Small Group Registration Spring 2025 Logo

  • CONNECT through Small Groups

    At St. Stephen's, faith-based small groups enable parishioners to build deep relationships with God and with one another. We are excited to offer a full complement of small groups this fall. All the information needed to register can be found in this form.

  • We are excited that you're interested in joining a small group. Below you will find some important information to help guide your registration process.

    • Most groups will run from the week of March 9 through the week of May 11.
    • We hope to connect everyone who is interested in small groups with one of the options they're interested in; however, it is not always possible to accommodate individual constraints.
    • Registration closes on February 16!

    If you have any questions or feedback as you fill out this form, please reach out to the Rev. Cate Anthony. 

    Wondering which small group is the best fit for you? The chart below helps compare the qualities of each type of group (Emmaus, Focus, and Being With). Click on the image to see it up close.

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  • Emmaus Groups

    Emmaus groups gather 6-12 people regularly for a time of prayer, conversation, and fellowship. The purpose of these groups is to help members connect more deeply with God and one another. 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.

  • 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 topics may pop up throughout the program year. In most cases, these groups have no prerequisite other than a curious mind and attentive heart.

  • We are delighted to offer a variety of special focus groups this term. Below is a list of groups with details about each offering:

    Racial Healing Circles | Thursday mornings

    The work of racial healing is a vital spiritual practice which draws us all closer to the world as God imagines it to be. Building on St. Stephen's growing racial justice ministry, these small groups offer a brave space for participants to share stories about their personal journey toward healing. Group members will pray, reflect, and practice together over the course of 8 weeks, facilitated by members of our racial healing commission. No prior experience or formation is necessary-- all you need is a heart for the work of racial healing and justice!

    Universal Christ Reflection group | Thursdays at 6:30pm

    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. 

    Celtic Spirituality Book Group | Tuesdays at 7pm starting March 11

    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. Some meetings will be virtual; others will be in person at St. Stephen’s.

  • We strive to offer a broad variety of focus groups over the course of each program year. We are excited to share that we are preparing to launch a new Spirituality of Aging small group this year. In preparation for this group, we will convene a series of listening sessions to help facilitators and staff design this program to fit the needs of our community. Please stay tuned for more information on these focus groups in the eSpirit and Spirit.

  • Being With Groups

    Being With groups gather 5-15 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. These groups meet for ten sessions.

  • About the program, the Rev. Sam 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.” 

    Click here to learn more about Being With.

  • Basic Information: About You

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