Sunday Formation for Adults
Sunday morning formation takes place from 10:10 until 11 a.m.
For adults, this includes the Sunday Forum in the fellowship hall (also livestreamed) and Many Parents, One Vine in Room 14.
In the evening, between the contemplative service of Celtic Evensong and Communion (5:30 p.m. to about 6:30 p.m.) and the sung Compline service (8 to 8:30 p.m.) we offer a series called Trailheads. Those who wish may pick up supper at the Sunday Community Supper and bring it to the Café @ St. Stephen’s where Trailhead sessions take place, 7-7:50 p.m. (Please note that Trailheads does not convene every week; check this page and the Spirit and eSpirit for dates, speakers, and topics.)
Registration is not required for most Sunday formation offerings. The planners of Many Parents, One Vine, remind parents to complete the all-purpose family registration form which includes this offering. Registration is requested for An Introduction to the Episcopal Church. This class is offered a few times a year, sometimes on Sunday mornings, sometimes on weeknights.
The Sunday Forum
10:10 a.m. in the fellowship hall (and livestreamed)
The forum takes place from September through mid-May. It is livestreamed on the “This Sunday” page of the website.
Speakers include St. Stephen’s clergy and lay staff, as well as guest speakers.
Many Parents, One Vine
10:10 a.m. in Room 14
Many Parents, One Vine shifts to a series-based format this fall. The opening series will focus on navigating and supporting the mental health of children and teens. We will be joined by two licensed professionals from Summit Emotional Health, and will make space for conversation and resource sharing, as this is a topic that touches every person and family in some way.
Individual topics
September 27: Lowering anxiety and building resilience as children grow
October 4: Break for annual giving campaign presentation the Sunday Forum
October 11: Supporting different ways of thinking and learning among children/youth
October. 18: Teens’ mental health; when to be worried and what to do
October 25: Group discussion and resource sharing, facilitated by St. Stephen’s clergy
Trailheads
Sunday evenings, 7 –7:50 in the Café @ St. Stephen’s
Questions: the Rev. John Jenkins
Poetry Night
Sunday, September 27, 7–7:50 p.m.
Trailheads is our Sunday evening formation offering for adults. A new season of Trailheads begins with gathering with parishioners, newcomers, friends, and neighbors for a casual evening of poetry reading. Poetry has long been honored at St. Stephen’s Church and incorporated into worship and prayer, especially in the evening, alongside the poetry of both hymnody and the liturgy. All are welcome to gather to listen, and if you wish, to offer one or more works of your own or those of your favorite poets. Come and enjoy good company and good poems. To offer a reading, simply add your name to the sign-in sheet when you arrive. No advance sign-up is needed. There will be amplification so all may hear the readings.
Series: Contemplation, prayer and practices
October 11, Session 1: Contemplative Prayer 101
Writing in New Seeds of Contemplation, Thomas Merton described contemplation as “the highest expression of man’s intellectual and spiritual life. It is that life itself, fully awake, fully active, fully aware that it is alive. It is spiritual wonder. It is spontaneous awe at the sacredness of life, of being. It is gratitude for life, for awareness and for being.”
The practice of contemplation stands at the heart of many ministries and practices at St. Stephen’s Church. An October series in Trailheads—our Sunday evening formation offering—is titled “Contemplation: Prayer and Practices.” It begins begin October 11 with “Contemplative Prayer 101.” This introductory conversation will offer time to listen and wonder with others seeking their bearings, especially those newer to the concept of contemplation. No registration required. All are welcome, members and non-members alike. Bring curiosity and a generous spirit.
October 18, Session 2: The Labyrinth, walking prayer
Note different time and location for this session: 6:30 – 7:50 p.m. in Palmer Hall Chapel
You are invited into contemplative movement, walking prayer, with St. Stephen’s labyrinth, available following the 5:30 p.m. Celtic service. A presentation about the labyrinth is offered at 7 p.m. for all who are new to this practice, followed by time to walk or sit in prayer. The labyrinth is available in Palmer Hall Chapel, located opposite the parish office, near the Somerset main entrance. Come to explore for the first time, to walk, or simply sit in meditation. Votive candles will be available for you to light as a sign of your prayer. Facilitators from St. Stephen’s labyrinth guild will be present to offer guidance, so no prior experience is necessary.
October 25, Session 3: Lectio Divina
The third session in our series on contemplative prayer and practices will explore the ancient practice of lectio divina—sacred reading—and invite participants into the experience. Sara Mackey, longtime spiritual and ministry leader, and retired Unitarian Universalist minister, will offer a brief teaching and then lead an individual guided practice, which will take place mostly in silence. This process can be used with scripture or poetry. Practicing lectio divina individually differs from group practice in that participants are not invited to share your reflections. This makes makes the individual practice an excellent experience for those new to it.