Throughout the year, with an open heart and an open mind, we are nourished and strengthened in our Christian journey through participation in a variety of formation and education opportunities. All are welcome!
The office of Caring Ministries will be launching a Fall offering titled “Exploring Spirituality”. This is an 8-week long event offered on Sundays 1:30 pm September 26th – November 21st, in the Parlor.
Exploring Spirituality Fall Series Exploring…
*Feelings *Values *Strengths
*Gratefulness *Grief *Hope
*Positive Thinking *Forgiveness
Deacon Ron Steed hosts a weekly, guided healing-prayer meditation on Fridays at 8:00 am on zoom. He will lead you into a safe and quiet space with silence and storytelling, then guide the listeners through some healing prayer for whoever is on their hearts. We should finish in about 30 minutes. It is a good time to lift the burdens of the week from your shoulders onto God’s and for us to make our collective healing energies available to the Spirit. For more information and the zoom link, please contact Ron at ronaldsteed@gmail.com (860) 326-9576.
From the YogaMass.com website: In YogaMass, we remember and embody the promise of Jesus, “The Kingdom of God is within you.” YogaMass® is a unique worship experience engaging and integrating all of our dimensions — physical, psychological, emotional, mental, energetic, social, and spiritual. It reconnects us, through sacred ritual and practices, to the divine presence among us, within us, and in the sacred meal that we share as we seek to be transformed into the likeness of Christ. To sign up for the YogaMass held virtually on the Second Saturday of the month, go to the website.
Every week, 12-15 participants meet for Biblical Studies in order to familiarize themselves with the various traditions and sources that contribute to the understanding of scripture. Four books have been read and discussed this year. Some of the books this group has read: Beyond Belief: The Secret Gospel of Thomas by Elaine Pagels; Paul and Jesus by James D. Tabor; No god by God: The Origins, Evolution and Future of Islam by Reza Aslan.
This group was established in 2016 by the Decker Fund Committee for those over 60 years of age, per the bequest’s guidelines. In the nine months since its inception, seven written works were discussed relevant to this age with an average of 15 to 30 in attendance. Discussion books have included: The Gift of Years by Joan Chittister; The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion; Can’t we talk about something more pleasant by Roz Chast; What I Know Now by Ellyn Spragins; In the Slender Margin by Eve Joseph, A Man called Ove by Fredrik Backman, The End of Your Life Book Club by Will Schwalbe.
Join Life Long Learners on Tuesday, October 19 at 1:30 to discuss “Stupid Things I Won’t do When I Get Old” by Steven Petrow.
For fans of David Sedaris and Nora Ephron, a humorous, irreverent, and poignant look at the gifts, stereotypes, and inevitable challenges of aging, based on award-winning journalist Petrow’s wildly popular New York Times essay.
To order a book – please contact Pat Carlson at:
The Mary Brewster Fund was established with the purpose of enhancing the personal and spiritual growth of women at St. Stephen’s parish. The fund organizes tours, speaking-engagements, and retreats. Events are held throughout the year to cultivate fellowship, aiding the spirituality of women parishioners and educating the parish regarding women’s experiences.
Holy Cross Monastery Retreat 10/22-24
The Mary Brewster Committee has organized another incredible women’s retreat at Holy Cross Monastery in West Park, NY. It’s time again to sign up!! Holy Cross Monastery houses the largest monastic retreat facility in the Episcopal Church and sits on twenty-six gorgeous acres on the west bank of the Hudson River. You can view the web site at: http://www.holycrossmonastery.com/.
This two-day retreat includes a private room with a shared bath, all meals from Friday’s dinner until Sunday’s lunch (October 22 to 24, 2021) and a workshop on Spiritual Intimacy led by wonderful Br. Josép. Br. Josép will share insights on spiritual intimacy, including solitude, contemplation, companionship and outreach, based on his experience as a Benedictine monk. The retreat will consist of reflections, discussions, exercises and Q&A times along with much needed fellowship.
The total cost for this fabulous retreat is $320 per person, with $245 subsidized by the Mary Brewster Committee, leaving an incredibly low cost to you of $75.
Holy Cross Monastery requires proof that attendees have fully received the COVID vaccinations.
We have a limited number of rooms reserved so please send your name, e-mail address, cell phone number and a copy of proof you were fully vaccinated along with the total cost of $75.00 by July 31st to Marie Bess, 1 Elderberry Lane, Ridgefield 06877. Checks can be made payable to St. Stephen’s Church and write MBF Oct Retreat in the memo. Please direct all questions to: Marie Bess at 914-217-0766 or mebess@me.com. Register early as places are limited.
A mid-day opportunity!
Join the ECCT Region Missionaries (Rev. Rachel Thomas, Dylan Mello & Maggie Breen) for an hour-long conversation around the Way of Love
About this event These seven topics (Worship, Pray, Learn, Rest, Turn, Go, Bless) will be discussed each week, with some video experiences before we meet and time to inwardly digest what each means to you. Join us for an hour roughly every two weeks beginning in September, on Tuesdays, at noon. Come for one session or come for all of them.
Many religions use prayer beads as a prayer tool for focus and memory. See the link below for how to use Anglican Prayer Beads.
