Adult Formation and Fellowship
St. Stephen’s Church offers a wide array of opportunities for adults
to grow in faith with others.
Groups and Offerings for Adults
St. Stephen’s is a large church where a variety of groups help people feel connected through fellowship, study, prayer, and more, whether you’re looking for a group of young adults, senior adults, men, women, parents. . . we provide a variety of ways for you to get to know others, to know yourself better, to learn something new, and to grow closer to God.
Small Groups
St. Stephen’s Church has a robust small groups ministry. Read more about the variety of groups by clicking the button.
Bible Study
A Thursday morning Bible study convenes for several weeks at a time, focusing on a particular book of the Bible or a specific theme. This group is led by St. Stephen’s clergy. Upcoming dates and themes are posted here and in the Spirit and eSpirit.
September 25-November 20 | 10 a.m. in Room 14
The Revelation to John
Join St. Stephens’ clergy and other intrepid parishioners for our Thursday Bible Study beginning on September 25 at 10 a.m. and continuing through November 20. This fall we will study the Revelation to John, the very last book of the Bible. Mysterious and intimidating, Revelation overflows with images and ideas that confound our modern sensibilities, including dragons, angels, and Armageddon! Together we will dive into John’s Revelation, discovering what messages this story has for us today. No prior experience is required to participate. Questions? Contact the Rev. Cate Anthony.
The Women of St. Stephen’s
The Women of St. Stephen’s host monthly programs and speakers, as well as outreach activities, trips and tours, social gatherings, and more. They also run a gift shop that raises funds for community grants. While leadership for these offerings is provided by women, everything is open to all.
Young Adults
Adults of all ages are welcome in the groups and classes described here. In addition, we have groups and events that are planned especially for young adults. While the definition of “young” is up to you, we invite adults who are single, partnered, with or without children, and generally speaking, in their 20s, 30s and 40s. Young adult offerings can include such things as small groups, book groups, social events, outreach and service projects, and more. They are announced in our weekly communications and through young adult email blasts.
Senior Adults
Adults of all ages take part in nearly everything we offer at St. Stephen’s Church, from small groups to the Women of St. Stephen’s, outreach ministries to cooking parish suppers or May Fair House foods, attending the parish weekend at Shrine Mont and Bible study–to name just some of these activities. Some groups and activities, however, are especially for senior adults.
The Path Ahead: Spirituality and Purpose in Later Life
On Tuesdays this fall (October 7-November18) from 10:30 a.m. to noon, St. Stephen’s will offer a group designed to build community among older adults as we explore the challenges and rewards of aging within a spiritual context. Together we will explore questions such as: Who am I as I age? How do I face new challenges at this time of life? How do I “let go” and shift from doing to being? What is my passion and purpose? How is God summoning me now? The program will emphasize group participation, supported by short readings and videos, poetry and prayer, and exploration of various contemplative practices. Registration is required for this group by September 21.
St. Stephen’s clergy regularly visit Westminster-Canterbury or Cedarfield where many St. Stephen’s parishioners live. Our clergy lead worship services at Westminster-Canterbury, and work in partnership with area churches to provide support at Cedarfield, and attend events for our parishioners at both retirement communities.
Men’s Prayer Groups
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. All are welcome, and no registration is needed.
Sunday Formation
Sunday Forum
The Sunday Forum features members of our clergy and others from within the parish, as well as guest speakers, presenting on a variety of topics. The forum gathers on Sunday mornings in the fellowship hall between the 9 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. services during the program year (September through May). No sign-up is needed.
In September 2025, we’ll focus on “Foundations of Faith in Troubled Times.”
An Introduction to the Episcopal Church
This class is especially for those who are new to the Episcopal Church, but it can be an enriching experience for any who simply want to deepen their knowledge or who’d like a refresher. It serves as preparation for adults to be confirmed or received in the Episcopal Church during our annual visit from one of our bishops. Sometimes the class is offered on weekday evenings, at other times it’s offered Sunday mornings. We post upcoming class dates and times here, and announce them in the Spirit and eSpirit.
Next class TBA
Many Parents, One Vine
Many Parents, One Vine gathers in Room 14 on Sundays between the 9 and 11:15 a.m. services during the school year. This is a parenting support group which uses podcasts, readings, and guest speakers to launch discussions, while remaining open to addressing topics that may arise within individual families or the community at large. No registration or prior attendance is required to participate.
Trailheads
Trailheads is a Sunday evening offering, taking place between the Celtic service and Compline. A trailhead is both a meeting place for hikers and a point of departure for an encounter. Likewise, on Sunday evenings we gather–sometimes in the Café @ St. Stephen’s, sometimes in Palmer Hall–to learn, share, and connect at the intersections of Christian life, practice, and faith. Bring your meal from the Sunday Community Supper if you like. Trailheads does not convene every week, so watch the Spirit and eSpirit for upcoming Trailheads offerings.
Wednesdays
Wednesday evening is another gathering time for St. Stephen’s, with a mid-week supper, youth choir rehearsal, and several small groups. This is also a time when we offer occasional programs, listed below; watch the Spirit and eSpirit for additional announcements.
The menu for the mid-week supper (September-May) is available each week on this page.
Wednesday evenings this fall: Practices of Faith in a Turbulent World
In a time of division and political strife, remaining in touch in our faith can seem like an impossible task. Join St. Stephen’s clergy as they reflect on practices which ground us in faith even and especially as we navigate socio-political turbulence. Together we will consider how to have an enemy, what prayer looks like in the midst of times such as these, and how to protect and cultivate joy as a means of resistance to that which would divide us. No prior experience necessary; all are welcome.
September 17: How to have an enemy
September 24: How to pray in turbulent times
October 1: How to shield our joy