Invest 2 Offerings - Fall 2009 through Spring 2010

SUNDAY MORNINGS, 9:30 TO 10:20, Childcare provided. Please join us for a continental breakfast starting at 9 am in the Parish Center.

[Special Note:  This year, a new Lectionary Discussion Group will also meet from 9:30 to 10:30 as an alternative to our other Invest 2 programming.  You may attend any or all of these meetings to discuss the weekly lesson.]

BACK 2 BASICS

Christianity and the Episcopal Church 101

This four-week course will be offered several times beginning in September and is taught by our rector, Pastor Willie. It will serve as an introduction to Christianity through the lens of the Episcopal Church. Topics such as “how do I read the Bible?” “what do Episcopalians believe about…?” and “what is St. Stephen’s Church all about?” will be addressed. The course is open to new members, seekers, and “old timers” alike.  These classes will be held in the School Library, located in Building 7 on the Facilities Map.

Session 1     September 20 to October 11, 2009

Discovery Weekend

This “weekend” (actually Friday night, Saturday morning, and Saturday afternoon) is offered to those who have gone through a “Back to Basics” class and make the decision to be either confirmed or received into the Episcopal Church during the visit of Bishop Leo Frade on Sunday, April 26. The purpose of the “Weekend” is to explore in more depth the topics covered in the Basics class.

Discovery Weekend is March 19 and 20, 2010, in the Parish Center, building 5 on the Facilities Map.

BEYOND THE BASICS

Parenting Discussion Group, September 20 to October 18

Your child may refuse to eat, hate homework, or ask to borrow the car keys.  Whatever the particular stage of development, there are common principles for helping children grow and develop.  "Discipline" means to teach, and both our faith and child study research support the idea that a positive approach to teaching our children is the most powerful way to instill lifelong Christian values.  Please join us to share what works - and what doesn't - in raising your child.

The group will be led by Jeff Brosco, Professor of Clinical Pediatrics at the University of Miami.  Jeff specializes in child development and behavior at the Mailma Center for Child Development.  It will be held in the Great Hall, building 6 on the Facilities Map.

Encountering The Divine in The Ordinary, October 25 to November 22

How and when do you find God?  How can we open our eyes to the unseen footprints of God in our experience of life and the world around us?  Explore this question with five guest speakers who will use a combination of personal tales, anecdotes, and questions made for the reflective journey.

 Our guests are Alan Greer, senior partner of Richman Greer law firm and author of Choices and Challenges: Lessons in Faith, Hope, and Love; Ann Rose, religion professor at St. Thomas University; Molly Asevey-Birkholm, meditation group leader for PTSD patients; Rabbi Eliot Pearlson, Rabbi of Temple Menhora, Miami Beach; Sensei Al Rapaport, who has practiced and taught Zen for 40 years and authored Buddhism in America and Open Mind Zen: A Guide to Meditation. 

Pilgrimage,  November 29 to December 20

Pilgrimage is a time-honored Christian practice, taking many forms.  Whether actually journeying to a far-away place as we will when we follow the pilgrim's route to the Holy Land in May, or taking a more inward journey such as walking the Labyrinth or keeping a journal, a pilgrimage brings us closer to God and closer to the person God created us to be.  Advent is an excellent time to consider pilgrimage in its many facets.

This class will be presented by Rev'd Wilifred Allen-Faiella and Rev'd Jo-Ann Murphy, who have each been ordained priests for 22 years.  They graduated from seminary together, and since then have participated in or led several pilgrimages to various holy sites.

Celebrating 100 Years, January 10 to February 7

Not many churches in Miami can celebrate a centennial anniversary!  As we kick off this year of celebration, come learn about our first 100 years.  Our Archive Committee has been collecting and organizing old photographs, newspaper clippings and other interesting bits and pieces of history.  Bring your questions, and bring your own recollections of our rich heritage.

Members of St. Stephen's community will come together to discuss the "good old days" before air conditioning and mosquito control, before St. Stephen lost his hands, back when women came to church in their hats and white gloves and corsets.  We will bring our memories and share our insights and hindsights.  All are invited to come and learn from the "old-timers."

"Behold, I Make All Things New" - A Lenten Journey with Spiritual Friends,"  February 21 to March 21

Join Reverend Jo-Ann for an exploration of great streams in the Christian journey, as we visit with classic giants of our faith:  Julian of Norwich, Evelyn Underhill, Thomas Merton, Francis of Assisi, and others.

Rev'd Jo-Ann Murphy is an experienced Spiritual Director.  She studied at the Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation in Bethesda, Maryland, and has been leading Quiet Days, Retreats, and Contemplative Prayer Groups for several years.  She has been an Associate of the (Episcopal) Order of Saint Helena since 1989.

The Gospel According to Hollywod, May 2 to May 16

Join Pastor Willie as we delve into the theology of three different films:  Shawshank Redemption, The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, and Grand Canyon.  You can rent and view these films ahead of time or join in a Wednesday evening movie right in the Parish Center on April 28, May 5, and May 12.  Or, ust come to hear the discussion.

Rev'd Wilifred Allen-Faiella is rector of St. Stephen's Episcopal Church.  Before her ordained ministry, Pastor Willie directed a theater company for the U.S. Army in Europe.  Under her leadership, this class will explore theological themes in cinema.