International Outreach
St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church is deeply engaged in outreach ministries in our own community, and across the globe. By definition, the church is about mission. The formation of a community gathered in Jesus’ name is an action of God’s love reaching out for the establishment of God’s Kingdom. This “being embraced” calls us to embrace others. We follow Jesus as his disciples by this manner of life. To join in God’s work of the Kingdom is to be the church in service and love.
Missionaries visit St. Stephen's October 18-31
During Monica Vega and Heidi Schmidt's annual visit to St. Stephen's, there are several opportunities to hear from them and spend time with them.
- Sign up for coffee with our missionaries here.
- To receive Heidi Schmidt's "Catch of the Day" emails, send us an email.
- Watch the October 22 Sunday Forum where our missionaries discuss their work.
- Watch Heidi's reflection in the Celtic service here.
- Monica will preach at the 9 and 11:15 a.m. services on October 29.
Heidi and Monica have also met with our youth confirmation class and other groups, and will attend the October 25 Wednesday supper.
Scroll down to read more about their work.
Argentina
St. Stephen’s missionaries, Heidi Schmidt and Monica Vega, serve in a remote, desperately poor part of northern Argentina in the province of Jujuy, in a town called Libertador General San Martin. They work closely with women and children who suffer the effects of violence and addiction to drugs and alcohol, providing them with practical help to build new lives. Heidi and Monica are engaged in projects that create a safe space and physical shelter for women and youth who are victims of violence and abuse. In addition, they are developing a comprehensive program and model to support children and youth in the community who are living in situations marked by addiction. This model will be replicated throughout Argentina. By immersing themselves deeply in the lives of these native people, Heidi and Monica are a strong presence in the community and beyond, and are able to minister well to the needs of the families. We are blessed and honored to support and participate in their work and we walk with them in this journey to as followers of Jesus.
VIDEO: Zoom conversation with Heidi and Monica, September 22, 2021
Read a reflection by Heidi Schmidt about the "Mass in the Street" in Libertador San Martin (pictured below).
Refugee resettlement
St. Stephen's Church helped resettle a family from Afghanistan, the Ahmadis, when the life of Sultan (the husband and father) became endangered by his work on behalf of U.S. forces in his home country. The family, which includes Nooria and their three children, is doing very well in Richmond.
After the last U.S. forces left Afghanistan in August 2021 and individuals and families in situations similar to the Ahmadis fled their homes, a large number arrived at Ft. Lee in nearby Prince George County, where they are being cared for before being resettled elsewhere. Our director of outreach, Ron Brown, has been in touch with officials working with these refugees, and has learned of a need for winter clothing for them.
If you would like to donate new clothing or other items on this list, please bring your donation to the church no later than Sunday, October 24. Please follow the instructions on the list; we will have limited space to store and transport these donations, and if we receive items other than those on the list, it will make it difficult for us to accommodate the needed items. Thank you for your generosity!