Small Groups
There is no better way to grow and practice the Jesus Way than in our homes, in our day to-day lives, with a circle of followers who love and mentor one another as apprentices in the Jesus Way.
An expanded approach to small group ministry
The purpose of a faith-based small group is to build trusting relationships with God and one another. When we meet each other for conversation, practice, and prayer, we learn how to love. St. Stephen’s has a rich history of small group ministry through contemplative Emmaus groups. This year, we are excited to offer a broadened set of opportunities and formats for small group connection. In our expanded framework, small groups fall into three particular streams:
- Emmaus groups
- Focus groups
- Being With groups
Continue reading for descriptions of each type of group. Dates for groups convening (or re-convening in the fall), along with information about dates and registration, will be available in August.
Emmaus Groups
Emmaus Groups gather 6-12 people regularly for a time of prayer, conversation, and fellowship. Groups pattern their life together around the Four Pillars: spiritual connection, mutual care and support, prayer, and service. Some groups may be intergenerational and include people from a variety of backgrounds; others may serve as affinity groups for people of a common experience or identity. These groups may be time-limited or may meet for the long-term at the discretion of members and facilitators. Open Emmaus groups include:
- General groups
- Young adult small group
- Women’s group
- Westminster Canterbury group
Being With Groups
Being With groups gather five to 15 people who want to deepen their relationship with Jesus and with fellow Christians. Group gatherings are guided by Being With, a Christian formation curriculum designed by the Rev. Sam Wells. About the program, Wells says, “to find the meaning of life we need each other. We need to spend time being present and attentive to others who may be different to us, to ourselves, and to the world around us. As we do this we can discover a way to be attentive to God and discover that God is present to us… Being With aims… to create the opportunity for this to happen.” These groups meet weekly for 10 weeks.
Focus Groups
Focus Groups gather 5 to 15 people around a particular topic: a book, a course, a spiritual practice, etc. The purpose of these groups is to foster ownership of faith through dedicated study or practice, all while supported by others on the same journey of faith. Focus groups of different topic may pop up throughout the program year. In most cases, these groups have no prerequisite other than a curious mind and attentive heart.
Focus Groups
The following are groups were held earlier in 2024 and are described here to give you an idea of what we mean by “focus groups.” New groups for the fall will be posted beginning in August.
Moby Dick reading group | 4 sessions | 10 a.m.-noon
Led by parishioner Riker Purcell, this group will discuss Herman Melville’s evolving view of theology and the meaning of life through the language and actions of five characters: Ishmael, Ahab, Queequeg, Starbuck, and Pip. (And of course, Moby Dick and the ocean, which are not speaking characters.) The group will focus on about 10 of the novel’s 135 chapters. This group is limited to 15 participants.
Water in the Desert: a gratitude practice group | Thursdays at 6 p.m.
Join us for ‘Water in the Desert,’ a 10-week journey delving into the intricate connection between ‘desert’ experiences and gratitude. Together we will explore Ross Gay’s uplifting collection, Catalogue of Unabashed Gratitude, and dedicate time in each session to nurture our personal gratitude practices. Don’t be intimidated by poetry—Ross Gay’s work is accessible and brimming with joy. No prior poetry or gratitude practice experience is required.
Universal Christ Reflection Group | Thursdays at 10 a.m. | 8 sessions
The Universal Christ: How a forgotten reality can change everything we see, hope for, and believe is a sort of capstone presentation of Fr. Richard Rohr’s teachings about Christianity for the 21st century. The reflection group format provides structured ways of deeply reflecting on the content of the assigned readings (25-30 pages a session) in conversation with your own life and those of fellow seekers. You will practice a variety of contemplative prayer forms. There is ample sharing but no discursive conversation; the time spent together is both intentional and sacred. This co-facilitated group is limited to 10 participants.
Drop-In Groups
Some groups meet regularly throughout the year and are open to all on a drop-in basis. Information on these groups is below.
Contemplative prayer group | Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 9:15-10:15 a.m.
If you’re longing for communion and community in silence, this group offers contemplative prayer and dialogue on Monday and Friday mornings. A bell rings to begin the silence. After a 30-minute sit, participants have contemplative dialogue and a short sit to end the meetings at 10:15 a.m. These meetings are open to all who seek a contemplative community.
Earth and Soul Threshold | 3rd Wednesday of the month | 4:30-5:30 p.m.
All who resonate with a holistic vision of Celtic spirituality, with John Philip Newell’s teachings, or with his School for Earth and Soul are invited to participate in a monthly “Threshold Community.” No preparation or prior experience with Earth & Soul is required. Following a “House Gathering” model, we meet for an hour of reflection, deep listening, and discussion around the themes outlines in Sacred Earth, Sacred Soul and their connections to scripture, self, and service to the world.
Greek Bible Study | Wednesdays at 3 p.m. | Room 3
The Greek Bible study group gathers for an hour to read and discuss lectionary passages assigned for coming Sunday, in koine Greek, the language used in the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible) and the New Testament. Discussions are designed to help participants develop a deeper interest and familiarity with the texts we read and hear during worship services. Ideally participants should come to the program with a background in Bible Greek, but that is not a requirement.
Men’s Prayer Groups | Thursdays at 9 a.m., Fridays at 8:15 a.m.
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.
Young Adults Book Group | Third Sunday of each month in the evening
This book group gathers folks in a similar phase of “young adulthood” (we think of it as a life moment rather than a specific age!) for a time of conversation and fellowship.
Books
If you do not have a copy of a book you need for a group or class, please check with the convener. Some groups purchase books in bulk for participants and simply ask you to reimburse the church. Or, you can purchase one from an online bookseller or consider supporting a local business like Shelf Life Books (in Carytown–formerly called Chop Suey Books), Book People, Fountain Books, or your favorite bookshop. Many local businesses are offering phone and/or online ordering, curbside pick-up and even home delivery while their storefronts are closed. If you prefer shopping online, Bookshop.org, sources books from independent booksellers. Of course, check with your local library, as well. You may also be able to find an e-book through an app such as Libby.