Wednesday evenings for adults

Wednesday evening is 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 available each week on this page.

Programs for adults following the Wednesday supper

Practices of Faith in a Turbulent World | September 17, 24, and October 1

In a time of division and political strife, remaining in touch in our faith can seem like an impossible task. Join St. Stephen’s clergy as they reflect on practices which ground us in faith even and especially as we navigate socio-political turbulence. Together we will consider how to have an enemy, what prayer looks like in the midst of times such as these, and how to protect and cultivate joy as a means of resistance to that which would divide us. No prior experience necessary; all are welcome.  

September 17: How to have an enemy; led by the Rev. Cate Anthony
September 24: How to shield our joy; led by the Rev. Cate Anthony
October 1: How to pray in turbulent times; led by the Rev. Will Stanley 

Perspectives on Grief | October 8, 15, 22, 29

October 8 & 15
Tending the ache: the sacred work of grief

Whether current events or other influences have brought feelings of sadness and grief to the surface of your awareness, all people share a longing in the soul for healing. The question is, how? In this two-part series, the Rev. John Jenkins will present the key themes and frameworks developed in Francis Weller’s The Wild Edge of Sorrow: Rituals of Renewal and the Sacred Work of Grief. There will be opportunities to share and for prayer. Led by John Jenkins.

October 22
The Meaning of Grief

Grief is unavoidable. The most profound changes in our lives prompt a powerful pattern of spiritual response. Naturally grief centers on loss, especially of people we have loved. Yet grief can bring the grace of healing in unexpected ways. In his presentation on October 22, the Rev. Bill Sachs will outline the process of grief as a series of stages through which we zig and zag. Grief has a destination filled with surprising possibility. Join Bill to find out where your grief points.

October 29
In the Valley of the Shadow of Death:
A Sacred Conversation on Grief

Whether through the loss of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or simply through the changes and chances of life, we all experience grief in life. Join the Rev. Cate Anthony and the Rev. John Rohrs for a Sacred Conversation about grief to close our October evening class series. We will reflect on our individual experiences of grief, finding common ground and hope for the journey as we hear one another’s stories. In these Sacred Conversations, we give voice to that which has been unspoken and unprocessed and discover new ways to engage with ourselves, our faith, and one another. In these conversations, we will share our feelings and personal narratives. All are welcome, regardless of prior experience with the Sacred Conversations format.