We are delighted to offer a variety of special focus groups this term. Below is a list of groups with details about each offering:
Light Comes in the Morning: A Racial Healing Book Study
Two group options: Mondays at 6 p.m. or Wednesdays at 10 a.m. beginning the week of October 6
The work of racial healing is a vital spiritual practice which draws us all closer to the world as God imagines it to be. Groups will read The Night is Long but Light Comes in the Morning: Meditations for Racial Healing by Dr. Catherine Meeks. Sessions will include facilitated conversation and practical spiritual tools for this challenging and transformative work. Catheirne Meeks, PhD, has been recognized for her lifetime work promoting racial justice. She is the former Executive Director of the Absalom Jones Center for Racial Healing and will visit St. Stephen’s on December 8, 2024.
Digging for Gold: The Treasure of Finding Greater Faithfulness Through Fiction
Eight sessions on Wednesdays from 3:00 to 4:15 p.m. beginning October 19
Led by parishioners James Eckblad and Riker Purcell, this group will discover lessons of faith through fiction by well-known authors. We will use an explorative resource titled "Listening for God” to dig for those nuggets of wisdom that enable us to be both a better person and a more faithful — and thus more joyful — Christian.
Universal Christ Reflection group
Mondays at 6 p.m.; 8 sessions in total
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.