Quarterly Ministry Nights
In the summer of 2023, we launched a new practice at St. Stephen's: Quarterly Ministry Nights to gather the Standing Committees of St. Stephen's Church for a meal, to provide overall information to committee members, and to provide time for them to hold individual meetings. These offerings are not just for committee members, though. Everyone is invited!
The next quarterly ministry night is Thursday, May 2, 2024, in the Large Fellowship Hall. If you plan to attend, please let us know using this form.
We gather at 5:15 for those who want to share a meal and fellowship time; all are invited. During the meal, staff members provide parish updates, and from 6 to 7 p.m., the standing committees move into different rooms to hold their regular planning meetings.
Parishioners are welcome to come to the ministry nights and sit in on a committee meeting if they would like to learn more about that ministry area or explore how to get connected.
The standing committees of the church are:
- Adult Formation
- Buildings and Grounds
- Communal Care
- Family Ministry
- Finance
- Front Porch Ministries
- Hospitality
- Outreach
- Stewardship
Each committee includes staff members, vestry members, and at-large members. Brief descriptions of each committee's work are provided further down on this page.
The intent of the quarterly ministry nights is to encourage openness, collaboration, and a shared sense of parish leadership, so all are welcome, whether or not you serve on one of these standing committees. Please join us!
Adult Formation
Works with staff leaders to develop adult formation offerings, focusing on the Sunday Forum, other Sunday morning classes, Sunday evening offerings, weekday classes, and small groups. May also support the planning and implementation of seasonal retreats, occasional trips or pilgrimages, and other programs.
Buildings and Grounds
Works with staff leaders, vendors, and key parish volunteers to monitor immediate and long-term capital needs and ongoing maintenance of the physical plant and surrounding grounds.
Communal Care
Works with staff leaders and pastoral ministry liaisons (representing Pastoral Visitors, Lay Euchristic Visitors, Gracious Gourmet, etc.) to facilitate the on-going congregational care of members who are recovering from surgery, navigating an illness or loss, homebound, or facing other challenges. Also serves as a liaison to outside groups focused on health and wellness.
Family Ministry
Works with staff leaders and formation/worship liaisons to support the children’s and youth ministries of the church, including planning and implementing special events, Sunday School and youth group offerings, children’s worship participation, and more.
Finance
Works with staff leaders, financial professionals, and key parish volunteers to monitor monthly income and expenses, draft an annual budget, and make recommendations to the Vestry to ensure the sound financial health of the parish.
Front Porch Ministries
Works with staff leaders, at-large members, and representatives from the farmers market, café, and May Fair House to ensure good oversight, collaborative strategies and resource-sharing and creative support of these key public-facing auxiliary ministries.
Hospitality
Works with staff leaders and key parish volunteers to foster a culture of hospitality and inclusion that helps visitors and newcomers feel welcome and at home, and helps them connect to the life of St. Stephen’s in a meaningful way.
Outreach
Works with staff leaders, community organizations, and key volunteers to facilitate parishioner involvement in outreach ministries in Richmond and beyond. Comprised of three subcommittees: Local, National, and International. There is also a grants committee that administers grants to organizations, with vestry oversight and approval.
Stewardship
Works with staff leaders and key parish volunteers to foster a culture of sustainable giving for the mission of the church. This includes facilitating the annual giving campaign, supporting the Legacy Society, and other year-round stewardship efforts.
Contact
Mary Feldman
804.288.2867 | email