Seven whole days
A weekly rhythm for the parish
Beginning in March 2020, St. Stephen’s clergy and staff, parish leaders and dedicated volunteers learned many new ways of keeping the parish community connected while we needed to be physically apart. Over the months of the "lockdown," we learned what works well, what’s been most helpful to our parish and the community, and how to continue to exercise ministry in innovative ways while protecting the health and well-being of all our people.
In the fall of 2020, a time that traditionally meant the beginning of a new program year, the parish introduced a number of online offerings--new worship opportunities, online prayer groups, webinars, small groups and more.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, the only constant has been change, and we've adjusted our course on several occasions. As of Easter 2021, we were permitted to offer in-person worship with certain limitations in place. So that part of our life is changing again--happily.
Still, other offerings continue to be available online, so this page of our site is still here.
Regardless of the delivery system, our goal is to give devotion to God every day--not just the Sabbath. The metaphysical poet and Anglican priest George Herbert wrote movingly about offering this in the 17th century. We have sung some of the lines from this poem often at St. Stephen's, set to the tune General Seminary (Hymn 382, King of glory, King of peace).
Seven whole days, not one in seven, I will praise thee.
In my heart, though not in heaven, I can raise thee.
Small it is, in this poor sort to enroll thee:
E'en eternity's too short to extol thee.
Here is an outline of this rhythm of parish life--seven whole days. Where events are no longer being offered regularly, you may still wish to watch videos of them.
Sundays: Worship and Fellowship
8 a.m., 9 a.m., 11:15 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. In-person services in the church; advance registration is required; read more here
10:10 a.m. Sunday Forum Registration here | Recordings here
10:45 a.m. Virtual Fellowship Time, live on Zoom, interactive; Zoom link here
11:15 a.m. Livestream of in-person service | Link to livestream page
1 p.m.-2 p.m. Periods for visiting the church to receive Communion, and to sit and pray, for those not able to attend one of the full in-person services. Weekly link is posted on this page.
MONDAYS: Sharing what we have
1:00-3:00 p.m. Monday has traditionally been the day we receive neighbors from throughout the community who need our assistance to feed their families.
Tuesdays: Bible Study
Noon-1:00 p.m. Clergy and parishioners reflect on the Gospel appointed for the coming Sunday, livestreamed and recorded Zoom link here (if you are asked for a password, use ststephens) Here's a link to a recent recording; you can find others on our Vimeo page as they are posted. (Please note: there is no Bible study on May 11, and after the session on May 18, this group will be on a hiatus. For additional information, please contact the Rev. Cate Anthony.)
Wednesdays: Prayer
6:30-7:30 p.m. Contemplative Chapel: Practicing Lectio Divina and Centering Prayer led by the Rev. John Jenkins, livestreamed; not recorded Details and registration here
Thursdays: Education series
7:00-8:00 p.m. Webinars with renowned teachers from around the world; live and recorded; free, but registration is required for live webinars, which are videotaped for later viewing; link to details about Eastertide webinar and registration, and landing page for on-demand videos of past sessions
Fridays: Art, music and the beauty of holiness
Noon Musical performances by parish musicians, some videotaped, some livestreamed from the church, as well engaging with icons, listening to poetry, and more. This is no longer being produced weekly, but here is the most recent video (March 5, 2021)
Previous videos: October 9 video | October 16 video | October 23 video | October 30 video | November 6 video | November 13 video | December 4 video | December 11 video
Saturdays: Feed and be fed | Sabbath begins at sundown
8 a.m.-noon The Farmers Market @ St. Stephen’s, offers a safe outdoor environment to shop for local, fresh, healthy food while we support local farmers and businesses; patrons help make it possible for vendors to share their products with our food pantry clients.