To follow Jesus means to be his disciple — which means “student” — and for all us students, there is always more to learn about scripture, tradition, and the practices of living a Christian life. In keeping with tradition, we do that together as a community of practice. The basic idea is that by living our lives in imitation of Jesus, we become more like him: generous, free, merciful, loving, oriented toward justice, able to forgive, and above all, faithful to God. Below find a glimpse of what’s coming up this year. All are welcome, contact us for more information.
Everyday Spirituality Book Group
Please join us this summer for the launch of a new book group that will allow us to talk about our faith in relation to the real-life issues we face everyday. In partnership with Pat Rudebusch and Orinda Books, the current plan is to meet every other month (always on a Wednesday in the early evening) to discuss a book and maybe even hear from the author. Anyone can attend, drop in when the book seems interesting, and volunteer to choose a book and moderate a session. Also, NO guilt if you come but haven’t read the book!
It is our hope that this group can become part of your spiritual formation and part of your experience of the St. Stephen’s community! You can sign up here.
We’ve planned the first three sessions and hope that there is good reason to continue beyond these:
July 20 at 5:30 pm Inspired: Slaying Giants, Walking on Water and Loving the Bible Again by Rachel Held Evans
September 14 The Thank You Project: Cultivating Happiness, One Letter of Gratitude at a Time by Nancy Davis Kho
November 2 The Night Lake: A Young Priest Maps the Topography of Grief by Liz Tichenor (Rector, Church of the Resurrection in Pleasant Hill)
We hope to see you at the first gathering on July 20. Please sign up here if you think you can make it. Also, please support independent booksellers and get your copy of Inspired at Orinda Books or wherever you get your books!
Wednesday Night Bible Study
Gathering together on Wednesday nights to share a meal, to tell stories, and to learn and listen together while reading the Bible is a time-honored tradition. Christians of all denominations use this time mid-week to strengthen their faith and develop relationships with one another and with the living God revealed to us in scripture.
Wednesdays from 6pm to 8pm. Dinner begins at 6pm, program and discussion begins at 6.30pm. We take breaks during Summer months, or briefly between sessions. Please contact Rev Steve for the latest plan.
Anti-Racism
As part of the Episcopal Church’s commitment to Becoming Beloved Community, St Stephen’s has been undertaking a series of Anti-Racism curricula and discussion groups. From the Fall of 2021 to the Spring of 2022 we convened two circles working our way through the Sacred Ground program. Plans for the Fall of 2022 are being made. Please be in touch with Rev Steve if you would like to know more about our commitment to this aspect of our faith.
Seasonal Programs in Advent and Lent
During the seasons of Advent and Lent, we offer additional programs to enrich your spiritual life. Details will be provided closer to the dates, but previous programs have included additional Wednesday night discussions, Sunday morning programs (between services), and material to take home and develop into a personal practice for individuals and families.
Weekend Retreats
“Retreats” are a time set apart, when members of the community can put aside all our worldly cares and spend time together in concentrated community: talking, learning, sharing meals, and often just “wasting time with God” for the sake of getting in some good Sabbath.