SAINT STEPHEN’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH

SPIR

IT

St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church6000 Grove AvenueRichmond, Virginia 23226www.ststephensRVA.org

NOVEMBER 20, 2016LAST SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST: CHRIST THE KING

A weekly meditationRecently I surprised myself and was able to fulfi ll my 2016 pledge to St. Stephen’s before the end of the year. The fact that I did so early is no miracle, but it does counter my pessimistic projections of a year ago. Things looked not so promising. Dark clouds hovered on the horizon. But perhaps recalling an ancient stewardship sermon, I stepped out in faith and soldiered on. Faith won. By spring things had improved considerably. Looking back, I am surprised at the role pure faith played in this little drama. Meanwhile there are still those who denigrate the practice of pledging. They say that it is an uncertain exercise, a remnant of the past not refl ective of today’s economy. I know this because, in much younger days, I entertained those same thoughts. However, I learned through the heart-softening ways of maturing that such negativity is never the best compass. Affi rming one another, feeding the hungry, consoling the sick, and supporting the weak are among the ways the Gospel calls us to follow. Along the way, we can rely on God’s abundant grace and guidance. And then—accompanied by a good spreadsheet—we can properly and sensibly plan to carry out those things that we are called to do. And faith will win again.

DOUG BLUE

Thanksgiving week at St. Stephen’sSome things to know for this week:• There is no Wonderful Wednesdays supper on November 23.• Check with the leader or convenor of your small group about whether you will meet this week.• The offi ce is closed on Thursday, November 24 and Friday, November 25.• The Farmers Market is open this Saturday, 9 a.m.-noon, and this is the week it moves indoors.• The regular Sunday service schedule is in effect next Sunday (the fi rst Sunday in Advent).

Thanksgiving Day serviceTHURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 10:30 A.M.

St. Stephen’s Thanksgiving Day service is unique in Richmond, and attendance rivals that of Christmas Eve and Easter Day with people coming from throughout the area to attend. Excellent preaching, spe-cial music (including brass) and beautiful fl oral arrangements enhance this service of Morning Prayer. We are delighted that our guest preacher this year will be the Rev. Robert G. Hetherington. Since this service is beloved by so many in the community beyond St. Stephen’s, please refrain from saving seats. However well-intentioned, this can feel inhospitable to visitors.

Have you signed up for daily Advent meditations?Each year, St. Stephen’s sends brief meditations on Advent themes and scripture passages to all who subscribe; you do not need to be a member of St. Stephen’s, there is no charge, and you may unsub-scribe at any time. The refl ections come to you via email each day of the season, beginning November 27 and concluding on Christmas Eve. If you received the meditations last year, you will automatically receive them this year. If you haven’t subscribed in the past, go to ststephensRVA.org/advent.

Advent at St. Stephen’sADVENT I: NEXT SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 27

The beginning of Advent (and a new church year) is just a week away. The Advent Fair will take place next Sunday during the education hour (10:10-11) and after the 11:15 service until 1 p.m. This intergen-erational event will offer activities and resources for all ages on the second fl oor of the parish hall, in-cluding making a fresh green Advent wreath. The Advent Fair is free; a $10 suggested donation for wreath kits (oasis wreath forms, candles and candle holders) covers our costs for those items. (If you have evergreen trees or shrubs, please consider donating trimmings or clippings!) Read about our Ad-vent Quiet Day on page 2, and visit ststephensRVA.org/advent for more offerings. Please note: Children age 2-grade 5 and their parents will take part in the Advent Fair in lieu of their regularly scheduled offerings. The Sunday Forum, the Sunday Bible study, and programs for grades 6-9 will take place as normal.

INSIDE Become a pledging member today // 2Today’s Forum // 2Our farmers market moves indoors // 3 Lisa Russ Spaar to give poetry reading // 3Women of St. Stephen’s holiday lunch // 3Seeking the sacred in the Harry Potter saga // 3

Angel TreeGIFTS DUE SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11

St. Stephen’s annual Angel Tree ministry matches a youngster or family identifi ed through our outreach partners with parishioners who would like to purchase gifts for them at Christmas. Beginning next Sunday, November 27, you may select an ornament from our Angel Tree (which will be placed at the Outreach Table across from the steps and elevator in the parish house, near Palmer Hall) and purchase items from the wish list on it. Gifts (unwrapped) will be due Sunday, December 11. Instructions are provided at the tree, and you may contact Deb Lawrence in the parish offi ce with any questions, 804.288.2867, or dlawrence@ststephensRVA.org.

Is there a young child in your family?Now is the time to apply for preschool if your child will be 12 months old by September 2017. Our nationally-accredited, play-centered program includes Catechesis of the Good Shepherd and incorporates the best from Montessori, Piaget, and Reggio Emilia. Read more at ststephensRVA.org/preschool or call 288.6401 for a tour. Our preschool is celebrating its 45th year of serving children in Richmond.

St. Stephen’s to host diocesan conventionFor decades, the Diocese of Virginia has held its annual council (now called a diocesan convention) in January or February of the year. While the timing makes sense in many ways, it also causes problems when inclement weather interferes, especially since such a large overnight meeting is not easily rescheduled. Beginning in the fall of 2017, the diocesan gathering will be a one-day-long convention held in a church–saving time and money, and avoiding weather issues. On November 4, 2017, St. Stephen’s Church is honored to host the fi rst of these annual conventions. We will keep you posted as details develop, but wanted you to know now that this important event will take place right here at St. Stephen’s. In his request to Gary Jones, Bishop Johnston said he knew our staff and parish would do a great job as hosts, and he is excited for us to show our renovated facilities to others in the diocese.

Thank you!In a church as large and vibrant as St. Stephen’s, very little can be accomplished without the efforts of dedicated volunteers. We deeply appreciate the work of the following people in recent months. If you would like to volunteer in one of our ministries, please call the parish offi ce at 288.2867 and the staff will connect you with the right person for your area(s) of interest.Thank you to the project team for the presentation by John Snow and Dan Matthews, John Barr, John Crowder, Debbie Dunlap, Mike Locher, and Mac McElroy...to Ann Hyer for helping with the reception at Dave Lucas’ poetry reading...to all who helped host our CARITAS guests: Elizabeth Allen, Ann Baker, Kathy Barton, Rachel Blouch, Eric Bombere, Boy Scout Troop 418, Anne and Mark Burnett, Diana Cook, Cabell and John Crowder, Sam Davis, Clarice and Bob Dibble, Ken Dibble, James Driscoll, Gail Fairbanks, Richard Kay, Allison Koschak, Susan Loop, Mary McIntosh, Flynn Mann, Lew Mundin, Pam O’Berry, Belle and Jay O’Keefe, Duncan Owen, Jim Price, JoAnn Pulliam, Alice, Charlie, Robert and Tim Reiniger, Alexa Rooney, Genie Roper, Carole Ann and Eddie Ross, Mary Virginia Scott, Cyndy Seal, Quint Slack, Bob Villa, Roszie and Tom Walker, Maya Walton, Kathrin Weis, Susan Weis, Robbie Westermann, Robert Westermann, and Gordon and John Wyatt, and to co-chairs Mary Bacon and

Donnan O’Keefe...front offi ce volunteers, Kathryn Angus, Geré Brown, Lynn Burgess, Kay Clary, Clarice Dibble, Bruce Evans, Bonny Hamrick, Marilyn Kirkpatrick, Fern Newsom, Mary Anne Scherer, Cyndy Seal, Elizabeth Spell, Susanne Sturgess, Eileen Walker...the volunteers who collate our Sunday bulletins each Friday morning, Marie Carter, Kate Roy Christian, Bob Dibble, Clarice Dibble, Ruth Finnegan, Susan French, Richard Kay, Patricia Lewis, Alice Meadows, Kate Pearsall, and Jan Price...to the project team that planned the Paul Wallace event, Tony Anthony, Becky Boyers, Kate Roy Christian, George Flowers, Guy Frank, Mac Purrington, Joan Putney, Kay Remick, Gail Rucker, and Lee Williams...to the project team for the visit by Rob Bell and John Philip Newell, Sal Anselmo, Cheryl Blackwell, Mary Ann Burke, Marie Carter, Cabell Chenault, Kate-Roy Christian, Barbara Cook, Michelle Crim, Cami Davis, Bob Dibble, Clarice Dibble, Robert Dilday, Guy Frank, Missy Goode, Pat Hartsock,

Nancy Hein, Bob Hetherington, Mac Hines, Joan Hines, Ann Hyer, Jim Johnson, Molly Johnson,Richard Kay, Robyn Kay, Marilyn Kirkpatrick, Ed Lynch, Barbara Massey, Alice Meadows, Matthew Mika, Bernie Monroe, Jan Orgain, Karen Orville, Lisa Owens, Barbara Parker, Ruth Partlow, Anne Peck, Jan Price, Coco Provance, Mac Purrington, Taylor

Raquet, Kaley Rosenthal, Cyndy Seal, Beth Smith, Anne Townsend, Meg Tucker, Stukie Valentine, Jane Van Ostern, and Doug Widner...to those who help with our bookshop each week, Cheryl Blackwell, Pat Hartsock, and Marilyn Kirkpatrick, and those who joined them to help with the Newell/Bell event, Karen Orville, Coco Provance, Kay Remick, and Beth Thomas.

NEWS SIGN UP FOR WEEKLY EMAILS AT STSTEPHENSRVA.ORG/EMAIL

Care for the sick: become a pledging memberWhen you become a pledging member of this parish, you care for the sick. It takes all of us, working together, to make a difference. If you have made your pledge for our ministry in 2017, thank you. If you haven’t, please do it today, using the pledge card enclosed with your pledge packet, or using the online pledge form at ststephensRVA.org/pledge, or picking up a blank pledge card at any of the Welcome Table in the parish house. Leaders of our annual giving campaign will be making follow-up calls to those whose pledges have not been received.

Today in the ForumIn today’s Forum (10:10 a.m.) Allison Seay will present the conclusion of her three-part series, “We Become What We Behold.” Today’s focus is, “Becoming Beauty: How do we become what we behold? What is to become of us?” Allison will explore questions concerning identity. Who or what are we becoming? What is our identity and how is our life changing? Poetry is not necessarily the answering of questions, but the re-phrasing of questions in new and interesting ways that lead us deeper into essential truths about our selves, about what it means to be human, to love, to grieve, to doubt, to suffer. In this way, poetry is a way of making sense of the world so that we might have some reliable understanding of our predicament and our blessing on earth.

Other Sunday offeringsIn addition to the Sunday Forum, adults have the following options during the Christian education hour, neither requiring registration: in Room 14, “Many Parents, One Vine,” especially for parents; in the Somerset Room (the former vestry room), Bible study led by the Rev. Penny Nash.

Advent Quiet Day: ‘How can this be?’SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3, 9 A.M.-NOON

Mary’s question to Gabriel—“how can this be?”—seems the question of a lifetime for each of us. St. Stephen’s will offer a guided retreat for quiet refl ection, private writing, and a prayerful invitation to consider not only that which awaits us, but also all that already is. Sometimes it is in solitude and silence that we gain clarity or that truth is revealed. And yet it is often in the company of others that we feel confi rmed, comforted, and inspired. This retreat will be equal parts inward contemplation and outward exploration. Designed for seasoned writers and those who have never put pen to page, this is a day—in the spirit of Mary’s fear and fearlessness—for patience and possibility, for interiority and expression. Read more about this offering by Allison Seay, associate for religion and the arts, at ststephensRVA.org/adventretreat. There is no charge for this offering, but registration is required.

Weston Mathews discusses Standing RockWEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 6:30 P.M.

In August Presiding Bishop Michael Curry issued a statement of support for the people of Standing Rock Sioux Reservation as construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline threatened to cut across sacred burial grounds and perhaps contaminate the Missouri River: “The people of Standing Rock Sioux Na-tion are calling us now to stand with native peoples, not only for their sakes, but for the sake of God’s creation, for the sake of the entire human family, and for the children and generations of children yet unborn.” As the situation intensifi ed, North Dakota clergy called on clergy of all traditions to come to Standing Rock, which one of our associate rectors, Weston Mathews, did, along with over 500 others from around the world. He will discuss this experience and take questions following the Wonderful Wednesdays supper on November 30. No registration is needed.

Christmas memorialsDUE FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16

Many people like to remember loved ones with a Christmas memorial: a donation for poinsettias, green-ery and fl oral decorations in the church. These memorials are acknowledged in Christmas Eve and Christmas Day bulletins. If you would like to such a memorial, please contact Judy Kidd at jettt@veri-zon.net or 804.691.1448. Your request must be received by December 16 to be included in the bulletins.

Market comes indoorsSATURDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 9 A.M.-NOON

The Farmers Market @ St. Stephen’s is a year-round market, and on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, it comes indoors. Beginning November 26, come to the Fellowship Hall for winter produce, fresh eggs, grass-fed and pastured poultry and meats, bread, pre-pared foods and many other goodies. We are grateful to be able to support farmers 12 months of the year, and to offer fresh, local food to the community all year long.

Next poetry reading features Lisa Russ SpaarTHURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 7 P.M.

Lisa Russ Spaar, poet and essayist, is a professor of English and Creative Writing at the University of Virginia and the director of the Area Program in Poetry Writing. She is the author of numerous books of poetry, most recently Vanitas, Rough: Poems and Satin Cash: Poems. Her latest collection, Orexia, will be published by Persea Books in 2017. The Virginia Quarterly Review describes her work as “the perfect marriage of the realism of William Carlos Williams . . . and the sleepless heaven-seeking of such cloistered ecstatics as Emily Dickinson and Gerard Manly Hopkins.” Our monthly read-ings are free and open to the public, and include time for questions, and book signing. Each is followed by a reception.

Women of St. Stephen’s present annual holiday program and lunch

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 11 A.M.The next monthly gathering of the Women of St. Stephen’s will take place December 6, when Michael Simpson and other musi-cians present a program of seasonal selections in the church at 11 a.m. This is followed by the group’s annual holiday luncheon at noon. Please sign up outside the May Fair House or at Information Central. The cost is $10 per person and you may pay for your lunch at the door. Friends are most welcome.

Seeking the sacred in Harry PotterSUNDAY, DECEMBER 11

Although the Harry Potter books and fi lms are one of the most popular fi ctional narratives in history, some critics have worried that they might be a gateway into the occult; others regard them as mere children’s entertainment. In his writing and speaking about the Harry Potter saga, Greg Garrett reads it as a powerfully spiritual tale written by a Christian author, and argues that their great appeal is a result both of J. K. Rowling’s gifts as a storyteller and her story’s engagement with the topics of community, compassion, redemption, and sacrifi ce. Come to the Sunday Forum on December 11 to hear about the spiritual themes in the Harry Potter saga, and return for lunch following the 11:15 service for further thoughts on the Potter epic and conversation about ways ‘The Boy Who Lived’ has shaped the lives of those who have read, watched, and listened to his story. If you’ll be attending the lunch and talk after the 11:15 a.m. service, please sign up for lunch at ststephensRVA.org/garrett.

CALENDAR MORE AT STSTEPHENSRVA.ORG/CALENDAR

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20–CHRIST THE KING SUNDAYTurkey boxes dueHoly Eucharist: Rite One, 8 a.m.Holy Eucharist: Rite Two, in Palmer Hall and main church, 9 a.m.*Sunday school, Forum, parent group, Bible study, 10:10 a.m.*Holy Eucharist: Rite Two, 11:15 a.m.*, followed by receptionCeltic Service, 5:30 p.m.*Sunday Community Supper, 6:30 p.m.Compline, 8 p.m. MONDAY, NOVEMBER 21Morning Prayer and Communion, 8:10 a.m., coffee, fellowship followFruit Ministry, 9 a.m.Chair Yoga, 11 a.m.Food pantry distribution, 1-3 p.m.Evensong, 5:30 p.m. Guided meditation, 6 p.m.TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 22 Morning Prayer and Communion, 8:10 a.m., coffee, fellowship followContemplative Prayer, 8:45 a.m.Guided meditation, noonEvensong, 5:30 p.m.WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 23Morning Prayer and Communion, 8:10 a.m., coffee, fellowship followBeginner Flow Yoga, 9:30 a.m.Chair Yoga, 11 a.m.Evensong, 5:30 p.m.No Wonderful Wednesdays supper this weekNo youth group this weekTHURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24 Thanksgiving DayParish offi ce closedThanksgiving Day service, 10:30 a.m.FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25Parish offi ce closedSATURDAY, NOVEMBER 26Farmers Market, 9 a.m.-noon, indoorsHoly Eucharist: Rite Two, 5:30 p.m. in Palmer HallSUNDAY, NOVEMBER 27–ADVENT IHoly Eucharist: Rite One, 8 a.m.Holy Eucharist: Rite Two, in Palmer Hall and main church, 9 a.m.*Sunday school, Forum, parent group, Bible study, 10:10 a.m.*Advent Fair, 10:10 a.m.-1 p.m.Holy Eucharist: Rite Two, 11:15 a.m.*, followed by receptionCeltic Service, 5:30 p.m.*Sunday Community Supper, 6:30 p.m.Compline, 8 p.m. *denotes child care available up to age 5

NEWS SIGN UP FOR WEEKLY EMAILS AT STSTEPHENSRVA.ORG/EMAIL

Care for the sick: become a pledging memberWhen you become a pledging member of this parish, you care for the sick. It takes all of us, working together, to make a difference. If you have made your pledge for our ministry in 2017, thank you. If you haven’t, please do it today, using the pledge card enclosed with your pledge packet, or using the online pledge form at ststephensRVA.org/pledge, or picking up a blank pledge card at any of the Welcome Table in the parish house. Leaders of our annual giving campaign will be making follow-up calls to those whose pledges have not been received.

Today in the ForumIn today’s Forum (10:10 a.m.) Allison Seay will present the conclusion of her three-part series, “We Become What We Behold.” Today’s focus is, “Becoming Beauty: How do we become what we behold? What is to become of us?” Allison will explore questions concerning identity. Who or what are we becoming? What is our identity and how is our life changing? Poetry is not necessarily the answering of questions, but the re-phrasing of questions in new and interesting ways that lead us deeper into essential truths about our selves, about what it means to be human, to love, to grieve, to doubt, to suffer. In this way, poetry is a way of making sense of the world so that we might have some reliable understanding of our predicament and our blessing on earth.

Other Sunday offeringsIn addition to the Sunday Forum, adults have the following options during the Christian education hour, neither requiring registration: in Room 14, “Many Parents, One Vine,” especially for parents; in the Somerset Room (the former vestry room), Bible study led by the Rev. Penny Nash.

Advent Quiet Day: ‘How can this be?’SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3, 9 A.M.-NOON

Mary’s question to Gabriel—“how can this be?”—seems the question of a lifetime for each of us. St. Stephen’s will offer a guided retreat for quiet refl ection, private writing, and a prayerful invitation to consider not only that which awaits us, but also all that already is. Sometimes it is in solitude and silence that we gain clarity or that truth is revealed. And yet it is often in the company of others that we feel confi rmed, comforted, and inspired. This retreat will be equal parts inward contemplation and outward exploration. Designed for seasoned writers and those who have never put pen to page, this is a day—in the spirit of Mary’s fear and fearlessness—for patience and possibility, for interiority and expression. Read more about this offering by Allison Seay, associate for religion and the arts, at ststephensRVA.org/adventretreat. There is no charge for this offering, but registration is required.

Weston Mathews discusses Standing RockWEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 6:30 P.M.

In August Presiding Bishop Michael Curry issued a statement of support for the people of Standing Rock Sioux Reservation as construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline threatened to cut across sacred burial grounds and perhaps contaminate the Missouri River: “The people of Standing Rock Sioux Na-tion are calling us now to stand with native peoples, not only for their sakes, but for the sake of God’s creation, for the sake of the entire human family, and for the children and generations of children yet unborn.” As the situation intensifi ed, North Dakota clergy called on clergy of all traditions to come to Standing Rock, which one of our associate rectors, Weston Mathews, did, along with over 500 others from around the world. He will discuss this experience and take questions following the Wonderful Wednesdays supper on November 30. No registration is needed.

Christmas memorialsDUE FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16

Many people like to remember loved ones with a Christmas memorial: a donation for poinsettias, green-ery and fl oral decorations in the church. These memorials are acknowledged in Christmas Eve and Christmas Day bulletins. If you would like to such a memorial, please contact Judy Kidd at jettt@veri-zon.net or 804.691.1448. Your request must be received by December 16 to be included in the bulletins.

Market comes indoorsSATURDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 9 A.M.-NOON

The Farmers Market @ St. Stephen’s is a year-round market, and on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, it comes indoors. Beginning November 26, come to the Fellowship Hall for winter produce, fresh eggs, grass-fed and pastured poultry and meats, bread, pre-pared foods and many other goodies. We are grateful to be able to support farmers 12 months of the year, and to offer fresh, local food to the community all year long.

Next poetry reading features Lisa Russ SpaarTHURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 7 P.M.

Lisa Russ Spaar, poet and essayist, is a professor of English and Creative Writing at the University of Virginia and the director of the Area Program in Poetry Writing. She is the author of numerous books of poetry, most recently Vanitas, Rough: Poems and Satin Cash: Poems. Her latest collection, Orexia, will be published by Persea Books in 2017. The Virginia Quarterly Review describes her work as “the perfect marriage of the realism of William Carlos Williams . . . and the sleepless heaven-seeking of such cloistered ecstatics as Emily Dickinson and Gerard Manly Hopkins.” Our monthly read-ings are free and open to the public, and include time for questions, and book signing. Each is followed by a reception.

Women of St. Stephen’s present annual holiday program and lunch

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 11 A.M.The next monthly gathering of the Women of St. Stephen’s will take place December 6, when Michael Simpson and other musi-cians present a program of seasonal selections in the church at 11 a.m. This is followed by the group’s annual holiday luncheon at noon. Please sign up outside the May Fair House or at Information Central. The cost is $10 per person and you may pay for your lunch at the door. Friends are most welcome.

Seeking the sacred in Harry PotterSUNDAY, DECEMBER 11

Although the Harry Potter books and fi lms are one of the most popular fi ctional narratives in history, some critics have worried that they might be a gateway into the occult; others regard them as mere children’s entertainment. In his writing and speaking about the Harry Potter saga, Greg Garrett reads it as a powerfully spiritual tale written by a Christian author, and argues that their great appeal is a result both of J. K. Rowling’s gifts as a storyteller and her story’s engagement with the topics of community, compassion, redemption, and sacrifi ce. Come to the Sunday Forum on December 11 to hear about the spiritual themes in the Harry Potter saga, and return for lunch following the 11:15 service for further thoughts on the Potter epic and conversation about ways ‘The Boy Who Lived’ has shaped the lives of those who have read, watched, and listened to his story. If you’ll be attending the lunch and talk after the 11:15 a.m. service, please sign up for lunch at ststephensRVA.org/garrett.

CALENDAR MORE AT STSTEPHENSRVA.ORG/CALENDAR

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20–CHRIST THE KING SUNDAYTurkey boxes dueHoly Eucharist: Rite One, 8 a.m.Holy Eucharist: Rite Two, in Palmer Hall and main church, 9 a.m.*Sunday school, Forum, parent group, Bible study, 10:10 a.m.*Holy Eucharist: Rite Two, 11:15 a.m.*, followed by receptionCeltic Service, 5:30 p.m.*Sunday Community Supper, 6:30 p.m.Compline, 8 p.m. MONDAY, NOVEMBER 21Morning Prayer and Communion, 8:10 a.m., coffee, fellowship followFruit Ministry, 9 a.m.Chair Yoga, 11 a.m.Food pantry distribution, 1-3 p.m.Evensong, 5:30 p.m. Guided meditation, 6 p.m.TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 22 Morning Prayer and Communion, 8:10 a.m., coffee, fellowship followContemplative Prayer, 8:45 a.m.Guided meditation, noonEvensong, 5:30 p.m.WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 23Morning Prayer and Communion, 8:10 a.m., coffee, fellowship followBeginner Flow Yoga, 9:30 a.m.Chair Yoga, 11 a.m.Evensong, 5:30 p.m.No Wonderful Wednesdays supper this weekNo youth group this weekTHURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24 Thanksgiving DayParish offi ce closedThanksgiving Day service, 10:30 a.m.FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25Parish offi ce closedSATURDAY, NOVEMBER 26Farmers Market, 9 a.m.-noon, indoorsHoly Eucharist: Rite Two, 5:30 p.m. in Palmer HallSUNDAY, NOVEMBER 27–ADVENT IHoly Eucharist: Rite One, 8 a.m.Holy Eucharist: Rite Two, in Palmer Hall and main church, 9 a.m.*Sunday school, Forum, parent group, Bible study, 10:10 a.m.*Advent Fair, 10:10 a.m.-1 p.m.Holy Eucharist: Rite Two, 11:15 a.m.*, followed by receptionCeltic Service, 5:30 p.m.*Sunday Community Supper, 6:30 p.m.Compline, 8 p.m. *denotes child care available up to age 5

SAINT STEPHEN’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH

SPIR

ITSt. Stephen’s Episcopal Church6000 Grove AvenueRichmond, Virginia 23226www.ststephensRVA.org

NOVEMBER 20, 2016LAST SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST: CHRIST THE KING

A weekly meditationRecently I surprised myself and was able to fulfi ll my 2016 pledge to St. Stephen’s before the end of the year. The fact that I did so early is no miracle, but it does counter my pessimistic projections of a year ago. Things looked not so promising. Dark clouds hovered on the horizon. But perhaps recalling an ancient stewardship sermon, I stepped out in faith and soldiered on. Faith won. By spring things had improved considerably. Looking back, I am surprised at the role pure faith played in this little drama. Meanwhile there are still those who denigrate the practice of pledging. They say that it is an uncertain exercise, a remnant of the past not refl ective of today’s economy. I know this because, in much younger days, I entertained those same thoughts. However, I learned through the heart-softening ways of maturing that such negativity is never the best compass. Affi rming one another, feeding the hungry, consoling the sick, and supporting the weak are among the ways the Gospel calls us to follow. Along the way, we can rely on God’s abundant grace and guidance. And then—accompanied by a good spreadsheet—we can properly and sensibly plan to carry out those things that we are called to do. And faith will win again.

DOUG BLUE

Thanksgiving week at St. Stephen’sSome things to know for this week:• There is no Wonderful Wednesdays supper on November 23.• Check with the leader or convenor of your small group about whether you will meet this week.• The offi ce is closed on Thursday, November 24 and Friday, November 25.• The Farmers Market is open this Saturday, 9 a.m.-noon, and this is the week it moves indoors.• The regular Sunday service schedule is in effect next Sunday (the fi rst Sunday in Advent).

Thanksgiving Day serviceTHURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 10:30 A.M.

St. Stephen’s Thanksgiving Day service is unique in Richmond, and attendance rivals that of Christmas Eve and Easter Day with people coming from throughout the area to attend. Excellent preaching, spe-cial music (including brass) and beautiful fl oral arrangements enhance this service of Morning Prayer. We are delighted that our guest preacher this year will be the Rev. Robert G. Hetherington. Since this service is beloved by so many in the community beyond St. Stephen’s, please refrain from saving seats. However well-intentioned, this can feel inhospitable to visitors.

Have you signed up for daily Advent meditations?Each year, St. Stephen’s sends brief meditations on Advent themes and scripture passages to all who subscribe; you do not need to be a member of St. Stephen’s, there is no charge, and you may unsub-scribe at any time. The refl ections come to you via email each day of the season, beginning November 27 and concluding on Christmas Eve. If you received the meditations last year, you will automatically receive them this year. If you haven’t subscribed in the past, go to ststephensRVA.org/advent.

Advent at St. Stephen’sADVENT I: NEXT SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 27

The beginning of Advent (and a new church year) is just a week away. The Advent Fair will take place next Sunday during the education hour (10:10-11) and after the 11:15 service until 1 p.m. This intergen-erational event will offer activities and resources for all ages on the second fl oor of the parish hall, in-cluding making a fresh green Advent wreath. The Advent Fair is free; a $10 suggested donation for wreath kits (oasis wreath forms, candles and candle holders) covers our costs for those items. (If you have evergreen trees or shrubs, please consider donating trimmings or clippings!) Read about our Ad-vent Quiet Day on page 2, and visit ststephensRVA.org/advent for more offerings. Please note: Children age 2-grade 5 and their parents will take part in the Advent Fair in lieu of their regularly scheduled offerings. The Sunday Forum, the Sunday Bible study, and programs for grades 6-9 will take place as normal.

INSIDE Become a pledging member today // 2Today’s Forum // 2Our farmers market moves indoors // 3 Lisa Russ Spaar to give poetry reading // 3Women of St. Stephen’s holiday lunch // 3Seeking the sacred in the Harry Potter saga // 3

Angel TreeGIFTS DUE SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11

St. Stephen’s annual Angel Tree ministry matches a youngster or family identifi ed through our outreach partners with parishioners who would like to purchase gifts for them at Christmas. Beginning next Sunday, November 27, you may select an ornament from our Angel Tree (which will be placed at the Outreach Table across from the steps and elevator in the parish house, near Palmer Hall) and purchase items from the wish list on it. Gifts (unwrapped) will be due Sunday, December 11. Instructions are provided at the tree, and you may contact Deb Lawrence in the parish offi ce with any questions, 804.288.2867, or dlawrence@ststephensRVA.org.

Is there a young child in your family?Now is the time to apply for preschool if your child will be 12 months old by September 2017. Our nationally-accredited, play-centered program includes Catechesis of the Good Shepherd and incorporates the best from Montessori, Piaget, and Reggio Emilia. Read more at ststephensRVA.org/preschool or call 288.6401 for a tour. Our preschool is celebrating its 45th year of serving children in Richmond.

St. Stephen’s to host diocesan conventionFor decades, the Diocese of Virginia has held its annual council (now called a diocesan convention) in January or February of the year. While the timing makes sense in many ways, it also causes problems when inclement weather interferes, especially since such a large overnight meeting is not easily rescheduled. Beginning in the fall of 2017, the diocesan gathering will be a one-day-long convention held in a church–saving time and money, and avoiding weather issues. On November 4, 2017, St. Stephen’s Church is honored to host the fi rst of these annual conventions. We will keep you posted as details develop, but wanted you to know now that this important event will take place right here at St. Stephen’s. In his request to Gary Jones, Bishop Johnston said he knew our staff and parish would do a great job as hosts, and he is excited for us to show our renovated facilities to others in the diocese.

Thank you!In a church as large and vibrant as St. Stephen’s, very little can be accomplished without the efforts of dedicated volunteers. We deeply appreciate the work of the following people in recent months. If you would like to volunteer in one of our ministries, please call the parish offi ce at 288.2867 and the staff will connect you with the right person for your area(s) of interest.Thank you to the project team for the presentation by John Snow and Dan Matthews, John Barr, John Crowder, Debbie Dunlap, Mike Locher, and Mac McElroy...to Ann Hyer for helping with the reception at Dave Lucas’ poetry reading...to all who helped host our CARITAS guests: Elizabeth Allen, Ann Baker, Kathy Barton, Rachel Blouch, Eric Bombere, Boy Scout Troop 418, Anne and Mark Burnett, Diana Cook, Cabell and John Crowder, Sam Davis, Clarice and Bob Dibble, Ken Dibble, James Driscoll, Gail Fairbanks, Richard Kay, Allison Koschak, Susan Loop, Mary McIntosh, Flynn Mann, Lew Mundin, Pam O’Berry, Belle and Jay O’Keefe, Duncan Owen, Jim Price, JoAnn Pulliam, Alice, Charlie, Robert and Tim Reiniger, Alexa Rooney, Genie Roper, Carole Ann and Eddie Ross, Mary Virginia Scott, Cyndy Seal, Quint Slack, Bob Villa, Roszie and Tom Walker, Maya Walton, Kathrin Weis, Susan Weis, Robbie Westermann, Robert Westermann, and Gordon and John Wyatt, and to co-chairs Mary Bacon and

Donnan O’Keefe...front offi ce volunteers, Kathryn Angus, Geré Brown, Lynn Burgess, Kay Clary, Clarice Dibble, Bruce Evans, Bonny Hamrick, Marilyn Kirkpatrick, Fern Newsom, Mary Anne Scherer, Cyndy Seal, Elizabeth Spell, Susanne Sturgess, Eileen Walker...the volunteers who collate our Sunday bulletins each Friday morning, Marie Carter, Kate Roy Christian, Bob Dibble, Clarice Dibble, Ruth Finnegan, Susan French, Richard Kay, Patricia Lewis, Alice Meadows, Kate Pearsall, and Jan Price...to the project team that planned the Paul Wallace event, Tony Anthony, Becky Boyers, Kate Roy Christian, George Flowers, Guy Frank, Mac Purrington, Joan Putney, Kay Remick, Gail Rucker, and Lee Williams...to the project team for the visit by Rob Bell and John Philip Newell, Sal Anselmo, Cheryl Blackwell, Mary Ann Burke, Marie Carter, Cabell Chenault, Kate-Roy Christian, Barbara Cook, Michelle Crim, Cami Davis, Bob Dibble, Clarice Dibble, Robert Dilday, Guy Frank, Missy Goode, Pat Hartsock,

Nancy Hein, Bob Hetherington, Mac Hines, Joan Hines, Ann Hyer, Jim Johnson, Molly Johnson,Richard Kay, Robyn Kay, Marilyn Kirkpatrick, Ed Lynch, Barbara Massey, Alice Meadows, Matthew Mika, Bernie Monroe, Jan Orgain, Karen Orville, Lisa Owens, Barbara Parker, Ruth Partlow, Anne Peck, Jan Price, Coco Provance, Mac Purrington, Taylor

Raquet, Kaley Rosenthal, Cyndy Seal, Beth Smith, Anne Townsend, Meg Tucker, Stukie Valentine, Jane Van Ostern, and Doug Widner...to those who help with our bookshop each week, Cheryl Blackwell, Pat Hartsock, and Marilyn Kirkpatrick, and those who joined them to help with the Newell/Bell event, Karen Orville, Coco Provance, Kay Remick, and Beth Thomas.