As I write this I will have been Priest at St. Stephens’ for nine months. It certainly has been a roller coaster ride, but what I have especially enjoyed is being on the roller coaster ride with all of you.
In that time we have seen some real growth together. It always a good time to take a good look at such growth and to be thankful for God for all that has been given us. Taking account of where we’ve been and where we going is simply putting things into perspective.
The other day I was talking to the manager of Hurley’s. After asking me how things are going at St. Stephen’s, he said, “Well, in my experience there are always two signs of growth in a church: weddings in baptisms.”
If that’s the case, then we’re a pretty healthy church for our size. Already this year we have had two baptisms, with another two scheduled for later in the summer and no doubt a few more before the year is done.
As for weddings, the last wedding at St. Stephen’s was 1996. The last weeding in the actual church building was in 1993. The wedding of Sara and Kody Backman at St. Stephen’s on June 20 certainly seemed to break the wedding drought—we have three more weddings scheduled this summer.
Our Average Sunday Attendance (ASA as it’s commonly known) has been up—quite a feat for summer. Even usually “low attendance Sundays” such as Memorial Day and Fourth of July weekends were up. Our new Wednesday night Eucharist has been much more successful than I had anticipated and it seems to be a something we will continue doing in the fall.
It has been several years since we’ve had a Sunday School at St. Stephen’s. This Fall, we will be starting one (more information later).
The signs of growth and potential growth are in the air. Certainly I am sensing and seeing a real excitement in the air at St. Stephen’s.
This is an exciting time for St. Stephen’s. This summer I read a wonderful book by Tony Jones, entitled The New Christians. In this book, Jones has a wonderful description of “the Church.” He writes:
“We are committed to doing justice, loving Kindness and walking humbly with God. In the words of Jesus, we seek to live by the Great Commandment, loving God and loving our neighbors—including those who might be considered ‘the least of these’ or enemies. We understand the gospel to be centered on Jesus and his message of the Kingdom of God, a message offering reconciliation with God, humanity, creation and self.”
In so many way, I think that is exactly what we are all doing at St. Stephen’s. It is an exciting time and I am very happy to be participating in it with you.
-peace,
Jamie+
Confirmation
Bishop Michael Smith will be visiting us on November 22. In preparation for that visit, I am willing to help anyone who would like to do prepare for Confirmation by Bishop Smith.
Confirmation, according to the Catechism in the Book of Common Prayer is “the rite in which we express a mature commitment to Christ, and receive strength from the holy Spirit through prayer and the laying on of hands by a bishop.”
What is required of those to be confirmed?
“It is required of those who are to be confirmed that they have been baptized, are sufficiently instructed in the Christian faith, are penitent for their sins, and are ready to affirm their confession of Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.” (BCP, p. 860)
In other words, Confirmation is a way of reconfirming one’s Baptismal vows and “officially becoming an Episcopalian.” Since Bishop Michael Smith will be visiting on November 22, this will be a great opportunity for anyone who would like to confirmed to do so.
If you are interested in receiving the sacrament of Confirmation, please talk to Fr. Jamie
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Ron Richard article in High Plains Review
A wonderful article about Ron Richard was published in the July 23 issue of The High Plains Reader. You can read it online at:
or below:
by Alice Christianson
Instead of a column about vegan food, I want to honor the memory of Ron Richard. He died June 18, after complications from a bicycle accident. Ron was born and raised in Fargo and returned here in 2006. He started the vegan/vegetarian group called FM Veg.
Here are typical comments that FM Veg folks wrote about Ron: “One of the kindest, most genuine souls I’ve ever met. He had the vision, energy and passion to start FM Veg. So very grateful for getting to know him. A kindred spirit to many of us. Kind heart, good humor, ability to draw people out in conversation. Good cheer and jovial nature. Because of him and what he started I’ve enjoyed several years of potlucks and outings; I have met many wonderful people and created lasting friendships. Love of good veg food and desire for camaraderie. Kind and gentle spirit. Lover of life. Brought peace and joy to our times together.”
One person shared a quote from “It’s a Wonderful Life”: “Each one’s life touches so many other lives. When they aren’t around they leave an awful hole.”
Ron was an ardent environmentalist and understood that the best way to be a good steward of our planet was to live simply and to eat a plant-based diet. He also was a peace maker. He understood that to promote peace went way beyond protesting war. Peace means that there is worth to all life, not just human life. This was another important reason that he was vegan.
If everyone were that careful about the value and dignity of our fellow sentient beings, we would not have wars. Ron also understood that there are large numbers of pets that are euthanized every year because no one wants them, and he welcomed rescue/shelter animals into his home.
Ron’s request for a lasting and joyful memorial would be to adopt and promote a vegetarian lifestyle. Thanks to him, FM Veg will continue to be a resource to anyone in this area who is interested in a vegan/vegetarian diet. I am reminded of a quote from Norman Cousins: “Nothing is more powerful than an individual acting out of his conscience, thus helping to bring the collective conscience to life.”
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Comments about Ron's memorial service
In these past few days, I have heard some wonderful comments about Ron’s memorial service. Below are a few that were posted on www.fmveg.org:
“Ron's service was very nice - especially the scripture from Isaiah 11:2-9 & the hymns, "All Creatures of Our God and King" & "All Things Bright and Beautiful". The priest's homily spoke of how Ron tried to live so as to see Isaiah 11 fulfilled - how Ron believed that loving our neighbor includes loving not just our human neighbors, but all creatures on this earth. That was the Ron I knew - an agent of peace, kindness, mercy and compassion - for all creatures, great or small!”
“Beautiful service. Glad so many people came to it.”
“I didn't give this a ‘great’ rating due to the sad nature of the event, but I was blessed to attend. The church was filled to overflowing - over 100 people attended, & most stayed for the vegan meal following the service! Thanks to all of the FMVeg members who brought food and served in the kitchen. Many of Ron's family & church friends made very positive comments, and I'm sure Ron would have been pleased.”
“ It was a good service, the sermon/Gospel was perfect for Ron. We were worried that we wouldn't have enough food, but it all worked out....the loaves multiplied..."
“Ron's service was very nice - especially the scripture from Isaiah 11:2-9 & the hymns, "All Creatures of Our God and King" & "All Things Bright and Beautiful". The priest's homily spoke of how Ron tried to live so as to see Isaiah 11 fulfilled - how Ron believed that loving our neighbor includes loving not just our human neighbors, but all creatures on this earth. That was the Ron I knew - an agent of peace, kindness, mercy and compassion - for all creatures, great or small!”
“Beautiful service. Glad so many people came to it.”
“I didn't give this a ‘great’ rating due to the sad nature of the event, but I was blessed to attend. The church was filled to overflowing - over 100 people attended, & most stayed for the vegan meal following the service! Thanks to all of the FMVeg members who brought food and served in the kitchen. Many of Ron's family & church friends made very positive comments, and I'm sure Ron would have been pleased.”
“ It was a good service, the sermon/Gospel was perfect for Ron. We were worried that we wouldn't have enough food, but it all worked out....the loaves multiplied..."
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Ronald Joseph Richard
(January 28, 1950-June 18, 2009)
Ron Richard, 59, died June 18, 2009 at Innvois Health, Fargo, as a result of injuries he sustained in a bike accident on June 1.
Ron, an only child, was born January 28, 1950 to Darlene and Frank Richard in Fargo, ND. He graduated from Moorhead State in 1975 with a degree in English literature and earned an MS at North Dakota State in 1977 in counseling psychology. He worked at the counseling center at Mankato State University in MN and as a family counselor in a pilot program sponsored by HEW for family rehabilitation in Glasgow, MT.
In 1980 he moved to San Francisco where he began a career in banking. He was a systems analyst and project manager for many years at Cal Fed Bank and then Citibank. During that time, he pursued an MBA in accounting at Golden Gate University in San Francisco and earned a certificate in systems analysis from UC Davis.
In 1990 he bought a small house with a large lot on a quiet, tree-lined street in Vallejo, CA. He lived there for many happy years with a large number of companion dogs and cats that he rescued.
Ron was a passionate environmentalist and animal rights activist. He was especially committed to the work of PETA. He took great pride in the simple, Earth-friendly, vegan life that he and his animal family lived, and often commented that they had brought Isaiah’s vision to reality.
In 1995, Ron contracted HIV. He subsequently participated in a five-year study through the UCSF Aids Research Program on the long term effects of HIV medications.
Ron returned to Fargo in 2006, and was very active at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Fargo. In that time he served on the Vestry and as Treasurer for the congregation.
Ron’s final requests were that all financial memorials be made to PETA, but that a more lasting and joyful memorial would be to adopt and promote a vegetarian lifestyle.
Ron is survived by his mother, Darlene Richard of Fargo. He was preceded in death by his father, Frank.
Visitation will be from 6-7 PM Tuesday, June 23, 2009 at Boulger Funeral Home in Fargo, with a prayer service at 7PM Tuesday at Boulger Funeral Home.
The Burial Liturgy for Ron will be held 1 PM Wednesday June 24, 2009 at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Fargo.
A vegan lunch will be served by the Fargo Moorhead Vegetarians and Vegans (www.fmveg.org/) following the memorial service.
Burial of ashes will be in the family plot at Holy Cross North Cemetery in Fargo.
Ron Richard, 59, died June 18, 2009 at Innvois Health, Fargo, as a result of injuries he sustained in a bike accident on June 1.
Ron, an only child, was born January 28, 1950 to Darlene and Frank Richard in Fargo, ND. He graduated from Moorhead State in 1975 with a degree in English literature and earned an MS at North Dakota State in 1977 in counseling psychology. He worked at the counseling center at Mankato State University in MN and as a family counselor in a pilot program sponsored by HEW for family rehabilitation in Glasgow, MT.
In 1980 he moved to San Francisco where he began a career in banking. He was a systems analyst and project manager for many years at Cal Fed Bank and then Citibank. During that time, he pursued an MBA in accounting at Golden Gate University in San Francisco and earned a certificate in systems analysis from UC Davis.
In 1990 he bought a small house with a large lot on a quiet, tree-lined street in Vallejo, CA. He lived there for many happy years with a large number of companion dogs and cats that he rescued.
Ron was a passionate environmentalist and animal rights activist. He was especially committed to the work of PETA. He took great pride in the simple, Earth-friendly, vegan life that he and his animal family lived, and often commented that they had brought Isaiah’s vision to reality.
In 1995, Ron contracted HIV. He subsequently participated in a five-year study through the UCSF Aids Research Program on the long term effects of HIV medications.
Ron returned to Fargo in 2006, and was very active at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Fargo. In that time he served on the Vestry and as Treasurer for the congregation.
Ron’s final requests were that all financial memorials be made to PETA, but that a more lasting and joyful memorial would be to adopt and promote a vegetarian lifestyle.
Ron is survived by his mother, Darlene Richard of Fargo. He was preceded in death by his father, Frank.
Visitation will be from 6-7 PM Tuesday, June 23, 2009 at Boulger Funeral Home in Fargo, with a prayer service at 7PM Tuesday at Boulger Funeral Home.
The Burial Liturgy for Ron will be held 1 PM Wednesday June 24, 2009 at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Fargo.
A vegan lunch will be served by the Fargo Moorhead Vegetarians and Vegans (www.fmveg.org/) following the memorial service.
Burial of ashes will be in the family plot at Holy Cross North Cemetery in Fargo.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Memorial service for Ron Richard scheduled
Greetings St. Stephen’s family:
As you all know by now, Ron Richard passed away very suddenly on Thursday, June 18. I had visited him the day before at ManorCare, where we shared Holy Communion and joked. He was in great spirits and looked wonderful.
I met with his family and friend this afternoon and together we planned his memorial service, according to Ron's wishes.
The memorial service has been scheduled for 1:00 PM Wednesday, June 24 at St. Stephen’s.
There will be a prayer service at 7:00 PM on Tuesday night at Boulger Funeral Home, Fargo, led by Fr. Peter Hughes (Ron’s mother’s priest).
Committal of ashes will follow in the family plot at Holy Cross Cemetery, Fargo.
Please continue to remember Ron's soul in your prayers. Also please do continue praying for Ron's mother, Darlene, for their extended family and all of their friends.
Memorials are requested to PETA.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask me.
- peace,
Jamie+
As you all know by now, Ron Richard passed away very suddenly on Thursday, June 18. I had visited him the day before at ManorCare, where we shared Holy Communion and joked. He was in great spirits and looked wonderful.
I met with his family and friend this afternoon and together we planned his memorial service, according to Ron's wishes.
The memorial service has been scheduled for 1:00 PM Wednesday, June 24 at St. Stephen’s.
There will be a prayer service at 7:00 PM on Tuesday night at Boulger Funeral Home, Fargo, led by Fr. Peter Hughes (Ron’s mother’s priest).
Committal of ashes will follow in the family plot at Holy Cross Cemetery, Fargo.
Please continue to remember Ron's soul in your prayers. Also please do continue praying for Ron's mother, Darlene, for their extended family and all of their friends.
Memorials are requested to PETA.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask me.
- peace,
Jamie+
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Prayers for the soul of Ron Richard
Your prayers are requested for the soul of Ron Richard, who passed away very suddenly on Thursday, June 18.
Please pray also for his mother, Darlene.
Service arrangements are pending and will be shared when they are available.
Rest eternal grant to him, O Lord:
And let light perpetual shine upon him.
Please pray also for his mother, Darlene.
Service arrangements are pending and will be shared when they are available.
Rest eternal grant to him, O Lord:
And let light perpetual shine upon him.
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