1965 Perrowville Road Forest, VA 24551

Today marked another significant milestone in my spiritual journey as I visited the 46th church in my quest to explore every church in our city, guided by the gentle whispers of the Holy Spirit.

It was a profound privilege and blessing to attend my very first Good Friday service at Saint Stephen’s Episcopal Church, led by the esteemed Reverend Matt Rhodes.

The solemnity and reverence of this day and occasion touched me in ways I had never imagined.

My journey to Saint Stephen’s began on Maundy Thursday, when I stopped by the church in the afternoon to capture some photographs of its historic architecture and grounds.

Reverend Matt Rhodes, with his kindness and grace, welcomed me with open arms and generously offered to give me a tour of the church.

As we walked through the hallowed halls, the scent of Easter lilies filled the hall with a beautiful fragrance of hope.

I could see that Reverend Matt has a deep commitment to living out the teachings of Jesus.

He took the time to have a real conversation with me, and answered questions about the Episcopal Church. He even gave me a copy of the Book Of Common Prayers so I could learn more. This small gesture meant so much to me.

His dedication to also spreading love and compassion beyond the confines of the sanctuary, in our community, left a lasting impression on my heart.

Reverend Matt’s connection to Saint Stephen’s runs deep, dating back to New Year’s Day 1984, when he first set foot inside the sanctuary with his family.

Now, nearly four decades later, Reverend Matt stands as the 28th Rector of Saint Stephen’s, a testament to the enduring bond between him and the church that helped mold him into who he is today.

The history of Saint Stephen’s is as rich and storied as the faith of its congregants.

Established in 1824 by the Reverend Nicholas Hamner Cobbs, who would later become the 1st Bishop of Alabama, the church has been a beacon of spiritual guidance for over two centuries.

Its inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places speaks to its cultural and architectural significance.

As I entered Saint Stephen’s for the Good Friday service, I was enveloped in a sense of reverence and awe that seemed to linger in the very air.

The hymns sung by the congregation – “The Old Rugged Cross,” “Ah Holy Jesus,” and “Were You There” – echoed through the sanctuary, filling the space with a solemn beauty.

Every member of the parish greeted me and my family upon arrival (including my daughter and friend, Jill) their smiles and handshakes gave us a wonderful sense of belonging and acceptance.

I would like to thank everyone at Saint Stephen’s for making us feel so loved!

Reverend Matt’s sermon on the importance of embracing the solemnity of Good Friday resonated deeply with me, reminding me in a new way of the profound significance of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross.

As the service drew to a close, I found myself on the brink of tears, moved by the raw emotion and the spiritual intensity of the experience.

The Passion Gospel, recounted with poignant clarity, was another beautiful reminder of the true meaning of Resurrection Sunday.

As I left Saint Stephen’s, my heart was filled with gratitude for the opportunity to be part of such a sacred experience.

The memory of this Good Friday service will forever hold a special place in my heart, the love and sacrifice of our Savior is something I still don’t fully comprehend… but I’m so grateful for it.

I wholeheartedly encourage everyone to visit Saint Stephen’s Episcopal Church and experience the beauty of its worship firsthand.

You can find out more about Saint Stephen’s Episcopal Church by visiting their website at: https://ststephensforest.org/

I pray you also experience the joy and presence of God’s real and abiding love, I’m so excited to see where the Holy Spirit leads me next.