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.
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.
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.
Men’s Group
Men from St Stephen’s gather in the rector’s office the fourth Saturday of every month (with some exceptions). This coming season we are reading and reflecting on “The Book of Joy,” co-authored by Archbishop Desmond Tutu and the Dalai Lama. We meet from 8am until about 9.30, and our time together brings us closer to one another and to God.
Latest News About Our Adult Ministries
Against Tyranny, ep. 06 (out of six) / Risking seeing and being seen
Listen along to episode four in our Lenten Web Series–discussions on Timothy Snyder’s Against Tyranny and passages of scripture. This week, we discuss chapter 12 “Make Eye Contact and Small Talk” alongside excerpts from the Pirkei Avot on the parable of the wedding banquet. We are also joined by the Rabbi Nicki Greninger, Director of Lifelong Learning for…
Against Tyranny, ep. 05 / Investigate, question, trust, believe
Listen along to episode four in our Lenten Web Series–discussions on Timothy Snyder’s Against Tyranny and passages of scripture. This week, we discuss chapter 11 “Investigate” alongside the Gospel of Matthew on the parable of the wedding banquet. We are also joined by the Jerome Baggett, Ph.D., Professor of Sociology at the Jesuit School of Theology. If you’ve got…
![Against Tyranny, ep. 04 / Our Bodies and [Un/]Familiar Places](https://ststephensorinda.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/spencer.png)
Against Tyranny, ep. 04 / Our Bodies and [Un/]Familiar Places
Listen along to episode four in our Lenten Web Series–discussions on Timothy Snyder’s Against Tyranny and passages of scripture. This week, we discuss chapter 13 “Practice Corporeal Politics” alongside the Gospel of Matthew 22:1-14 on the parable of the wedding banquet. We are also joined by the Rev. Spencer Hatcher, Director of Recruitment and Assistant…
Against Tyranny, ep. 03 / How we speak, how we listen
Watch episode 3 of 6 of St. Stephens’ Lenten web series, Against Tyranny, a conversation about faith and discipleship and public life reflected against scripture and Timothy Snyder’s On Tyranny. Buy the book locally HERE. Each week, Steve and Ethan join with a different guest–a friend or colleague. This week we have with us the Rev. Canon Alissa Newton,…
Against Tyranny, ep. 02 / Christianity & the Role of Institutions
Watch episode 2 of 6 of St. Stephens’ Lenten web series, Against Tyranny, a conversation about faith and discipleship and public life reflected against scripture and Timothy Snyder’s On Tyranny. Buy the book locally HERE. Each week, Steve and Ethan join with a different guest–a friend or colleague. This week we have with us the Rev. Dr. Rebecca Lyman,…
Against Tyranny ep. 01 / Courage & the life of Faith
Watch episode 1 of 6 of St. Stephens’ Lenten web series, Against Tyranny, a conversation about faith and discipleship and public life reflected against scriptre and Timothy Snyder’s On Tyranny. Buy the book locally HERE. Each week, Steve and Ethan join with a different guest–a friend or colleague. This week we have with us Mary…