Adult Education & Christian Formation

Small Groups

Numerous small groups meet throughout the year. Sign-up sheets are available in the church office, or you may call or email the contact is listed for each group. Online registrations are now available, as well. Unless otherwise noted, there is no charge to join a small group. Many groups do have required texts or materials that group members purchase. However, parishioners are encouraged to join a group regardless of their ability to pay the full cost; in all cases, please pay what you are able.

Ongoing small groups are listed below. Short-term groups are listed here.

Emmaus Groups

This fall, St. Stephen's will introduce a new way of connecting through small groups. Emmaus Groups are small groups of 6-10 parishioners who meet weekly for 90 minutes.  Each group has one or two leaders who have received training in facilitating small groups, and the core of the gatherings is attentiveness to the spiritual growth of participants.  The groups will meet for 10-week covenant periods, one each in the fall, winter and spring. Read more about Emmaus Groups on our adult education pages, and sign up today. Participants may join a group at the beginning of a covenant period or drop out at the end of a covenant period.

The name “Emmaus” comes from the well-known story from the Gospel According to Luke about the disciples who encountered the resurrected Jesus on the road to Emmaus.  They have a deep, spiritual conversation with each other and with Jesus as they travel together, but it is only when they reach their destination and break bread together that they fully recognize Jesus.

Emmaus Groups are built on four "pillars," Spiritual Reflection, Mutual Care and Support, Prayer and Service.

Download more detailed information about Emmaus Groups and the Four Pillars.

Sign up to join an Emmaus Group.

Centering Prayer groups: Two groups formed following a visit last fall by the Rev. Tom Ward, who presented a day-long workshop on this form of prayer. More information on these groups is on our Contemplative Ministries page.

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Training is a program for those who are interested in learning how to better foster the spiritual growth of the youngest children while learning more about their own spiritual life. Though designed especially for those who are preparing to teach Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, it is open to anyone who is interested in studying the essentials of the Christian faith. Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is an approach to the religious formation of children, 3-6 years of age, in which children experience and nurture an authentic, faithful relationship with God. It is grounded in scriptural and liturgical study, and is based on the principle that the child desires to draw near to God. Space is limited to 15 participants. Information: Kathy Tappen, 358-1538, or kathytappen@verizon.net

One weekend a month, January-July 2008 (January 11-13, February 15-17, April 4-6, May 2-4, June 6-8, July 11-13) Friday 4:30-9:00 p.m., Saturday 9:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and Sunday 1:00-4:00 p.m. Cost: $650 (ask about scholarship assistance)

MACs: Mothers of Adolescent Children meets monthly September through May for conversation, prayer and mutual support. Members of our children’s and youth ministry staff often participate as well. Bring a sandwich and we will provide beverages and dessert. (Registration not required.) Information: Mary Virginia Scott, 740-6409

Second Tuesday of most months during the school year, noon

Mothers’ Bible Study is an opportunity for mothers of young children to meet for study, reflection and support while their children play and relax in the nursery. Most weeks, the group studies the upcoming Sunday Bible lessons read during the services, with special programs offered periodically for seasons such as Advent and Lent. Leadership is shared among the participants and Abbott Bailey is present on a monthly basis. (Registration not required.) Information: Paula Chambers 740-5939.

Wednesdays, 9:30-11:00 a.m. in the Library

The Prayer Shawl Ministry gathers in the Lounge each Wednesday following the Wonderful Wednesdays supper to knit, pray and enjoy one another’s company. Prayer shawls are knitted for distribution to those in our parish to whom we wish to give a tangible expression of love and prayers. Several times each year, we gather up the prayer shawls and bless them in church before they are distributed. If you would like to participate by knitting at home, you are welcome
to do so. This is an all-ages activity. (Registration not required.) Information: Constance Scott, 285-2009; Pam Strickland, 873-4431; or Weezie Blanchard

Wednesdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the Lounge

Thursday Bible Study is open to anyone who is interested in delving into the Bible one book at a time. It offers an introduction to the biblical text and biblical interpretation, enabling participants to gain knowledge of the Bible and how the books relate to one another. Through study and discussion, participants develop a deeper understanding of the Bible and engage their faith in meaningful ways. This is a drop-in study, allowing participants to attend whenever they are able. (Registration not required.)

Thursdays, 10:30-11:30 a.m.; led by Robin Mayer and Julie Williams

Other small group opportunities are available throughout the year. St. Stephen's also offers courses through the Servant Leadership School of Richmond.