Small Groups
REGISTRATION
An expansive approach
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 groups will be open soon.
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.
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.
Some of the focus groups planned for this fall are described below.
Focus Groups
This seven-week program will provide 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? How is God calling me now, and what is my passion and purpose? This program will emphasize group participation, supported by short readings and videos, poetry and prayer, and exploration of contemplative practices.
This small group will gather over the span of six to eight week to study and discuss Magnifica Humanitas, Pope Leo XIV’s recent encyclical on artificial intelligence (AI). Chapters of the document address the implications of AI for warfare, work and freedom, human dignity, and other topics.
This small group will gather over the course of six to eight weeks to read and discuss the epic tale of Moby Dick, by Herman Melville. Participants will follow Captain Ahab on his obsessive voyage to hunt down the white whale that wrecked his ship and bit off his leg.
Sacred Ground is a dialogue-based small group that utilizes videos, readings, and personal reflections to explore race and racism in the American historical context, through the lens of faith. Developed in partnership with the Episcopal Church and adapted for use in our small group setting, this facilitated curriculum will guide us over the course of eight to ten sessions this fall.
This small group will follow the recently released nine-week curriculum, Love God, Love God’s World, which utilizes videos, readings, and personal reflections to explore and encourage our care and stewardship of God’s creation. Developed by the Episcopal Church with a format similar to Sacred Ground, this curriculum helps participants discover ways to learn, pray, advocate, and conserve.
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.
Thursdays, October 1 – November 19 | 10 a.m. in Room 14 (top floor)
Paul’s Letter to the Romans
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.