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 expansive approach to small groups
Later this summer, St. Stephen’s will unveil our lineup of fall 2025 small groups. In addition to Emmaus groups and Being With groups we will have a number of special groups. Registration will open in the fall. Stay tuned to the Spirit and eSpirit, our weekly communications.
In our expanded framework, small groups fall into three particular streams:
- Emmaus groups
- Being With groups
- Focus groups
Emmaus Groups
Emmaus groups gather 6 to 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 groups
- Young parents’ group
- Westminster Canterbury group
Registration coming this fall.
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.
Registration coming this fall.
Focus Groups
Focus groups gather five 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. In most cases, these groups have no prerequisite other than a curious mind and attentive heart. These groups are described below.
Registration coming this fall.
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. Click on a purple bar to read the description of the group listed. (Please note: the groups described are from spring 2025; fall groups will be posted in late summer and early fall.)
Racial Healing Circles
Our racial healing circles create space for conversations about racial healing, systemic injustice, and the kingdom of God. Together, participants will process their individual work of racial healing while continuing to be formed through shared reflection and practice. No prior experience required—just a heart for justice!
Universal Christ Reflection Group
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 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.
Celtic Spirituality Book Group
In our small group experience with John Phillip Newell’s The Great Search, we’ll embark on a Celtic spirituality journey to discover the divine presence within and around us. Each session will explore key themes from the book through reflective readings, contemplative conversations, and shared meditative practices. This enriching experience aims to deepen our connection with the sacred and with each other. Participants are responsible for acquiring their own book.
Drop-In 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.
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, Wednesday, 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. We gather in the Lounge. To find the Lounge, enter the parish house from our large parking lot. At the top of the steps, turn left.
Earth and Soul group
Third 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.
Many Parents, One Vine
Sundays at 10:10 a.m. in Room 14
This staff- and lay-led parenting support group addresses topics relevant to family life. This is a space to grow in faith and connect with other parents in mutual affirmation. This spring, the group will journey through “Being With: Child,” a version of the Being With curriculum focusing on the experiences of childhood, parenting, and existence. Members of the leadership team facilitate the Sunday sessions with an opportunity for open dialogue and questions. All are welcome and no registration is required. This group will resume September 14.
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.
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.
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.
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 good source for used books.