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Worship | |||
Our Services | |||
Regular weekly and daily worship / Eucharist / Holy Baptism Worship is at the center of our life at St. Stephen’s. It is an expression of God’s love and grace and it strengthens us to carry out the ministries given to each of us at baptism. The beautiful church and its two chapels, The Good Shepherd Chapel and The Chapel of the Holy Spirit, as well as Palmer Hall Chapel (the original church) provide settings for our worship. The Book of Common Prayer, The Hymnal and The Bible provide the foundation at the 8 a.m., 9 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. services (in the summertime, 8 a.m. and 10 a.m.) In addition, joyful singing and choirs enrich our worship experience at the 9:00 and 11:15 services (and at the 10 a.m. service in the summer), and at many seasonal festival services. Solid preaching is an important part of all services. As we worship together, we are strengthened to do God’s work in our parish community, in the Richmond community, and in the world.
The word “liturgy” literally means “the work of the people.” The lay people of St. Stephen’s are active leaders and participants in our Sunday morning liturgy. The altar guild, the acolytes, the various choirs, and the ushers are dedicated to offering enriching liturgy and they welcome new participants. Lay persons also assist in administering the chalice at Holy Communion and read the lessons at all services. At the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, all baptized persons are welcome to receive communion. Holy Baptism is administered at the Easter Vigil, for adults, and at all services, for adults and children, on the Sunday after Easter, on Pentecost, on All Saints’ Day (or the Sunday after All Saints’ Day), and on the first Sunday after the Epiphany. It is normative at St. Stephen’s for baptism to take place at a regular service when the congregation is present to welcome the newly baptized into their midst. Upcoming dates for Holy Baptism are November 25, January 13, April 5, May 11 and May 25. Information: Mary Frances Siersema (ext. 302).
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