Advent at St. Stephen's
Our culture promotes the days leading up to Christmas as a time of spending, acquiring, cooking, partying and decorating--of giving our time, money and attention over to the pursuit of something called "getting ready for Christmas," with the goal of a rather unrealistic fantasy of what the day will be for ourselves and our families. As Christians, we approach the season before Christmas quite differently. Advent is a time of reflection, study and prayer, in preparation for receiving Christ in our hearts and in our lives.
At St. Stephen's, our observance includes not only the traditional music and readings appointed for the season of Advent during our regular worship, but the special offerings listed below. However, Advent is not about doing more things, and it may be that this season is a time for you to do less. Take advantage of any of the following offerings, as you wish, but keep in mind that adding more to your to-do list is not the point! As with everything at St. Stephen's, our Advent observances and offerings are open to all, regardless of whether you are an "official member" of this parish.
Looking for information on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day? Follow this link.
Advent Fair for all ages
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 26 |10-11:30 A.M.
There are many fun and festive ways to take part in the Advent Fair. You do not need to sign up for this free event but we do need volunteers, and a sign-up for that is below. If you choose you may create an Advent wreath to take home; for a cost of $15 we supply the wreath forms and candles and there will be free greenery donated by parishioners. There will also be activities for children, as well as some delicious treats and snacks.
- Youth and adult volunteers are needed. Sign up to help here.
Advent Meditation Emails
Clergy, staff and parishioners of St. Stephen's write reflections, one for each day of the season beginning Sunday, December 3, and ending with Christmas Eve. Email subscribers across the country have found these to be a wonderful way to begin each day during this season. If you signed up for Advent emails last year, you will automatically receive them this year. If not (or it you're not sure if you've signed up), you can subscribe below.
Christkindlmarket
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 29 | 4:30-7:30 P.M.
This festive holiday craft market will feature dozens of local craft vendors, festive drinks, and carolers, all in a fun, holiday atmosphere. Vendors will be set up inside in the fellowship hall and outside in the church courtyard. The May Fair House will also be open for shopping. The St. Stephen's Wednesday night supper will take place that evening as well, so be sure to get something to eat while you're here!
Quiet Day: Advent Grace for Starting Over
LED BY THE REV. MARTIN SMITH
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2 | 9 A.M.-3 P.M. | REGISTRATION
We are glad to begin the season of Advent with a special guest, the Rev. Martin Smith. This priest, teacher, retreat leader and author will lead an Advent quiet day, and will preach in the morning services on December 3 (Advent I), speak in the Sunday Forum, and celebrate and reflect at the Celtic service.
About the quiet day: The freshness of God’s patience is most real to us when we accept the call once again to open a new chapter, make a fresh beginning, making ourselves available to God’s desire to be in us and with us. Join us, and invite your friends, for an interlude of reflection and prayer at this Advent time of starting over. Martin will give three talks to stimulate our prayer and thought, and we will cherish this rare occasion to be quiet together. Our time will close with an opportunity for questions and sharing.
- Registration is required for this quiet day.
- The cost of $30 includes lunch
- More details about the quiet day, Martin Smith, and his Sunday Forum topic, are here.
Christmas Acolyte Sign-ups
Acolyte sign-ups will be managed through Ministry Scheduler Pro (the same program we use for other worship leaders). An email will go to acolytes November 14 at noon. This will cover all services on December 24, 25, and 31 and will be filled on a first-come first-served basis. All acolytes who will be in town are expected to serve at least once.
Women of St. Stephen's Annual Holiday Music Program & Lunch
Tuesday, December 5 | 11 a.m.
Each year, this special program has provided a welcome pause during a busy season. Join us in the church for seasonal music and stay for our traditional holiday luncheon. The program is free and open to all; luncheon requires sign-up (use the clipboard outside the May Fair House) and the suggested donation of $15 is made at the door. This is a beautiful beginning to Advent. The program will include pieces played by Brent te Velde and Diana Chou on piano and organ, as well as carols for everyone to sing.
In addition, we will collect donations of household cleaning supplies for "Housing Families First", an agency providing rapid rehousing and support services for families in Richmond.
Youth Group Holiday Light Tour
Sunday, December 10 | 5:30-8 p.m.
This will be our last youth group of 2023 (the next one will be January 21, 2024). Gather in festive attire to tour holiday lights. Due to the necessity of buses, drivers, and chaperones, please register for this event here.
The Youth Pageant
Sunday, December 17 | During the 11:15 a.m. service | Registration deadline: December 5
Registration is open for all youth, grades 6 through 12, who wish to participate in the youth pageant. There are roles ranging from costumed characters and readers to cart pushers (younger youth that serve as stagehands).
- All participants must attend a mandatory dress rehearsal on December 16, 1-3 p.m.
- Sign up here no later than December 5.
Winter Solstice Concert
Wednesday, December 20 | 7 p.m. | Tickets available here
This candlelit concert is an opportunity for rest and beauty in the midst of the busy holiday season. Music and poetry mark the longest night of the year while anticipating the joy of light’s return. Sanctuary and the St. Stephen’s Choristers will be joined by cellist Peter Greydanus and harpist Anastasia Jellison, and the program will include music by composers Peter Hallock, Ēriks Ešenvalds, Joanna Marsh, Sally Beamish, Marcel Tournier, Owain Park, June Collin, Patrick Hawes, and more.
Live Nativity
Thursday, December 21 | 5-6 p.m.
Community members stroll our campus as the story of Jesus’ birth will plays out before their eyes with scripture, music, children, and four-legged friends. Children are invited to help bring the nativity to life as angels, shepherds, members of the holy family, and more.
- Please use this form to register your child.
- Adults are invited to participate as station chaperones, costume wranglers, and group guides.
- Participants will gather at 4 p.m. on the day of the event to get into costume and in place for the event.
- The rain date is Friday, December 22, 5-6 p.m.
Christmas Shop
Thursday, December 21 | sign up by Monday, December 18 | Deliver donations by Tuesday, December 19 (PLEASE NOTE: DATES AND DEADLINES HAVE CHANGED)
Provide toys, games, dolls, books and more for St. Stephen's annual Christmas Shop at Fairfield Court Elementary School. Details and sign-up are here. (Please do not purchase any gifts until you have used the sign-up form.)
Parish suppers
Wonderful Wednesdays suppers continue through December 13 before taking a break until January. Menus
Sunday Community Suppers continue except for Christmas Eve. Menus
Christmas Flower Memorials
DUE DECEMBER 15, 2023
Many people like to make a memorial gift toward the flowers and greenery the parish flower guild uses to decorate the church for Christmas services. Read more about this opportunity HERE.
The Daily Office
In addition to these special offerings, Advent is a particularly appropriate time to adopt a new spiritual practice, such as attending Daily Morning Prayer (Monday through Friday, 8:10 a.m.), Evensong (Monday through Friday 5:30 p.m.) or reading the Daily Office at home. Visit our Worship page for more information on our year-round offerings in worship and prayer.