Small groups, adult formation, and fellowship
St. Stephen’s Church offers a wide array of opportunities for adults
to grow in faith with others.
Small groups and other 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. Registration for a variety of groups will open in the fall. Updated descriptions will be available soon. (The button below takes you to a summary of past groups to give you a sense of those we have offered.)
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.
Thursdays, October 1 through November 19, 2026 | 10 a.m. in Room 14
The Letter to the Romans
In this fall’s Thursday morning Bible Study we will explore Paul’s Letter to the Romans. Romans has been enormously influential in the development of Christian faith, Christian theological reflection, and Christian practice. The longest of all the New Testament epistles, Romans contains many famous passages and the New Testament’s most developed theology of salvation.
We will examine the occasion on which Paul wrote to the Romans, what he sought to say to them, and what this meant in the context of Jewish-Gentile relations at the time. Romans offers careful readers much to reflect on, especially when reading and discussing with others.
No registration is needed for this offering, and you may join anytime. We meet in Room 14. All are welcome, and no previous experience is required.
An Invitation to the Episcopal Church
This introductory class is ideal for all who are exploring or interested in learning more about the Episcopal Church and about St. Stephen’s, whether you are newer here or newly curious. The class is also a good way to meet people. Topics include our unique identity and perspective, historical origins, our worship, beliefs, practices, and more. The class is excellent preparation if you are considering Baptism or joining the church from another Christian tradition. Most of all, this is a supportive and welcoming place to ask questions, however big or small. It will be led by two members of St. Stephen’s clergy.
We offer this course several times a year and post upcoming class dates and times here, and announce them in the Spirit and eSpirit.
Next class
Wednesdays, 6:30-8 p.m., October 7 through November 18, 2026
In the Café @ St. Stephen’s
Registration available soon
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.
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.
More about Fellowship
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.
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 posted each week as soon as it becomes available.