offered by the clergy–initially in person, later by Zoom.

Whatever differences in the delivery of their preparation, finally being able to welcome our bishop and these 71 confirmands to church in May was a joyful occasion.

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Jay Paul

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd training

Family ministry: what’s on, what’s not (for now)

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his is a season of intense and tender transition at St. Stephen’s. On one hand, we are gradually and joyfully emerging into a post-pandemic world and await with eager hope and gratitude the arrival of our interim rector in July. On the other hand, we are still missing some of what we once cherished, and we continue to process the deep and layered griefs of the past year and a half.

participants. Space is very limited and registration is required.

Priority is given to those who pre-paid and registered for the cancelled summer 2020 training and to St. Stephen’s parishioners, for whom tuition is waived. Be in touch with Betsy Tyson (btyson@ststephensRVA.org) to sign up, learn more, or explore options for ministry with children.

Our staff has discerned with utmost seriousness and sincerity of heart those activities we feel we can safely offer and manage well—from Sunday in-person worship to opportunities for small groups to gather in person and from ongoing virtual offerings to our bustling café. We have also made difficult decisions about what we can’t yet safely or feasibly offer, particularly in large numbers. The following is a list of planned programming for this summer at St. Stephen’s and with specific contact information if you’d like more details or have further questions.

We will not host Vacation Bible School for summer 2021.

We simply cannot safely accommodate all those who generally attend this week-long retreat and we look forward to other formation and fellowship opportunities for children.

Be sure you are signed up for the eSpirit and the family ministry newsletter to receive announcements, news and links, and contact Betsy Tyson with specific questions about children’s ministry.

As always, we are grateful for your continued patience, vigilance, and goodwill as we navigate with you the complexities of our current reality.

We are planning for a return to in-person Sunday school for all ages, Confirmation preparation, and youth groups in the fall of 2021 and we will be in touch with further information about how to register, attend, volunteer, and stay connected this summer. Contact the Rev. John Jenkins with specific questions about youth ministry, including Confirmation preparation for rising 9th graders.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

FORMATION FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH

CATECHESIS OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD

We will host training for Levels 1 and 2 of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. July 26 - July 30 is for Level 1, part 1 participants; August 2 - August 6 is for Level 2, part 2 12

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Reading with children in uncertain times increases their vocabulary. It’s the single most important activity to help children get ready to read themselves.

It is never too early to start. Learning to read begins at birth: even the youngest babies can be read to daily. They learn new words, and the sounds that make up words, daily.

In The Read-Aloud Handbook, Jim Trelease writes that there are 44 sounds in the English language. He notes that Margaret Wise Brown’s classic Goodnight Moon contains all 44 of the sounds that children need to know.

Allison Seay

Jay Paul

An even better way to encourage the development of a large vocabulary is to read aloud nonfiction books. This is so important that library story times now often include nonfiction books in their programs.

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nce upon a time, there was a very little girl celebrating her second birthday who had a too-close encounter with her best friend, Molly, our 100-pound black Labrador retriever. As we sat in the emergency room awaiting x-rays, she began to whimper, scared and in pain.

“Sofa, Mommy!” she cried softly.

By Kathi Overbay

The staff heard the very normal sound of a small child, afraid and in discomfort. I heard something quite different, something very moving and, for a toddler, quite eloquent: “Sofa, sofa, sofa!” she repeated.

Every afternoon, after naptime, we would snuggle closely together. As I held her on my lap, we would read magical stories together on our living room sofa. To my daughter, I was astonished to realize that night at the hospital, that experience on our sofa had become her safe place, a loving, comforting ritual that made her feel secure and cherished.

Reading to children provides a break in a busy day and can be an important part of the nighttime ritual before bed. Children enjoy spending time with the adults in their lives, hearing their favorite voice—yours! This exposes the child to many “rare words,” those that are not commonly used in conversation, so this experience naturally

Reading with children daily can be especially helpful during stressful or scary times. The reassuring ritual of reading together is an experience in which children find comfort when there is so much change around them. Holding your child while you read together creates calm when he or she is anxious or frightened and creates stronger synaptic connections in the brain, allowing more learning to take place. Many children will want a favorite book read to them over and over again, enjoying the repetition and being comforted by the familiarity.

Reading is an excellent way to introduce big ideas and topics that might be difficult to have a conversation about. For example, last summer at St. Stephen’s family ministries staff presented a series about talking to children about race using a number of children’s books. I recommend Freedom Summer by Deborah Wiles, the story of the close friendship of two young boys who wish to swim in their town pool, but find that even when laws are passed, sometimes that doesn’t change people’s hearts. After you read such a story, allow the child time to wonder about the ideas presented. Ask questions, then allow time for the child to consider the question and form an answer.

Be patient. Even if they don’t say much about it until the next day, this is an excellent conversation starter.

In an essay published in The New York Times, “Why We Need Life-Changing Books Right Now,” best-selling author Ann Patchett makes the case that books can comfort people of all ages in a time of pandemic or social upheaval. The experience of reading for pleasure instead of reading for work or school, and having time offline when so much of the day is spent online, are excellent reasons to get acquainted with a book. Patchett recommends Kate DiCamillo’s The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, which happens to be my favorite children’s book. It’s great for reading together as a family, but reading children’s literature can be an enjoyable and powerful experience for adults, so you might want to read it on your own. Happy reading to all!

Parishioner Kathi Overbay is a children’s librarian who has served on the American Library Association’s Bibliotherapy Committee.

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Vestry calls interim rector The Rev. Patrick J. Wingo begins new ministry July 15

By Sarah Bartenstein

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he Rev. Patrick J. Wingo has been called by the vestry of St. Stephen’s Church to serve as interim rector during the transition that began with the retirement of the Rev. Gary Jones, who had served St. Stephen’s as rector since 2005.

Mr. Wingo, who goes by Pat, will begin his ministry here in mid-July.

Pat most recently served as interim rector at Church of the Ascension in Knoxville, Tennessee, and before that was Canon to the Ordinary (chief clergy assistant to Bishop Shannon Johnston) in the Diocese of Virginia for six years. He also has served as rector and as deacon-in-charge for parishes in the Diocese of Alabama, and as a member of the diocesan staff there. His combination of parish ministry and diocesan staff work in transition ministry made him an especially attractive candidate. His expertise and experience includes congregational development, campus ministry, finance, and conflict resolution.

A committee consisting of the executive committee of the vestry—Allison Koschak, senior warden; Lynn Ivey, junior warden; Bobby Fauntleroy, treasurer; and Jim Price, register—as well as former senior warden John Bates and former junior warden Laurie Rogers enthusiastically recommended Mr. Wingo to the full vestry on May 5, and the vestry affirmed their choice.

Mr. Bates has served as senior warden several times, including during the transition between the Rev. Thom Blair’s retirement and Gary’s arrival.

Mr. Bates noted, “We were most fortunate to have several highly qualified candidates, which is testament to the high regard in which St. Stephen’s is held in the wider church.”

“The interim rector search committee believes that Pat Wingo is just the right person at this time to lead and support St. Stephen’s during this interim period,” said Ms. Koschak. “He will prepare us for what’s next and we will move through this transition with grace and God’s love.”

She continued, “Pat’s strong pastoral presence, his desire for collaboration and his attentive listening stood out to all on the committee. He already knows us from his work for the Diocese

The Rev. Patrick J. Wingo

of Virginia and we believe his gifts are just what we need during an interim period such as ours.”

Mr. Wingo said, “I am so pleased to be joining the St. Stephen’s parish family as your interim rector. I have watched your ministry thrive while I was in Virginia, and I continue to be impressed with the vibrant work you are doing in the Richmond community as you serve God and follow Christ. The clergy and lay staff clearly have done a wonderful job through the pandemic, and I look forward to working with them and meeting parishioners beginning in mid-July.”

Mr. Wingo is a graduate of the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa and the Episcopal Seminary of the Southwest in Austin, Texas. He is married to the Rev. Sara-Scott Wingo, also an Episcopal priest, and they have three adult daughters. He’s a college football and basketball fan, and a lifelong Atlanta Braves fan. He enjoys exercise, including mountain biking, and plays the guitar.

During the interim period, he will work closely with the Rev. Will Stanley, vicar, and the parish staff to continue our vital ministries while reflecting together on the future. This will include a self-study, and the compilation of a parish profile that will be used to recruit and inform suitable candidates for the rector’s position. The process will be enhanced by the “Envisioning Our Future” work the parish did before the pandemic. continued

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While that process unfolds, the leadership of an interim rector, working closely with our excellent parish staff and dedicated lay leaders and volunteers, allows the parish to continue to focus on pastoral care, worship, outreach, children’s and youth ministry, spiritual formation, our “village green” ministries, and all the other offerings for which St. Stephen’s has become known and which have contributed to the sustained growth of this church— one of the 20 largest in the Episcopal Church—during a time when mainline churches in general are losing members.

“I am so excited to welcome Pat Wingo to St. Stephen’s,” said Mr. Stanley. “I look forward to working closely with him in this important, interim time. His experience in large systems—both within and outside the Diocese of Virginia—will be a wonderful addition to our already strong team of clergy, lay staff, and lay leadership. I have every confidence that he will come among us

What happens now?

to help strengthen the already sure foundation that is in place here.”

The vestry will appoint a discernment committee (also known as a search committee) later this year to recruit, interview and evaluate clergy to lead this large, vibrant parish. That committee will eventually make recommendations to the vestry, which will issue a call. (See “What happens now,” below.) While there is no fixed length for the interim and search period, it is typically between 12 and 16 months.

As the wardens said in their letter to the parish when Gary announced his decision to retire from St. Stephen’s, we will honor his extraordinary legacy by working together with great enthusiasm and hope as we begin our next chapter. We are delighted to have Pat Wingo to lead us on that journey. ✤

The vestry, staff and discernment committee (a group which many of us have known as a “search committee” in the past) will communicate regularly with the parish in the coming months. Be sure you’re subscribed to the eSpirit and that the parish office has up-to-date contact information for you. For now, however, we share with you the following steps as outlined by the Rev. Sarah Brockenbrough, the diocesan transition minister.

At any given time, about 20 percent of the 179 churches in the Diocese of Virginia are in transition. Those churches and clergy are tended by our bishop and diocesan staff throughout this time.

When congregations in the Diocese of Virginia experience transition, they follow a process that includes a number of important steps, including the following: • The Diocese of Virginia’s transition minister meets with the vestry to learn more about the life of the congregation.

Their conversation also includes current diocesan discernment practices, the steps of the transition process and the vestry’s role in it. This is taking place at the July 2021 meeting of St. Stephen’s vestry.

• The vestry calls an interim priest; this occurred in May 2021, with the calling of the Rev. Pat Wingo, who arrives in July.

• The vestry appoints a discernment committee. We expect this to take place by this fall.

• The discernment committee leads the vestry and congregation in self-study.

• The discernment committee uses information gathered during the selfstudy to create a Community Ministry Portfolio, which provides an overview of the church and its vision.

• The discernment committee works with the vestry and staff to communicate regularly with the congregation. At St. Stephen’s, this will occur through such communications methods as the eSpirit, our Web site, and Seasons of the Spirit.

• The discernment committee receives names and engages in discernment with qualified candidates.

• The diocesan transition staff “vets” final candidates.

• The discernment committee presents a final candidate to the vestry.

• If affirmed, vestry and the candidate work to establish the terms of the call and set out a letter of agreement which is signed by the bishop, senior warden, and newly-called rector.

• The vestry and newly-called rector work in partnership to time the announcement of the new call in their respective congregations.

On average, congregations move through a transition over the course of 16 months.

This time of discernment is a formative spiritual process. As Bishop Goff says when she blesses churches engaged in this work: 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.

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Sarah Bartenstein

Dillon Gwaltney

Food pantry ministry returns to client choice model The ‘grocery store’ has re-opened!

Breaking down a barrier

Joyfully, the St. Stephen’s grocery store moved its operations back inside on May 10. This means that shoppers are able to come into the building to enjoy the experience of choosing the groceries they like, rather than being handed a pre-packed bag of food. Grocery store hours remain Mondays, 1-3 p.m. We do, of course, observe all covid-19 distancing and masking guidelines.

One of the frequent visitors to our pantry/grocery store is a Russian gentleman who struggles with English. The language barrier presents a challenge for him as well as for the staff and volunteers.

By Anna Jones It is wonderful to see our patrons once again choosing exactly which groceries they like and selecting from the bountiful produce donated by our farmers market vendors. One shopper, who had been returning unneeded items to the pantry or giving them to friends, noted that there will be less waste this way. Our clients have been happy to come inside, sit for a few minutes, and then walk through the grocery store with a volunteer.

For the last 14 months of the pandemic, outreach volunteers have been loyally packing dozens of grocery bags every Monday morning and then putting them in patrons’ cars in the afternoon. While not ideal in terms of the “client choice” model of distribution that we usually use, this system worked well for the safety of all during the worst of the pandemic. It was also a vital way to distribute food to those who needed it, including many who had never needed to visit a pantry before.

Many, many thanks to all the volunteers who have kept this ministry going in an unusual way for more than a year.

On a recent Monday, I was assisting in the grocery store. When the Russian gentleman checked in, he struggled to understand our questions and provide the information we needed from him; the volunteer assisting him remained patient, determined to help.

Then the guest, accompanied by a family member, began to shop. He was greeted by another of our volunteers in the grocery store, parishioner Bill Young.

When the shopper began speaking, Bill recognized his accent—and began speaking to him in Russian!

The man, his family member, and Bill exchanged greetings. Immediately the shoppers appeared at ease, and the three of them shopped together as they spoke in the visitors’ native language. As the two guests prepared to leave, they wore big smiles.

Thank you also for your generosity and faithfulness in donating food. Please continue to drop off your offerings anytime using the grocery cart positioned outside the parish house doors every day, or in the basket inside the church on Sundays.

All this took place on May 24—the day after the Feast of Pentecost, when we remember people of many tongues hearing in their native languages about God’s movement in the world. I witnessed God working through St. Stephen’s and its parishioners.

If you would like to volunteer in the grocery store or in another of the food outreach ministries, now is a great time to get started. Send me an email (ajones@ststephensRVA.org) for more information.

Thank you, Bill, for meeting our guests where they are.

–Ron Brown

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Outreach needs expand in many areas

Volunteering in person is very limited, but there are ways to help

By Liz Bartenstein and Ron Brown

Sarah Bartenstein

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he past year of pandemic and economic hardship has stretched families from all over Richmond in every way possible. We have welcomed many new clients to our food pantry, for example, and several of them shared that they never thought they would need assistance with food. In times like these, outreach ministries like the ones offered through St. Stephen’s are vital to ensuring that all of our neighbors may thrive. Our commitment to our community manifests in many ways—investing leadership, volunteer time, and financial resources in a variety of organizations around the Richmond area.

LOCAL PARTNERS

“handyman” skills—with those in need of these services, on an as-needed basis.

Please be in touch with Ron Brown if you’d like to be part of this group.

ReWork Richmond: This ministry is an initiative of St. Stephen’s Church, St. Peter’s Church, the City of Richmond, and other community partners. See page 18.

FOOD MINISTRY

St. Stephen’s food ministry is a large and ever-growing ministry that helps feed the hungry in many ways. Each facet needs volunteers.

The strength of our commitments in the East End continues.

We are heavily invested in Fairfield Court Elementary School, Peter Paul Development Center, and the Anna Julia Cooper Episcopal School. We also have other local partnerships.

The fruit ministry is our longest-standing outreach ministry.

Volunteers meet every week to gather, sort, and distribute fresh fruit—apples, bananas, and oranges—to more than 200 people in the Gilpin Court and Highland Park neighborhoods of Richmond.

Fairfield Elementary School: During the pandemic, we participated in several drives to provide school supplies, household cleaning supplies, toiletries, Christmas gifts for students, and holiday meals. The need for support continues, and we look forward to a return to in-person instruction and volunteering.

Our food pantry is an approved agency of the Central Virginia Food Bank, and serves over 300 children and adults each month through our weekly food distribution. Our pantry has returned to the “grocery store” set-up, providing our visitors the ability to select the items they want from our pantry inventory. We need volunteers to assist each shopper, and to sort and stock our shelves in preparation for the shopping visits. (See page 16.)

Peter Paul Development Center: Unfortunately, we are unable to hold the annual math camp this summer, in which students review and strengthen math skills in a fun environment, but we will keep you informed about other ways to help via the eSpirit.

Anna Julia Cooper School: We have hosted several school supply drives. There continues to be a need for teacher support, and volunteers are needed as classroom assistants. The school has been offering in person learning throughout the covid period.

Richmond City Jail: The jail’s covid restrictions have meant that we could not continue this in-person ministry of Bible study and the sharing of Holy Communion during the past year, but we look forward to resuming in the future. In the meantime, we accept personal care items (unopened, full size items, please) for our incarcerated brothers and sisters.

Rebuilding Together Richmond: As this edition went to the printer, we were working on scheduling a building event. We will communicate more details in the eSpirit. The same is true of Habitat for Humanity.

HANDS (Hammer and Nails in Devoted Service): This ministry pairs volunteers—many of whom have carpentry or

Not only does the farmers market need volunteers to help with the set-up, tear-down, and operation of the market, but “gleaners” are needed to gather the produce and other items from our generous farmers and vendors who donate unsold products for our pantry visitors.

BEYOND RICHMOND

Parishioners have visited various parts of the United States affected by natural disasters, as well as to countries such as the Dominican Republic, South Africa, and Argentina to spend time with our missionaries Heidi Schmidt and Monica Vega and the people they serve, to provide medical and dental care, to conduct Vacation Bible School, and to construct homes and other buildings. With travel curtailed worldwide during the past year, we have not been able to schedule mission trips. We will, of course, let you know through the eSpirit and future editions of Seasons of the Spirit when these ministries resume.

For more information about any of these efforts, please contact Ron Brown, director of outreach (rbrown@ststephensRVA.org) or Anna Jones, farmers market manager and food pantry coordinator (ajones@st.stephensRVA.org), or call 804.288.2867.

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Dan Currier

Diana Vasquez (left) chats with a ReWork member outside the organization’s office at St. Peter’s Church.

Rethinking the path to meaningful employment An update from ReWork Richmond

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uring the capital campaign that St. Stephen’s Church conducted as part of our centennial observance, parish leaders committed to tithing the funds raised for capital needs to support an outreach initiative in our community— specifically in the East End, where we invest significant resources of time and money. Throughout our discernment about where to use this portion of the campaign funds, the need for a new approach to employment arose continually. The result was a partnership with St. Peter’s Church in Church Hill, the City of Richmond’s Office of Community Wealth Building, and other organizations, which eventually came to be known as ReWork Richmond.

in clinical mental health. She will begin the online program this month while working at the Department of Motor Vehicles, where she recently acquired a part-time position. Through ReWork’s community connections, she will participate in an internship this summer to gain direct work experience in her field. Iyanna attended Fairfield Court Elementary School, Peter Paul Development Center and Anna Julia Cooper School, three of our East End partners. She wants to serve families in these communities.

Research showed that most workforce development programs focused on helping people find entry-level jobs that could not sustain their families financially. Further, these programs didn’t address the actual barriers to securing and retaining living-wage employment.

Of course, it doesn’t just take a license—you also need a car. If you have a roadworthy vehicle you can donate to ReWork, please let them know. Each car is thoroughly checked out and detailed prior to delivery. Mark Murphy (markmurphydmm@gmail. com, 203.249.2164) can provide additional details. All donations to ReWork Richmond are tax-deductible.

From the beginning, ReWork has been different. Instead of placing individuals in minimum wage positions offering limited upward opportunity, ReWork is structured to accompany its “members” (not “clients”) on the long walk to living-wage employment by providing a comprehensive range of personal support and employment sourcing services.

With continuing financial support from St. Stephen’s and other partners, ReWork Richmond is changing the trajectory of people’s lives. Member Iyanna W. is a recent example. Iyanna, age 24, was recommended to ReWork by partners at Anna Julia Cooper School after completing her bachelor’s degree at North Carolina Wesleyan University, with the goal of becoming a mental health counselor. With guidance and support from ReWork, Iyanna has been accepted into Liberty University’s master’s program

As DMV offices re-open, several ReWork members will be getting their driving licenses for the first time, an important step since having transportation is critical for getting to and from their jobs.

Would you like to volunteer with ReWork, providing career or financial coaching, or assisting with resume writing and interview skills? Diana Vasquez is the contact, diana.vasquez@ reworkrichmond.org, 978.771.6304.

Sharon Overton has joined the ReWork team as the member services coordinator. Sharon, who has extensive experience in employment coaching, will increase our capacity to serve members.

Deb Lawrence, who was outreach director at St. Stephen’s for many years, including during the time that ReWork was founded, is now the executive director of ReWork Richmond.

Learn more about this enterprise at reworkrichmond.org.

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Two valued staff members begin new chapters

Dan Currier

Jay Paul photos

Janet Allen retires; Becky Lehman enters new field

Janet Allen

Becky Lehman

Two long-time members of the parish staff have concluded their ministries at St. Stephen’s Church.

Janet has exhibited for these many years. She is graciously and diligently passing her knowledge along to other key staff members who will now carry the torch.”

Janet Allen, who came to St. Stephen’s when the Rev. Gary Jones was called as rector in 2005, retired at the end of June. Janet, who had worked with Gary in his previous parish, Church of the Holy Communion in Memphis, has overseen crucial areas of our parish life, including membership, stewardship, and finance. She’s also worked closely with parish leaders on the Legacy Society, the planned giving effort designed to increase the value of St. Stephen’s endowment fund.

Janet has been active in the larger church, as well, serving on the board of the Consortium of Endowed Episcopal Parishes at one time, and helping plan and host several conferences under the banner of “Going Forward Together.” Beginning in 2003, these conferences helped Episcopal parishes focus on best practices for health and vitality at a time when many were consumed by church controversies.

Prior to working with Gary at Holy Communion, Janet was on the staff of Calvary Episcopal Church in Memphis, where she grew up.

Before church work, Janet was a commercial artist. After she learned to write icons, she was instrumental in establishing a summer icon workshop at St. Stephen’s; before the pandemic, it took place annually for many years (and we hope to bring it back after the pandemic). Janet has also become accomplished in bookmaking arts and related media—something which she’ll no doubt continue to pursue in retirement, in addition to having more time to visit her two sons in Oregon.

Allison added, “She is always working in the background to make sure we have what we need before we even know we need it! Janet never wants the attention to be on her, but this is one time we will ignore that: Godspeed, Janet and enjoy your much-deserved retirement!”

In early May, the parish said goodbye to Becky Lehman, after she completed a four-year program in clinical mental health counseling, earning a master of arts, and secured a full-time position with a local practice.

Becky joined the staff in September 2014 to assist Betsy Lee in receiving visitors and manning the phones, and providing support to Sarah Bartenstein with email newsletters, Web site updates, publicity for parish events, and serving as a backup for Sarah on other tasks. At Becky’s going-away luncheon, Sarah joked that if not for Becky, she could never have taken a vacation.

Becky was also the hub for scheduling lay people for liturgical roles in our worship services, a huge task.

During the pandemic, when the May Fair House launched an e-commerce site, Becky worked closely with Christi McFadden and Fern Newsom to set it up. Becky took all the photos of merchandise and maintained the site.

“Janet has worked tirelessly for the past 16 years alongside Gary Jones and the rest of the clergy and staff,” said Allison Koschak, senior warden. “Gary would be the first to say that he was able to accomplish so much of what he did thanks to the efforts of Janet each step of the way.

“Becky’s efficiency and attention to detail combined with a wonderful sense of humor and deep commitment to the work of the church made her the perfect addition to our staff,” Sarah said. “She’s a problem-solver who relishes any opportunity to find a new and better way to do something.”

“We are all grateful for the dedication and work ethic that

Godspeed and deep thanks to Janet and Becky. ✤

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Six women and men elected to vestry

New Vestry Members

This year, for the first time, St. Stephen’s Church had a “virtual” annual meeting, held on Zoom on Sunday, May 16. The business included the election of six new members to the vestry: Dick Hamrick is a pulmonary critical medicine physician and healthcare consultant who has been active at St. Stephen’s since 1996. He is a member of St. Stephen’s Choir and a devoted supporter of the music program, and has served as a Sunday school teacher and annual giving campaign volunteer. He has also consulted extensively with the leadership and staff of St. Stephen’s on issues related to health and safety during the pandemic.

Dick Hamrick

David Hodge, a member of St. Stephen’s Church since 2017, is a project manager with eTech Mechanical Group. He has served at St. Stephen’s as a lay reader and greeter, and as a member of the advisory group for St. Stephen’s Preschool. He and his wife have three young sons and David has been a participant in the parent groups and the parish weekend at Shrine Mont.

Anne McElroy is a retired physician who has been a member of St. Stephen’s since 2003. As the mother of three children, she was active in children’s and youth activities; more recently, she has served as a greeter.

She has extensive community and board experience, including service on the boards of the Medarva Foundation, Richmond Eye & Ear Hospital, Princeton Association of Virginia, and St. Catherine’s School. She participated in several trips to the Middle East with the Center for Interfaith Reconciliation, a ministry founded by St. Stephen’s Church. She co-chaired the search committee for the Head of School at St. Catherine’s.

Penn Rogers is an attorney who has been attending St. Stephen’s since 2008, eventually transferring his membership from another Episcopal church in 2011. He serves as a verger, lay reader and lay Eucharistic visitor, and has represented St. Stephen’s as a delegate to the diocesan convention. He previously served on the vestry nominating committee at St. Stephen’s. He has taken part in Disciples of Christ in Community (DOCC) and Education for Ministry (EFM), and was treasurer of the vestry, chair of the finance committee, and a founding trustee of the preschool at his former parish.

Martha Sherman has been a member of St. Stephen’s since 2007. She co-chaired the grounds committee of our centennial capital campaign, and is a member of the flower guild, a food pantry volunteer, and a member of the committee planning a meditation garden outside our café. She is a past participant in the prayer shawl ministry. She’s also a graduate of the Education for Ministry (EFM) program, and took part in the Disciple Bible Study group. In North Carolina, she served as president of the diocesan Episcopal Church Women, as a member of her parish vestry, and was on the Commission on Ministry for the Diocese of East Carolina for six years.

David Hodge

Anne McElroy

Penn Rogers

Nancy Thompson is a lifelong member of St. Stephen’s Church, where she has been active in volunteer and leadership roles in our outreach ministries. She currently chairs the local outreach committee, and serves on the grants committee that makes recommendations to St. Stephen’s vestry for outreach grant funding. She has participated in mission trips to the Dominican Republic, and has helped coordinate our sheltering of those experiencing homelessness through the Caritas program. She’s participated in our jail ministry and in an Emmaus group. In our partnership with Fairfield Court Elementary School, Nancy has been a classroom assistant and coordinated the 2020 Christmas shop at the school with donations from St. Stephen’s parishioners.

Martha Sherman

Many thanks to the six members of the vestry who completed their three-year terms in 2021: Mary Bacon, who also served as treasurer; Orran Brown, Bob Dibble, Mollie Mitchell, Alston Williams, and Wesley Wright.

The officers of the vestry, who also constitute an executive committee, are Allison Koschak, senior warden; Lynn Ivey, junior warden; Bobby Fauntleroy, treasurer; and Jim Price, register. ✤

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Nancy Thompson

SEASONS OF THE SPIRIT

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ry rs

Did you know?

At the annual meeting, we learned that in 2020, during a pandemic, St. Stephen’s Church baptized 45 people, married 8 couples, and received 39 new members. We also said Godspeed to 5 people who transferred to other Episcopal churches in the Richmond area, and to 10 who transferred to Episcopal churches in other cities and states. We also buried 44 souls.

You make our ministries possible Many thanks to all who have made a pledge for 2021 or have given a gift to support the vital ministries of St. Stephen’s Church. The pledges and gifts we receive from you are crucial to the work we do. If you are not an official “member” of St. Stephen’s but you take part in worship, visit the café or the farmers market or other offerings, we hope you know how much your presence enriches our life.

If you would like to pay your pledge, become a pledging member of St. Stephen’s, or make a gift out of gratitude we invite you to: • visit the online giving pages of our Web site, ststephensRVA. org/give; • set up a regular payment through your bank’s bill pay; or • mail checks to St. Stephen’s Church, 6000 Grove Avenue, Richmond, Virginia 23226.✤

May the circle be unbroken, continued from page 4 livestreaming, both of the 10 a.m. Sunday service, and now of the 5:30 p.m. Celtic service.

On Sunday, July 4, we will resume the 8 p.m. sung Compline with a fully-vaccinated choir, all of whom will be positioned at the west end of the nave.

Also on Sundays, the café will be open with complimentary coffee, from 8:30 a.m. until noon. Other drinks (such as lattes) will be available for purchase from our talented baristas. Grab-and-go snacks (granola bars, Goldfish, chips, etc.) will be available.

THE FARMERS MARKET

The farmers market takes place outdoors, and now that mask mandates have been lifted for outdoor events in the Commonwealth, you may shop unmasked.

THE CAFÉ

The café has continued to do a brisk business with take-out orders and outdoor dining, and that will continue. We have re-opened the indoor café space, and ask people to distance from those not in their party and to wear masks when they are not eating or drinking (such as while placing an order or using the restroom).

MORNING PRAYER

We will continue to livestream Morning Prayer, and will also allow people to attend in person, masked for now. (Morning Prayer takes place each weekday at 8:10 a.m. in the Chapel of the Holy Spirit. When the office is closed for a holiday or for some other reason, there is no Morning Prayer service.)

COMMUNITY SUPPERS

We will also resume the Sunday Community Supper outdoors between the Celtic and Compline services on Sunday, July 4.

Masks will not be required for this offering since it takes place outdoors.

SMALL GROUPS AND MEETINGS

We had already begun to permit Emmaus groups and other small groups to reserve rooms and meeting times in the parish house. We will ask people arriving for these meetings to wear masks anytime they are moving through the building—in the hallways, in restrooms, and other common areas. Once you reach your group’s room, it will be up to the group to determine whether to wear masks while in the meeting room, based on the vaccination and health status of those in the group.

As mentioned above, we’re also opening the café on Sunday mornings, 8:30-noon, in addition to the weekday and Saturday hours.

We look forward to continuing to open up after this very difficult period in our community’s life. No doubt some will choose to continue to wear a mask, even in spaces and events where masks are not required. Of course, we honor this decision.

In addition to guidance and regulations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the Diocese of Virginia, parish leaders have been using data from Brown University’s School of Public Health.

Different colors correspond to the number of new cases in a given area, week to week. As this edition of Seasons of the Spirit was being printed, we were in the “yellow zone” in our area. This is an improvement, to be sure, but our benchmark for removing the requirement for masks is seven consecutive days in the green zone. Of course, even if we do achieve that milestone, if we were to later tip back into the yellow zone, we’d go back to requiring masks.

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Keep in touch

T

he coming months will be a significant time in the life of our parish, and it will be especially important for the vestry and staff to be able to communicate with parishioners.

We learned when we sent announcements earlier this year about the Rev. Gary Jones’ retirement plans, and the vestry’s call to the Rev. Patrick Wingo to serve as our interim rector, that some of the information in our parish database needs attention.

Like many churches, St. Stephen’s has two sources for email addresses. One is a main database (in our case, ACS), designed to store each parishioner’s name, USPS address, phone number, birthdate, and email address, as the parishioner has provided them to us. The other is Constant Contact, the platform we use to send email newsletters based on subscription preferences determined by the subscriber. The ACS database is maintained by church staff and includes parishioners and prospective parishioners.

Constant Contact, on the other hand, includes subscribers to one or more of our free newsletters (such as the eSpirit, the Farmers Market newsletter, the Weekly Bible Study, etc.), not only to parishioners. Subscribers can add, remove, or update their own email address (though your information is not accessible to others).

We’ve been reminded that sometimes folks think they’ve updated their email address in our database, when what they’ve actually done is updated their Constant Contact preferences and information.

While most email announcements are sent using Constant Contact, sometimes a communication should go to our members first, so we use the email addresses we have in ACS. So it’s time for some “list hygiene.”

If your mailing address, phone number or email address has changed in the past year or so (or if you missed a communication you think you should have received), please make sure to let the parish staff know so we can update the ACS database and ensure that you receive important emails and letters. You can do that by calling the parish office at 804.288.2867, or sending an email to Coco Provance at cprovance@ststephensRVA.org.

If you do not receive the eSpirit, this is a good time to subscribe.

We offer a number of different email newsletters—all free, and available to anyone, not just parishioners—but if your inbox is overflowing and you want just one St. Stephen’s newsletter, subscribe to the eSpirit. It’s sent every Wednesday at 6 a.m., and it’s the “general purpose” communication. This is also the list we use to send special emails such as weather-related schedule changes.

Visit ststephensRVA.org/email to subscribe. We will never give your email address to any outside party, and you may unsubscribe at any time.

As always, if you have questions, please call the parish office at 804.288.2867. ✤

Summer at the café

W

e’re so grateful for your ongoing support of the café during the pandemic, with online and phone orders, and meeting friends and colleagues for coffee or a meal at one of our outdoor café tables.

We’ve heard from many of you that the café was an especially important ministry to you during “lockdown,” because our outdoor seating provided a safe place for you to get together with friends, associates, Emmaus groups, and others. We saw plenty of customers bundled up during colder weather, seated at café tables near our outdoor space heaters!

We have returned to our summer hours, 7 a.m.-2 p.m. on weekdays, and 7:30 a.m.12:30 p.m. on Saturdays, for drinks, smoothies, snacks, breakfast, and lunch. We’ve also re-opened the café on Sundays, 8:30-12:30, for complimentary coffee, and the full selection of coffee and espresso drinks, available for purchase. We won’t be offering the full menu on Sundays, but there are grab-and-go snacks available for purchase.

Customers will be permitted indoors to place their orders, after which you may enjoy them outdoors, or, space permitting, inside the café.

Remember that the café has free punch cards for “frequent fliers” (buy 11 drinks, get the 12th free), as well as gift cards in any amount. Please spread the word about our café, and let your friends, neighbors and colleagues know that it is open to all, not just St. Stephen’s parishioners.

SUMMER HOURS Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.2 p.m. | Saturday, 7:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Sundays, 8:30-noon Closed when the parish office is closed (such as Monday, July 5 and Labor Day) ONLINE ORDERS cafeatststephens.org

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THANK YOU Thank you to the following people who made gifts of kneelers in honor or in memory of loved ones, and/or who stitched kneelers.

Needlepoint project brings new beauty to our church Kneelers available for the nave

Bliss Buford Abbott The Angus Family Patty Atkins-Smith Margaret Austin Sally Ayers The Ayers Family Glenna Bailey Noeline H. Baruch Beth and Kevin Beale Caroline Beebe Liz Gamble Blaine Jody Branch Pat Brown Nancy Bugg Mary Anne Burke Marie Carter The Charles Family Kate Roy and Dixon Christian Barbara Cone Elizabeth Cox Miriam “Smokie” Crews Martha W. Curry Rose O. Decker Dr. and Mrs. James T. Devlin Sherlyn and Ken Dibble Carol and Earl Dickinson Debbie Dunlap Judith and Wayne Dunn Jane and John Fain The Fleming Family Elizabeth Conner Flippen Vicki J. Ford Sally George Victoria Glover Missy and Thomas Goode Julie Gamble Grover Bonny and Richard Hamrick Kitty Hardt Melinda C. Hardy Mr. and Mrs. Reno S. Harp III Jill Harris Sandra and Jerry Hart Joan and Malcom Hines Kenzie Hubard Virginia Hunter Dot Johnson Robyn and Richard Kay Dana King Marilyn and Barry Kirkpatrick Sherri Lambert Betsy Lee The Lester Family Sally Lester Dr. Georgeanne W. Long Chris Mauck Laurie McCarthy Margaret McGehee and Anne Owens The Rev. Stephen Y. McGehee Alice Meadows Suzanne Melzig Jan Moncure Sarah Moyar-Thacker Sarah Mumford

The Rev. Penny Nash Susan Oakey Jacqueline N. Orgain Kathleen Overbay Susan Oakey Barbara Parker The Rev. Ruth Partlow Anne and John Pennypacker Carlee Pennypacker Sarah Peterson Brooke Pettit Eddy and John Phillips Helen Pinckney Joan Putney Waite Rawls Susan Rawles Kay G. Remick Pat Rheutan Betsy H. Richardson Laurie Rogers A. Prescott Rowe Jane Fenlon Rowe The Sarrett Family Helen Sarrett Alice Boggs Schroeder Thomas A. Scott Jane Selden Jane and Stuart Settle Blair Smith James D. Snowa, Sr. Renita Sommers Elizabeth Spell Laurie Spratley Betsy Stevenson Mary Atkinson Stone Wendy TenHoeve Donna and Seldon Tompkins The Tongel Family Jessica Tongel Austin Tucker Peggy and Carter Tucker Anne Turnbull Mary Blair Valentine Peyton Buford Valentine Amanda and Quentin Ward Synthia Waymack Shannon Geary and Travis Weisleder Gene West Sarah Wiley Bunny Williams The Family of George and Ellen Williams Elizabeth Williams Meade Williams Patti Williams Niu Meng “Zoe” Xue William A. Young, Jr. St. Stephen’s Altar Guild St. Stephen’s Needlepoint Guild St. Stephen’s Staff St. Stephen’s Wednesday Morning Fellowship Group The Women of St. Stephen’s

John Jenkins

By Marie Carter

One of Anne Pennypacker’s designs, stitched and installed in the nave.

As you may know, St. Stephen’s began an extensive needlepoint project following the completion of our centennial renovation. The design, stitching, and installation of needlepoint kneelers has been a labor of love, and continues to proceed more quickly than any of us dreamed it would.

With the Chapel of the Holy Spirit completed, and the Chapel of the Good Shepherd nearing completion, the current focus is the forward portion of the nave. In that portion of the church, we have been installing original designs using beautifully lettered verses from Scripture, designed and painted by Anne Pennypacker—a total of 30 canvases.

The needlepoint guild and the parish express deep gratitude to those who have purchased a kneeler in memory or in honor of a loved one and to the volunteer stitchers who have shared their talent and time to create the needlepoint kneelers that now enhance the beauty of our church. We are fortunate that the pandemic has abated to the point that we are able to re-enter this sacred space and enjoy their beauty.

Please visit the Web site to learn more about this project and to reserve a kneeler as a memorial or to honor a loved one. If you love needlepoint and are looking for a summer project, please contact me at mdcarter27@gmail.com. We have several purchased canvases that are ready to be stitched by volunteers. ststephensRVA.org/needlepointkneelers

New canvasses designed and painted by Anne Pennypacker for the nave, ready for stitching.

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SPIRIT

Presorted First Class Mail U.S. Postage PA I D Richmond, VA Permit No. 320

P ENT ECOST | SU M M ER 2021 Issue Number 39

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.

Janet S. Allen (jallen), Associate for Membership & Development 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 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 Greg Vick (gvick), Organist Tyronn Wilkins (twilkins), Sexton The Rev. Patrick J. Wingo (pwingo), Interim Rector The Café @ St. Stephen’s 804.288.3318 Phin Generelly, head barista Claire Hackley, barista Annie Ward Love, barista Brianna Maurice, barista Aleho Zintseme, barista Bou Zintseme, barista Our Missionaries Heidi Schmidt Monica Vega

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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.

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