Small Groups
REGISTRATION
An expansive approach
Registration: February 5-22, 2026
Winter small groups will meet from the week of March 8 through the week of May 10. Registration will open February 5.
Small groups fall into three streams:
- Emmaus groups
- Focus groups
- Being With groups
Emmaus Groups
Emmaus groups gather 6 to 12 people regularly for 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. A variety of of groups are open for winter 2026.
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. In the tabbed content below you can see topics and dates for winter/spring 2026.
Being With Groups
Being With groups gather 5 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. 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.”
We are pleased to offer two types of Being With group this spring: the original Being With and Being With: Yourself, which focuses on cultivating a deep inner sense of self and spirit. Being With is recommended for those seeking to develop relationships here at St. Stephen’s Church; Being With: Yourself is recommended for those seeking a stronger relationship with the self.
- Being With: Yourself will meet on Tuesdays at 6 p.m. beginning March 10
- Being With will meet on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. beginning March 11
Focus Groups
This eight-week program provides a space for building community among older adults as we explore the challenges and rewards of aging within a spiritual context. Together we will explore questions such as: Who am I as I age? How do I face new challenges at this time of life? How do I “let go” and shift from doing to being? What are my passion and purpose? How is God summoning me now? The program emphasizes group participation, supported by short readings and videos, poetry and prayer, and exploration of various contemplative practices.
The Spirituality of Aging is offered at three different times:
- Mondays 1:30 to 3: p.m. beginning March 9
- Tuesdays 10:30 a.m. to noon beginning March 10
- Thursdays 6:30 to 8 p.m. beginning March 12
Wednesdays at 2 p.m. on March 25, April 1, 8, and 15
A sacrament is an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace. According to The Doctrine of The Sacramental Universe, the spiritual expresses itself through the material, and the spiritual acts through the material. God constantly speaks to us through the material world. In this group, we will talk about how that happens, and what happens if we misunderstand. Using a variety of media such as architecture and poetry, the group will reflect on where they experience God in the material world.
Open Focus Groups
Some groups meet regularly throughout the year and are open to all on a drop-in basis; each is described briefly below (click on the purple bar to read about a group). No registration is needed for these groups.
Mondays and Fridays, 9:15-10:15 a.m. in the Lounge
If you’re longing for communion and community in silence, this group offers contemplative prayer and dialogue on Monday and Friday mornings in the Lounge. 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.
To find the Lounge, enter the parish house from our large parking lot. At the top of the steps, turn left.
Wednesdays at 3 p.m. in 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.
Thursdays, January 22-March 12 | 10 a.m. in Room 14 (top floor)
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.
Sundays at 10:10 a.m. in Room 14 (top floor)
Many Parents, One Vine is our Sunday morning formation group for parents. It is a time of mutual support and fellowship as we reflect on the challenges and blessings of parenting faithfully in the modern age. Using a weekly Bible study, participants reflect on the Word of God as it intersects with daily family life. No previous experience is required.
Books
Some groups require one or more books. If you do not have the book, you may be able to obtain it from your local public library, either in print or as an ebook through the Libby app. If not, or if you prefer to own a copy, consider supporting a local business like Shelf Life Books (in Carytown–formerly called Chop Suey Books), Book People, Fountain Books, or your favorite bookshop. Most local booksellers are happy to order a book for you if they do not have it in stock. If you prefer shopping online, Bookshop.org sources books from independent booksellers. Thriftbooks is a sustainable solution, offering used books at reasonable prices.