Small groups, adult formation, and fellowship
St. Stephen’s Church offers a wide array of opportunities for adults
to grow in faith with others.
Small groups and other offerings for adults
St. Stephen’s is a large church where a variety of groups help people feel connected through fellowship, study, prayer, and more, whether you’re looking for a group of young adults, senior adults, men, women, parents. . . we provide a variety of ways for you to get to know others, to know yourself better, to learn something new, and to grow closer to God.
Small Groups
St. Stephen’s Church has a robust small groups ministry. Registration for a variety of winter groups opens February 5 and closes February 22; groups run from the week of March 8 through the week of May 10. Stay tuned for more in the weeks ahead! Questions? Contact the Rev. Cate Anthony.
Bible Study
A Thursday morning Bible study convenes for several weeks at a time, focusing on a particular book of the Bible or a specific theme. This group is led by St. Stephen’s clergy. Upcoming dates and themes are posted here and in the Spirit and eSpirit.
Thursdays, January 22-March 12 | 10 a.m. in Room 14
The Acts of the Apostles
Written by the author of the Gospel of Luke, the Acts of the Apostles continues the story of Jesus’ followers. Acts begins by describing the events, confusion, and challenges followers of Jesus experienced immediately following his death. In the opening verses of each book, the writer states his objective: to write “about all that Jesus did and taught” (Acts 1:1) “so that you may know the truth” (Luke 1:4). Beginning on January 22, the Thursday morning Bible study will dive into Acts and explore the earliest days of the church. All are welcome; no previous experience is required. Questions? Contact the Rev. Cate Anthony.
An Invitation to the Episcopal Church
This class is especially for those who are new to the Episcopal Church, but it can be an enriching experience for any who simply want to deepen their knowledge or who’d like a refresher. It serves as preparation for adults to be confirmed or received in the Episcopal Church during our annual visit from one of our bishops. Sometimes the class is offered on weekday evenings, at other times it’s offered Sunday mornings. We post upcoming class dates and times here, and announce them in the Spirit and eSpirit.
Next class
Wednesdays, 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the Café @ St. Stephen’s, March 4 through April 22, 2026
(no class April 1, 2026, the Wednesday in Holy Week)
The Women of St. Stephen’s
The Women of St. Stephen’s host monthly programs and speakers, as well as outreach activities, trips and tours, social gatherings, and more. They also run a gift shop that raises funds for community grants. While leadership for these offerings is provided by women, everything is open to all.
Young Adults
Adults of all ages are welcome in the groups and classes described here. In addition, we have groups and events that are planned especially for young adults. While the definition of “young” is up to you, we invite adults who are single, partnered, with or without children, and generally speaking, in their 20s, 30s and 40s. Young adult offerings can include such things as small groups, book groups, social events, outreach and service projects, and more. They are announced in our weekly communications and through young adult email blasts.
Senior Adults
Adults of all ages take part in nearly everything we offer at St. Stephen’s Church, from small groups to the Women of St. Stephen’s, outreach ministries to cooking parish suppers or May Fair House foods, attending the parish weekend at Shrine Mont and Bible study–to name just some of these activities. Some groups and activities, however, are especially for senior adults.
St. Stephen’s clergy regularly visit Westminster-Canterbury or Cedarfield where many St. Stephen’s parishioners live. Our clergy lead worship services at Westminster-Canterbury, and work in partnership with area churches to provide support at Cedarfield, and attend events for our parishioners at both retirement communities.
Men’s Prayer Groups
Small groups of men gather weekly for prayer and fellowship. These groups meet Thursdays at 9 a.m. in the lounge, and Fridays at 8:15 a.m. in the library. All are welcome, and no registration is needed.
Sunday Formation
Sunday Forum
The Sunday Forum features members of our clergy and others from within the parish, as well as guest speakers, presenting on a variety of topics. The forum gathers on Sunday mornings in the fellowship hall between the 9 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. services during the program year (September through May). No sign-up is needed.
Many Parents, One Vine
Many Parents, One Vine gathers in Room 14 on Sundays between the 9 and 11:15 a.m. services during the school year. This is a parenting support group which uses podcasts, readings, and guest speakers to launch discussions, while remaining open to addressing topics that may arise within individual families or the community at large. No registration or prior attendance is required to participate.
Trailheads
Trailheads is a Sunday evening offering, taking place between the Celtic service and Compline. A trailhead is both a meeting place for hikers and a point of departure for an encounter. Likewise, on Sunday evenings we gather–sometimes in the Café @ St. Stephen’s, sometimes in Palmer Hall–to learn, share, and connect at the intersections of Christian life, practice, and faith. Bring your meal from the Sunday Community Supper if you like. Trailheads does not convene every week, so watch the Spirit and eSpirit for upcoming Trailheads offerings.
Wednesdays
Wednesday evening is another gathering time for St. Stephen’s, with a mid-week supper, youth choir rehearsal, and several small groups. This is also a time when we offer occasional programs, listed below; watch the Spirit and eSpirit for additional announcements.
The menu for the mid-week supper (September-May) is posted each week as soon as it becomes available.