Sunday Formation for Adults

Sunday morning formation takes place from 10:10 until 11 a.m.

For adults, this includes the Sunday Forum in the fellowship hall (also livestreamed); Many Parents, One Vine; and this fall, “An Introduction to the Episcopal Church” (often called the inquirers class).

In the evening, between the contemplative service of Celtic Evensong and Communion (5:30 p.m. to about 6:30 p.m.) and the sung Compline service (8 to 8:30 p.m.) we offer a series called Trailheads. Those who wish may pick up supper at the Sunday Community Supper and bring it to the Café @ St. Stephen’s where Trailhead sessions take place, 7-7:50 p.m. (Please note that Trailheads does not convene every week; check this page and the Spirit and eSpirit for dates, speakers, and topics.)

Registration is not required for most Sunday formation offerings. The planners of Many Parents, One Vine, remind parents to complete the all-purpose family registration form which includes this offering. Registration is requested for An Introduction to the Episcopal Church. This class is offered a few times a year, sometimes on Sunday mornings, sometimes on weeknights.

The Sunday Forum

10:10 a.m. in the fellowship hall (and livestreamed)

September 15
A new year
A parish update by the rector and other parish leaders

September 22 and 29
Becoming Pilgrims

  • September 22: Brent te Velde, Diana, Chou, and Cate Anthony will reflect on the choir pilgrimage in July.
  • September 29: Speakers are Craig Kocher, dean of religious and spiritual life at the University of Richmond, UR sophomore Svea Erickson who went on pilgrimage with me Craig on the Camino de Santiago; and parishioner Kim Schmidt and staff member Anna Jones, who took a racial justice pilgrimage a little over a year ago.

October 6, 13, 27, and November 3
God’s American Purpose
A series led by the Rev. William L. Sachs on the role of faith in our national story

October 20
Love in Action
The annual giving campaign

November 10
Week of Compassion
A panel composed of some of our mission partners, our missionaries in Argentina, Monica Vega and Heidi Schmidt; ReWork Richmond CEO and parishioner Deb Lawrence; and Mike Maruca, head of Anna Julia Cooper School.

November 17 and 24, December 8 and 15
Racial Healing as Spiritual Formation
(No Forum on December1)

  • November 17: Members of St. Stephen’s Racial Healing Commission will open this series with a discussion of their purpose and how all of us can be involved in the work of racial healing
  • November 24: “Restoring Sacred Ground: The Story of Ham Cemetery,” by professional archaeologist Tim Roberts
  • December 8: “Racial Healing as Spiritual Formation.” Dr. Catherine Meeks is the esteemed founder and retired director of the Absalom Jones Center for Racial Healing in the Diocese of Atlanta.
  • December 15: “Healing, Inclusion, and Welcome.” To close our series, St. Stephen’s program staff will reflect on the ways the principles of racial healing, inclusion, and welcome are upheld in our liturgy. How can and do we use art, music, and worship to fully embrace diversity within the St. Stephen’s community as well as to reflect the expansive diversity of the Episcopal Church and the global Anglican Communion?

The forum will not be held December 22 or 29.

More detailed descriptions of forum topics are here.

Many Parents, One Vine

10:10 a.m. in Room 14

Planned and led by the Rev. Cate Anthony with Andrew Robertson, Paula Chambers, Scott Mates, Julie and Farmer

This staff and lay-led parenting support group addresses topics relevant to family life. This is a space to grow in faith and connect with other parents in mutual affirmation. Raising children takes a village and together, connected to the vine, we are stronger parents. Members of the leadership team facilitate the Sunday sessions with an opportunity for open dialogue and questions. This fall we will offer two special series focusing on topics relevant to parenting in faith.

The first series, taking place from September 22 through October 13, focuses on “Children’s Spirituality Today,” and will include presentations from local experts in ministry with children as well as St. Stephen’s staff. Each presentation will address a different topic or practice in contemporary children’s ministry, including the theology of joy and play, fostering resilience in school and social groups, and more.

On November 3 and 10, the Rev. Cate Anthony will facilitate a conversation about parenting during a heightened political season.

Later in the fall, the group will join the Sunday Forum for a series on racial healing as a spiritual practice. Together with the wider parish, parents will learn about the work of racial healing in Richmond historically and today, prayer and other spiritual practices to use in this work, and ways that our liturgies can reflect the diversity of God’s people. All are welcome and no registration is required, though it’s helpful to the parent team if you complete the family ministry registration. 

An Introduction to the Episcopal Church

Sundays at 10:10 a.m. in the Café
October 27-November 24, 2024
Led by St. Stephen’s Clergy

This introductory class is ideal for those who wish to understand more about this church—our identity, origins, worship, beliefs, practices, and more—especially if you are newer or newly interested. This is excellent preparation if you are considering joining the church, but it also is a supportive place to seek answers to questions.

Additional details about this class and about joining the church should you wish to do so (it’s not required) are included in the registration form linked below.

Registration Form

Trailheads

October 27, November 3, November 10 | 7–7:45 p.m.
Contemplative Prayer

Before and after Election Day–coming after perhaps the most contentious election season in memory–the Rev. John Jenkins offers three sessions of contemplative prayer. We will hold Christ’s peace and pray for healing in the life of the nation and the world. All are welcome, and John will offer a brief overview for those who have no prior experience with contemplative prayer. The “sit” (prayer time) will continue for 20 minutes; participants may quietly depart at any time. A Zoom option will be available.

November 17 and 24 | 7-7:50 p.m.
Post-election conversations

Billy Peebles, a St. Stephen’s parishioner who has taught American history as well as religion in middle school and high school for some 40 years, will present a two-part series, “What History teaches us about honest and thoughtful engagement during polarizing times.” He will draw on edifying examples of past leaders who sought to steer us through contentious and complex times and issues. We’ll discuss how we might consider applying their examples to navigating the divisiveness that affects us today. No sign-up is needed.