The Sunday Forum

Foundations of Faith in Troubled Times
September 21, 28, October 5

September 21: Keeping our Faith Alive

Join St. Stephen’s clergy as we begin this series with a panel conversation about the theological roots of our personal faith. What theology, scripture, or other facet of faith do we return to as a bolster to our spirits in troubled times? Participants will have a chance to reflect on the roots of their own personal faith lives and share ruminations with fellow parishioners.

September 28 : Promoting Peace and the Church’s Mission

A year ago, we welcomed Richard Sewell to our Sunday Forum by video. Dean of St. George’s College, Jerusalem, and a priest of the Church of England, Richard brought us insights about conflict in the Middle East from the perspective of faith. Given the presence of our church’s ministries in that region, the war in Gaza is seen in a different perspective. Richard returns to our forum (again by video) to discuss with John Rohrs and Bill Sachs the central question: as Christians, what can we do to promote peace?

October 5: Religious Faith and Modern American Life

Few people have the perspective on religious faith and American life now that the Rev. Peter Marty has cultivated. At a time of division and suspicion of difference, he maintains an informed balance, guided by his faith and commitment to Christian mission. Editor and publisher of The Christian Century magazine, a leading mainstream publication, Peter models balance and empathy.  A Lutheran pastor who has led large parishes, he brings special interest in churches such as St. Stephen’s. Read more about Peter Marty here.

Abounding in Hope
October 12, 19, 26, and November 2

October 12: Hope at the local level

We find ourselves living in a tumultuous chapter of our nation’s life. How does this tumult affect local organizations and communities, and where do those communities find hope even as they combat political and social turmoil? Join Sheila Herlihy Hennessee, Director of Faith Organizing at the Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy, and Jonathan Zur, CEO and President of the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities, for a conversation about hope at the local level.

October 19: Abound in Hope

On Sunday, October 19, St. Stephen’s Church will launch its 2026 “Abound in Hope” annual giving campaign. In the fifteenth chapter of his letter to the Romans, the Apostle Paul writes, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” St. Stephen’s mission is to live as a community of hospitality, healing, and hope, sharing the love of Christ.  Join campaign co-chairs Wortie Ferrell, Becky Boyers, and Andrew Robertson to learn more about how you can abound in hope.

October 26: Where hope begins

These days it can seem impossible to have hope. It feel beyond our reach, until we ask how we can live as Christians now. The Rev. Bill Sachs will help us to take this leap, explaining that hope is neither naive nor reckless. Genuine hope can be grasped by faith. We begin by listening for God’s call to make life better together. Hope deepens with incremental steps toward new understanding of each other.

November 2: Hope through the ages; stories from the Old Testament

What stories of hope do we find in the Bible? Join us for this presentation by Jacqueline Lapsley, President and Professor of Old Testament in the Walter W. Moore and Charles E. S. Kraemer Presidential Chairs at Union Presbyterian Seminary in Richmond. Through a study of the prophets of the Hebrew Bible, we will learn how the faithful who came before us thought about and found hope. During table conversation, participants will have the opportunity to share their own stories as well.

Living in Love: Being with one another

November 9: A panel featuring our outreach partners

As part of the Week of Compassion and our celebration of the Feast of St. Stephen (transferred), Jennifer Bousquet leads a panel including Heidi Schmidt and Monica Vega, St. Stephen’s missionaries in Argentina; Deb Lawrence, the executive director of ReWork Richmond; Dani T., a ReWork member; and David Waidelich of FeedMore. Jennifer is , St. Stephen’s director of outreach and engagement.

November 16: The theology of “Being With,” with the Rev. Dr. Samuel Wells

Concluding the Week of Compassion is the Rev. Dr. Samuel Wells, vicar of St. Martin-in-the-Fields in London and one of the creators of the “Being With” program. He’ll discuss the theology of this approach. In addition to his forum presentation, he will preach at the 11:15 a.m. service, give the reflection at the Celtic service, and give a lecture Monday evening at 6:30 p.m. Read more about him and his visit here.

November 23

Clergy panel

November 30: Advent Fair

In place of the Forum and other regular Sunday morning formation offerings we will hold our annual Advent Fair for all ages in the fellowship hall. Enjoy fellowship, refreshments, Advent activities, and make a fresh Advent wreath.

December 7 and December 14

Few Biblical stories are as familiar to us as the story of Jesus’ birth. We encounter angels, shepherds, a young mother and her husband, wise men, and more—but who are these characters and what do they have to tell us about the Advent and Christmas seasons? Join St. Stephen’s clergy to dive deep into this beloved story as we look toward the birth of the light of the world, Jesus.

Sunday Forum resumes January 11, 2026

There will be no Sunday Forum or other Sunday morning formation on December 21, 28, or January 4. All will resume Sunday, January 11, 2026.