St. Stephen’s, Richmond, is a “big tent” Episcopal church where people of varied political leanings worship, pray, sing, study, eat, and work together. Knowing that many Americans are anxious about the contentious climate in which the presidential campaign is taking place this year—and that no matter which way the election goes, a significant number of parishioners will be upset—St. Stephen’s Church is offering a variety of ways for the community to remember that all are children of God called into common mission together.
Some events have been taking place before Election Day. But the centerpiece, called the “Week of Compassion,” will happen after the election. The hope is to bring together the parish family and remind them of their common ground in mission, love, and service, and to celebrate its many outreach ministries and provide opportunities to open those ministries to new parishioners and community members. The Week of Compassion is intentionally scheduled for the week after local, state, and national elections, emphasizing that we who are many are one Body in Christ, for we all share in one faith and one hope.
The Week of Compassion will feature a wide array of opportunities to engage in service to others, as well as guest speakers and outreach-related formation offerings for all ages. These range from food ministries to home repair, from learning more about organizations that St. Stephen’s helped found to helping restore the final resting place of freed slaves buried in a cemetery near the church.
Through the Richmond affiliate of Rebuilding Together, St. Stephen’s parishioners work on a house every spring, but will add a workday this fall as the first event in the Week of Compassion.
St. Stephen’s extensive food ministry, with a “client choice” pantry, meal preparation, and deliveries of groceries and fresh fruit to those who lack access to nutritious food, will be the focus of several Week of Compassion activities.
This tuition-free East End school was founded in part by St. Stephen’s Church and dozens of parishioners who continue to serve there as tutors—as shown in this photo—volunteers, board members, and donors. Begun as a middle school, it has now expanded to include a lower school. School head Mike Maruca says, “Without St. Stephen’s, there would be no Anna Julia Cooper School.” The Week of Compassion will include a presentation by Maruca during the Sunday Forum, and a midweek “Lunch and learn” tour of the school.
In addition to the Week of Compassion, St. Stephen’s is providing special presentations and classes, including:
- On Sunday mornings, a four-part Sunday Forum series titled “God’s American Purpose,” in which the Rev. William L. Sachs, associate rector, and other speakers discuss the role of religion in the history of the United States and in the current moment.
- Sacramental Citizenship, a six-week class led by the Rev. Cate Anthony, associate rector, for anyone wondering how to live faithfully in our current political climate. During the Week of Compassion, Cate will open the Wednesday evening class to all—including those who have not registered for the entire six-week courses of classes—to gather for prayer and reflection following Election Day.
- Sunday evening contemplative prayer, for two Sundays before the election and one Sunday after it. The Rev. John Jenkins, associate rector, will hold these sessions, open to all, as part of “Trailheads,” the church’s Sunday evening formation for adults. John plans a time of prayer for healing in the life of the nation and the world, and he will offer a brief overview for those who have no prior experience with contemplative prayer. A Zoom option will also be available.
- A Case for Love: On Monday, October 28, at 6 p.m., St. Stephen’s will present a free screening of this documentary which focuses on the teaching of the Most Rev. Michael Curry, the 27th presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church. In a time of national chaos and lack of unity, a film crew travels the United States searching for people living their lives selflessly. The team interviews random people on the street as well as well-known figures. Popcorn and lemonade will be available.
- Trailheads, St. Stephen’s Sunday evening formation offering, will host post-election conversations at 7 p.m. on November 17 and 24, led by parishioner Billy Peebles, a teacher of American history and religion in middle school and high school for some 40 years. His two-part series, “What history teaches us about honest and thoughtful engagement during polarizing times,” will draw on edifying examples of past leaders who sought to steer people through contentious and complex times and issues.
Additional details about these offerings are available on St. Stephens’ website.