Plan your visit.
Wherever you are on your faith journey, we would love to meet you and welcome you into the life of this church community.
If you’re here,
you belong.
There are no special requirements to be part of this community of faith. If you wish to be baptized or confirmed, or to transfer your membership from another church, we’d love for you to do so. But it’s not required. Everything we offer is open to all, regardless of whether you are a “member” of this church. If you’re here, you belong.
Worship Service Schedule
St. Stephen’s is a vibrant parish offering several kinds of worship services. Sunday, of course, is our big day. You are most welcome at any of the services held here. To read more about what to expect at each service, please visit the worship page.
Sundays
This is our schedule from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.
*indicates child care available through age 4
Weekdays
When the parish office is closed for a holiday or due to inclement weather, weekday Morning Prayer does not take place.
Our Location
6000 Grove Avenue
Richmond, VA 23226
St. Stephen’s is located at the corner of Three Chopt Road and Grove Avenue (the address is 6000 Grove Avenue), near the University of Richmond and across the street from St. Catherine’s School.
What to know as you plan your visit.
There are several entrances to the church and parish house that are designed to be accessible to those with mobility issues or other physical limitations:
All entrances to the church, and the main entrance to the parish house, are equipped with power-assist doors. In addition, the main entrance to the parish house, from the large parking lot at Somerset and Grove, has an elevator on the ground floor that allows you to bypass the steps. The Grove Avenue entrance to the main church is gently sloped, without steps, and the Three Chopt Road entrance has a ramp.
Inside the church, several pews are shortened to allow space for a wheelchair or walker: the first pews on either side of the center aisle, nearest the altar, and the pews near the large baptismal font.
The church is equipped with assistive hearing devices for the hearing-impaired. Please ask an usher for one of these devices as you enter the church.
Free parking is available our the parking lot at the corner of Somerset and Grove avenues. Street parking is also available on Somerset, Grove, York Road, and Three Chopt Road. Handicap spaces are available in our large parking lot as well as along the fence surrounding the playground.
Please do not park in the areas marked in yellow. Keep in mind that those attending services and events at St. Bridget Catholic Church, our next door neighbor, share all the street parking in this neighborhood.
If you park on the street, please do not block access to the driveways of our neighbors, even a little bit!
Public transportation: GRTC’s #77 Grove Avenue bus stops right by St. Stephen’s at Grove Avenue and Three Chopt Road. The route map and schedule are here.
If you are coming to the church office, the most direct route is through the double glass doors to the parish house off the parking lot on Somerset. If you’re coming for a worship service, you can enter from Grove Avenue or Three Chopt Road.
All are welcome at the altar at St. Stephen’s Church. You do not have to be an Episcopalian to receive Communion in the Episcopal Church. And if you would like to receive a blessing but no Communion, simply cross your arms across your chest when you come forward.
Instructions about receiving the bread and wine are in a card available in the pews in the church, but please do not worry about “doing it right.” The important thing is simply to know that God welcomes you, and there is no telling how God might reach you in Communion.
Children are most welcome in worship services at St. Stephen’s Church. If you prefer to take your child to our nursery (infants to age 4), be assured that nursery staff are well-trained and loving caregivers. The nursery is located on the lower level of the parish house (follow the signs for Dogwood Preschool) and is available during the 9 and 11:15 a.m. services during the academic year, the 10 a.m. service during the summer, and the 5:30 p.m. service year-round.
In addition, during the academic year a service that is especially welcoming to families with young children takes place in Palmer Hall Chapel at 9 a.m. It includes a “soft space” with floor cushions, a rug, children’s books, and seating for parents. During the summer, the soft space moves to the main church and is located in the back of the Chapel of the Good Shepherd.
Palmer Hall is St. Stephen’s original church building, and while it has an exterior entrance between the playground and our memorial garden, access is through the parish house. The Chapel of the Good Shepherd is one of two side chapels in the main church.
We’re here for all ages.
Children
It is our honor and joy to walk alongside you and your family as we all grow in Christ’s love for one another and offer our children the gift of faith. Learn more about our Children’s Ministry.
Youth
Our mission is to love and affirm all young people as God’s beloved, to serve them on their way as companions and guides, and to faithfully entrust their sacred growth to God. Here, all are invited; all are welcome.
Adults
From Bible study to book groups, small groups to the Sunday Forum, we have an opportunity for you to get to know others, to know yourself better, to learn something new, and to grow closer to God.
Newcomer Gatherings
A few times during the year, the rector and other members of the parish staff host a reception especially for those who are new to this community of faith. And the definition of “new” is completely up to you!
If you’ve recently joined St. Stephen’s Church, or you have visited but have not yet decided whether this will become your church home, please come to the next reception on Thursday, September 26, 5:30-7 p.m.
These gatherings are very informal. We serve appetizers, wine, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages.
How can we help?
Let us know how we can help you get connected at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church.