SAINT STEPHEN’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH

SPIR

IT

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

NOVEMBER 13, 2016TWENTY-SIXTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

A weekly meditationLet’s go home

Whether your presidential candidate won or lost, one thing most of us can agree on is that we all woke up on November 9 having wandered far in a land that is waste. It reminds me of the prodigal son who woke up one day in a pig sty. He just felt dirty, depleted, and wanted to go home. Whether your candi-date won or lost, you might have felt something like that – a little dirty, depleted, and wishing you could go back to a time and place when you felt less anxious about life and more at ease with the people around you.We have been living in a world of incessant blaming, ridicule, and fault-fi nding. The atmosphere has been one of perpetual anger and discontent. And all of it has been aggravated by a 24-hour news cycle and the like-minded herding and venting that characterize so much of social media. The good news is that, like the prodigal son, you can go home. And, as Jesus said, you know the way. Just try this experiment.On your lunch break one day, spend 30 minutes tuning into Fox News, MSNBC, or CNN, or log onto your favorite social media channel. Just take it all in. When you are logged on or tuned in, do you feel your soul magnifi ed, sort of like listening to the Dona nobis pacem of Bach’s Mass in b-minor? Do you sense your heartrate slowing and your breathing relaxing, deepening? Do you feel more at peace, spiri-tually calm, and a contented smile coming over your face? The next day on your lunch break, go to the grocery store and buy three jars of peanut butter, three cans of tuna, and three boxes of cereal, and bring them to the church for our pantry. (I know, that’s expensive. You’re going to have to skip a meal or two and a trip to Starbucks in order to stay within your budget.) After dropping off the groceries, stop into the church itself. Touch the water in the font and take a deep breath, and bow to the Lord as you approach the altar. Light a candle, thanking God for all the people who love you, and take another deep breath. Then sit in your favorite spot, take another deep breath, close your eyes, let your shoulders relax. And with each breath, breathe in God’s love for you, and breathe out any enmity or hurt you have been car-rying. Do that for four to fi ve minutes, and just sit quietly so that you can listen for that still, small, voice. When you leave, touch the water again on your way out, and ask God to help you see how he is reaching out to you in the people you encounter that day.You know the way home, to your true life.Although an important component of the Christian life is to side clearly with the poor, the powerless, and the marginalized, you probably aren’t going to heal the nation’s divisions by carefully pointing out how wrong your opponents are. But you will almost certainly contribute to the healing of our world by going home; that is, by going deeper into love, by caring for others, by expressing gratitude, by letting go of anxiety and divisions in yourself, and by asking God to help you see him in the people around you. Anybody who knows me knows that I am not a superstitious, biblical literalist, but I am not embar-rassed to say that I think Christ was asking us to take him literally on the Sunday before the presidential election when he said, “I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.”

GARY D. JONES

John Philip Newell is here this eveningJohn Philip Newell, who is here to speak with Rob Bell tomorrow evening (see page 2), is also the refl ector at this evening’s Celtic service at 5:30 p.m. He will also speak following that service and before Compline. If you would like to attend the Sunday Community Supper and hear John Philip, you can do both–just go through the serving line, get your supper, and we’ll let you know when it’s time to move to Palmer Hall to hear him.

INSIDE Newell and Bell here tomorrow evening // 2Visit the prisoner: become a pledging member // 2Lunch with the rector this Thursday // 3Turkey box ministry grows–and needs your help // 3Thanksgiving Day service // 4Diocesan convention to be held here // 4

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 peo-ple coming from throughout the area to attend. Excellent preach-ing, special music (including brass) and beautiful fl oral arrange-ments enhance this service of Morning Prayer. We are delighted that our guest preacher this year will be the Rev. Robert G. Heth-erington. Last year during the renovation of our church, the ser-vice was held next door, thanks to the gracious hospitality of our neighbor, St. Bridget’s Roman Catholic Church. We are excited to be back in the nave for this year’s service.

Advent is comingSUNDAY, NOVEMBER 27

The beginning of Advent (and a new church year) is just a month away. The Advent Fair will take place November 27 during the edu-cation hour (10:10-11) and after the 11:15 service until 1 p.m. This intergenerational event will offer activities and resources for all ages on the second fl oor of the parish hall–including making a fresh green Advent wreath. The Advent Fair is free; a $10 suggested do-nation for Advent wreath kits (oasis wreath forms, candles and candle holders) covers our costs for those items.It’s not too early to visit the Bookshop @ St. Stephen’s to purchase something from our excellent selection of Advent reading and Ad-vent calendars. The bookshop is open Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., and Sunday mornings.

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 con-struction of the Dakota Access Pipeline threatened to cut across sacred burial grounds and perhaps contaminate the Missouri River: “The people of Standing Rock Sioux Nation 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 situa-tion intensifi ed, North Dakota clergy called on clergy of all tradi-tions to come to Standing Rock, which one of our associate rec-tors, Weston Mathews, did, along with over 500 others from around the world. He will discuss this experience and take ques-tions following the Wonderful Wednesdays supper on November 30. No registration is needed.

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. (The market continues out-doors this coming Saturday, and on Christmas Eve, it will be out-doors.)

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 the possibility of heavy snow or ice interfering.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 asked St. Stephen’s because he knew our staff and parish would do a great job as hosts, and because he is excited for us to show our renovated facilities to others in the diocese.

‘I was hungry and you gave me something to eat’Bringing a can or box of food to church each Sunday, along with your monetary offering, is a weekly practice we encourage. Your contributions to our food pantry help us respond to the large number of people coming to us for groceries each Monday. Please bring nutritious foods, including proteins such as tuna and peanut butter. Current needs are published every week in the eSpirit.

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

A not-to-be-missed conversation: John Philip Newell and Rob BellMONDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2016, 7 P.M.

Tomorrow evening, two of the most infl uential voices in Christianity in the 21st century will be at St. Stephen’s Church together. John Philip Newell and Rob Bell will discuss not only their distinctive approaches to spirituality, but explore where those two traditions overlap and enrich one another, and what this can mean for the future of faith. John Philip, no stranger to St. Stephen’s, is known around the globe for his teaching, writing (The Rebirthing of God, Christ of the Celts, and other books), and preaching about Celtic spirituality, both its ancient roots and its fresh expressions. Rob, who comes from a more evangelical tradition, is known for his writing (Love Wins and many other books), fi lms (the Nooma series), teaching, and preaching that re-envision Christianity for our time. This event is sold out! If you reserved a ticket online, you may pick it up in the Large Fellowship Hall today between 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., or tomorrow at Will Call prior to the event.

VCU pharmacy students are here todayTwice a year, pharmacy students from Virginia Commonwealth University host our Sunday morning reception, preparing and serving healthy and tasty snacks, and providing health information and screenings. Today is the day! Stop by the Large Fellowship Hall after the 11:15 a.m. service to try the surprisingly healthy goodies they’ve brought, and ask your health questions.

Visit the prisoner: become a pledging memberWhen you become a pledging member of this parish, you visit the prisoner. 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. Here’s how: use the pledge card enclosed with your pledge packet (dis-tributed last month), or use the online pledge form at ststephensRVA.org/pledge. Additional pledge cards are available at every Welcome Table in the parish house. Leaders of our annual giving campaign are making follow-up calls to those whose pledges aren’t in yet. We hope to hear from you soon!

Today in the ForumIn today’s Forum (10:10 a.m.) Allison Seay will present part three 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.

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.

Instructed Eucharist offeredWEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 6:30 P.M.

Three times a year, the rector walks groups of parishioners and inquirers through our beautiful church, pointing out the rich symbolism in our architecture and appointments, while explaining the customs and history associated with our Holy Eucharist. We begin at the baptismal font and make our way to the high altar, where we receive Holy Communion together. It is a sacred and informative learning experience for all who attend. Please join us in the church this Wednesday at 6:30. No registration is needed.

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 incorpo-rates 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.

A pre-holiday event in May Fair HouseMONDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 10 A.M.-3 P.M.

Tomorrow, May Fair House, the gift shop run by the Women of St. Stephen’s, will host a pre-holiday bazaar in and around the shop featuring holiday merchandise and gifts, May Fair House pies, and the opportunity to order fresh magnolia wreaths. Special vendors, discounts, a raffl e, and more are on tap. Pick up a fl yer at Informa-tion Central for additional details. May Fair House is closed today while volunteers prepare for this event.

Lunch with the rectorTHURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, NOON

If you are new to St. Stephen’s or to the Episcopal Church, welcome! Several times during the year, we hold informal gatherings with our rector, Gary Jones, to give you the opportunity to meet him and the staff, to learn more about this parish, and to ask any questions you may have. We love this opportunity to welcome you personally and to know you better in a low-key setting. The next gathering is a luncheon on November 17. To RSVP for this offering, please send an email to Janet Allen at jallen@ststephensRVA.org, call the parish offi ce at 804.288.2867, or register online at ststephensRVA.org/newcomer-gatherings.

Thanksgiving box demand growsDONATIONS DUE NOVEMBER 20

Each November, St. Stephen’s Church coordinates the “turkey box” ministry in which we provide ingredients for a festive holiday meal for families who might not otherwise have one. You simply fi ll a box with the accompaniments for a traditional turkey dinner, and if you wish, you can also provide a turkey by writing a check to St. Stephen’s for $15 (we purchase the turkey). Recipients are iden-tifi ed through our local outreach partners, and this year, we are seeking boxes for 100 more families than we did last year, for a total of more than 270 boxes! Find instructions and boxes near Palmer Hall.

Thanksgiving week at St. Stephen’sSome things to know for the week of Thanksgiving Day:• There is no Wonderful Wednesdays supper on November 23;

while Evensong will take place at 5:30 p.m. as usual, the Virginia Girls Choir will not sing that Wednesday

• Check with the leader or convenor of your small group about whether you will meet that week

• The annual Thanksgiving Day service is held at 10:30 a.m. • The offi ce is closed on Thursday, November 24 and Friday,

November 25• The Farmers Market is open the Saturday after Thanksgiving

9 a.m.-noon, when it moves indoors• The regular Sunday service schedule is in effect on the Sunday

after Thanksgiving, which is the fi rst Sunday in Advent (read about the Advent Fair on page 4)

CALENDAR MORE AT STSTEPHENSRVA.ORG/CALENDAR

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 13–PENTECOST 26 Holy 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.*, reception with VCU pharmacy studentsCeltic Service, 5:30 p.m.*Sunday Community Supper, 6:30 p.m.Presentation by John Philip Newell, 7 p.m.Compline, 8 p.m. MONDAY, NOVEMBER 14Morning Prayer and Communion, 8:10 a.m., coffee, fellowship followFruit Ministry, 9 a.m.May Fair House pre-holiday event, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.Chair Yoga, 11 a.m.Food pantry distribution, 1-3 p.m.Evensong, 5:30 p.m. (in Palmer Hall this evening)Guided meditation, 6 p.m.Conversation with Rob Bell and John Philip Newell, 7 p.m.TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 15 Morning Prayer and Communion, 8:10 a.m., coffee, fellowship followContemplative Prayer, 8:45 a.m.Guided meditation, noonVestry meeting, 4:30 p.m.Evensong, 5:30 p.m.Just Mercy series, 7 p.m. (fi nal week)WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16Morning Prayer and Communion, 8:10 a.m., coffee, fellowship followVery Gentle Yoga, 9:30 a.m.; Beginner Flow Yoga, 9:30 a.m.Chair Yoga, 11 a.m.Evensong, 5:30 p.m. with the Virginia Girls ChoirWonderful Wednesdays supper, 5:45-6:30 p.m.Instructed Eucharist, 6:30 p.m.THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17Morning Prayer and Communion, 8:10 a.m., coffee, fellowship followYoga for the Heart, 9 a.m.Bible Study, 10:30 a.m.Lunch with the rector, noonEvensong, 5:30 p.m.Chi Kung, 6 p.m.Usher training, 6 p.m.Immortal Diamond group, 7 p.m.FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18Morning Prayer and Communion, 8:10 a.m., coffee, fellowship followStitchers groups, 9 a.m. Evensong, 5:30 p.m.SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19Farmers Market, 9 a.m.-noon (last day outdoors)Holy Eucharist: Rite Two, 5:30 p.m. in Palmer HallSUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20–CHRIST THE KING SUNDAYHoly 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. *denotes child care available up to age 5

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

A not-to-be-missed conversation: John Philip Newell and Rob BellMONDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2016, 7 P.M.

Tomorrow evening, two of the most infl uential voices in Christianity in the 21st century will be at St. Stephen’s Church together. John Philip Newell and Rob Bell will discuss not only their distinctive approaches to spirituality, but explore where those two traditions overlap and enrich one another, and what this can mean for the future of faith. John Philip, no stranger to St. Stephen’s, is known around the globe for his teaching, writing (The Rebirthing of God, Christ of the Celts, and other books), and preaching about Celtic spirituality, both its ancient roots and its fresh expressions. Rob, who comes from a more evangelical tradition, is known for his writing (Love Wins and many other books), fi lms (the Nooma series), teaching, and preaching that re-envision Christianity for our time. This event is sold out! If you reserved a ticket online, you may pick it up in the Large Fellowship Hall today between 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., or tomorrow at Will Call prior to the event.

VCU pharmacy students are here todayTwice a year, pharmacy students from Virginia Commonwealth University host our Sunday morning reception, preparing and serving healthy and tasty snacks, and providing health information and screenings. Today is the day! Stop by the Large Fellowship Hall after the 11:15 a.m. service to try the surprisingly healthy goodies they’ve brought, and ask your health questions.

Visit the prisoner: become a pledging memberWhen you become a pledging member of this parish, you visit the prisoner. 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. Here’s how: use the pledge card enclosed with your pledge packet (dis-tributed last month), or use the online pledge form at ststephensRVA.org/pledge. Additional pledge cards are available at every Welcome Table in the parish house. Leaders of our annual giving campaign are making follow-up calls to those whose pledges aren’t in yet. We hope to hear from you soon!

Today in the ForumIn today’s Forum (10:10 a.m.) Allison Seay will present part three 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.

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.

Instructed Eucharist offeredWEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 6:30 P.M.

Three times a year, the rector walks groups of parishioners and inquirers through our beautiful church, pointing out the rich symbolism in our architecture and appointments, while explaining the customs and history associated with our Holy Eucharist. We begin at the baptismal font and make our way to the high altar, where we receive Holy Communion together. It is a sacred and informative learning experience for all who attend. Please join us in the church this Wednesday at 6:30. No registration is needed.

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 incorpo-rates 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.

A pre-holiday event in May Fair HouseMONDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 10 A.M.-3 P.M.

Tomorrow, May Fair House, the gift shop run by the Women of St. Stephen’s, will host a pre-holiday bazaar in and around the shop featuring holiday merchandise and gifts, May Fair House pies, and the opportunity to order fresh magnolia wreaths. Special vendors, discounts, a raffl e, and more are on tap. Pick up a fl yer at Informa-tion Central for additional details. May Fair House is closed today while volunteers prepare for this event.

Lunch with the rectorTHURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, NOON

If you are new to St. Stephen’s or to the Episcopal Church, welcome! Several times during the year, we hold informal gatherings with our rector, Gary Jones, to give you the opportunity to meet him and the staff, to learn more about this parish, and to ask any questions you may have. We love this opportunity to welcome you personally and to know you better in a low-key setting. The next gathering is a luncheon on November 17. To RSVP for this offering, please send an email to Janet Allen at jallen@ststephensRVA.org, call the parish offi ce at 804.288.2867, or register online at ststephensRVA.org/newcomer-gatherings.

Thanksgiving box demand growsDONATIONS DUE NOVEMBER 20

Each November, St. Stephen’s Church coordinates the “turkey box” ministry in which we provide ingredients for a festive holiday meal for families who might not otherwise have one. You simply fi ll a box with the accompaniments for a traditional turkey dinner, and if you wish, you can also provide a turkey by writing a check to St. Stephen’s for $15 (we purchase the turkey). Recipients are iden-tifi ed through our local outreach partners, and this year, we are seeking boxes for 100 more families than we did last year, for a total of more than 270 boxes! Find instructions and boxes near Palmer Hall.

Thanksgiving week at St. Stephen’sSome things to know for the week of Thanksgiving Day:• There is no Wonderful Wednesdays supper on November 23;

while Evensong will take place at 5:30 p.m. as usual, the Virginia Girls Choir will not sing that Wednesday

• Check with the leader or convenor of your small group about whether you will meet that week

• The annual Thanksgiving Day service is held at 10:30 a.m. • The offi ce is closed on Thursday, November 24 and Friday,

November 25• The Farmers Market is open the Saturday after Thanksgiving

9 a.m.-noon, when it moves indoors• The regular Sunday service schedule is in effect on the Sunday

after Thanksgiving, which is the fi rst Sunday in Advent (read about the Advent Fair on page 4)

CALENDAR MORE AT STSTEPHENSRVA.ORG/CALENDAR

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 13–PENTECOST 26 Holy 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.*, reception with VCU pharmacy studentsCeltic Service, 5:30 p.m.*Sunday Community Supper, 6:30 p.m.Presentation by John Philip Newell, 7 p.m.Compline, 8 p.m. MONDAY, NOVEMBER 14Morning Prayer and Communion, 8:10 a.m., coffee, fellowship followFruit Ministry, 9 a.m.May Fair House pre-holiday event, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.Chair Yoga, 11 a.m.Food pantry distribution, 1-3 p.m.Evensong, 5:30 p.m. (in Palmer Hall this evening)Guided meditation, 6 p.m.Conversation with Rob Bell and John Philip Newell, 7 p.m.TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 15 Morning Prayer and Communion, 8:10 a.m., coffee, fellowship followContemplative Prayer, 8:45 a.m.Guided meditation, noonVestry meeting, 4:30 p.m.Evensong, 5:30 p.m.Just Mercy series, 7 p.m. (fi nal week)WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16Morning Prayer and Communion, 8:10 a.m., coffee, fellowship followVery Gentle Yoga, 9:30 a.m.; Beginner Flow Yoga, 9:30 a.m.Chair Yoga, 11 a.m.Evensong, 5:30 p.m. with the Virginia Girls ChoirWonderful Wednesdays supper, 5:45-6:30 p.m.Instructed Eucharist, 6:30 p.m.THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17Morning Prayer and Communion, 8:10 a.m., coffee, fellowship followYoga for the Heart, 9 a.m.Bible Study, 10:30 a.m.Lunch with the rector, noonEvensong, 5:30 p.m.Chi Kung, 6 p.m.Usher training, 6 p.m.Immortal Diamond group, 7 p.m.FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18Morning Prayer and Communion, 8:10 a.m., coffee, fellowship followStitchers groups, 9 a.m. Evensong, 5:30 p.m.SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19Farmers Market, 9 a.m.-noon (last day outdoors)Holy Eucharist: Rite Two, 5:30 p.m. in Palmer HallSUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20–CHRIST THE KING SUNDAYHoly 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. *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 13, 2016TWENTY-SIXTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

A weekly meditationLet’s go home

Whether your presidential candidate won or lost, one thing most of us can agree on is that we all woke up on November 9 having wandered far in a land that is waste. It reminds me of the prodigal son who woke up one day in a pig sty. He just felt dirty, depleted, and wanted to go home. Whether your candi-date won or lost, you might have felt something like that – a little dirty, depleted, and wishing you could go back to a time and place when you felt less anxious about life and more at ease with the people around you.We have been living in a world of incessant blaming, ridicule, and fault-fi nding. The atmosphere has been one of perpetual anger and discontent. And all of it has been aggravated by a 24-hour news cycle and the like-minded herding and venting that characterize so much of social media. The good news is that, like the prodigal son, you can go home. And, as Jesus said, you know the way. Just try this experiment.On your lunch break one day, spend 30 minutes tuning into Fox News, MSNBC, or CNN, or log onto your favorite social media channel. Just take it all in. When you are logged on or tuned in, do you feel your soul magnifi ed, sort of like listening to the Dona nobis pacem of Bach’s Mass in b-minor? Do you sense your heartrate slowing and your breathing relaxing, deepening? Do you feel more at peace, spiri-tually calm, and a contented smile coming over your face? The next day on your lunch break, go to the grocery store and buy three jars of peanut butter, three cans of tuna, and three boxes of cereal, and bring them to the church for our pantry. (I know, that’s expensive. You’re going to have to skip a meal or two and a trip to Starbucks in order to stay within your budget.) After dropping off the groceries, stop into the church itself. Touch the water in the font and take a deep breath, and bow to the Lord as you approach the altar. Light a candle, thanking God for all the people who love you, and take another deep breath. Then sit in your favorite spot, take another deep breath, close your eyes, let your shoulders relax. And with each breath, breathe in God’s love for you, and breathe out any enmity or hurt you have been car-rying. Do that for four to fi ve minutes, and just sit quietly so that you can listen for that still, small, voice. When you leave, touch the water again on your way out, and ask God to help you see how he is reaching out to you in the people you encounter that day.You know the way home, to your true life.Although an important component of the Christian life is to side clearly with the poor, the powerless, and the marginalized, you probably aren’t going to heal the nation’s divisions by carefully pointing out how wrong your opponents are. But you will almost certainly contribute to the healing of our world by going home; that is, by going deeper into love, by caring for others, by expressing gratitude, by letting go of anxiety and divisions in yourself, and by asking God to help you see him in the people around you. Anybody who knows me knows that I am not a superstitious, biblical literalist, but I am not embar-rassed to say that I think Christ was asking us to take him literally on the Sunday before the presidential election when he said, “I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.”

GARY D. JONES

John Philip Newell is here this eveningJohn Philip Newell, who is here to speak with Rob Bell tomorrow evening (see page 2), is also the refl ector at this evening’s Celtic service at 5:30 p.m. He will also speak following that service and before Compline. If you would like to attend the Sunday Community Supper and hear John Philip, you can do both–just go through the serving line, get your supper, and we’ll let you know when it’s time to move to Palmer Hall to hear him.

INSIDE Newell and Bell here tomorrow evening // 2Visit the prisoner: become a pledging member // 2Lunch with the rector this Thursday // 3Turkey box ministry grows–and needs your help // 3Thanksgiving Day service // 4Diocesan convention to be held here // 4

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 peo-ple coming from throughout the area to attend. Excellent preach-ing, special music (including brass) and beautiful fl oral arrange-ments enhance this service of Morning Prayer. We are delighted that our guest preacher this year will be the Rev. Robert G. Heth-erington. Last year during the renovation of our church, the ser-vice was held next door, thanks to the gracious hospitality of our neighbor, St. Bridget’s Roman Catholic Church. We are excited to be back in the nave for this year’s service.

Advent is comingSUNDAY, NOVEMBER 27

The beginning of Advent (and a new church year) is just a month away. The Advent Fair will take place November 27 during the edu-cation hour (10:10-11) and after the 11:15 service until 1 p.m. This intergenerational event will offer activities and resources for all ages on the second fl oor of the parish hall–including making a fresh green Advent wreath. The Advent Fair is free; a $10 suggested do-nation for Advent wreath kits (oasis wreath forms, candles and candle holders) covers our costs for those items.It’s not too early to visit the Bookshop @ St. Stephen’s to purchase something from our excellent selection of Advent reading and Ad-vent calendars. The bookshop is open Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., and Sunday mornings.

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 con-struction of the Dakota Access Pipeline threatened to cut across sacred burial grounds and perhaps contaminate the Missouri River: “The people of Standing Rock Sioux Nation 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 situa-tion intensifi ed, North Dakota clergy called on clergy of all tradi-tions to come to Standing Rock, which one of our associate rec-tors, Weston Mathews, did, along with over 500 others from around the world. He will discuss this experience and take ques-tions following the Wonderful Wednesdays supper on November 30. No registration is needed.

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. (The market continues out-doors this coming Saturday, and on Christmas Eve, it will be out-doors.)

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 the possibility of heavy snow or ice interfering.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 asked St. Stephen’s because he knew our staff and parish would do a great job as hosts, and because he is excited for us to show our renovated facilities to others in the diocese.

‘I was hungry and you gave me something to eat’Bringing a can or box of food to church each Sunday, along with your monetary offering, is a weekly practice we encourage. Your contributions to our food pantry help us respond to the large number of people coming to us for groceries each Monday. Please bring nutritious foods, including proteins such as tuna and peanut butter. Current needs are published every week in the eSpirit.