Small Groups (Fall 2025)

Bishop Budde is the spiritual leader of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington and the Washington National Cathedral. While she came to national prominence during a prayer service when she implored the new administration to have mercy on the people in our country who are scared right now, this moment was the culmination of a lifetime spent thinking about those pivot points when we are called to push past our fears and act with strength. In this book, Bishop Budde explores the universality of these moments, weaving together her personal experiences along with stories from scripture, history and pop culture.

Through deeply personal stories and theological reflections, Savannah Guthrie explores what it means to trust in God’s love—especially when life is uncertain, messy, or full of questions. Drawing from Scripture, her own faith journey, and everyday moments of grace, she reminds us that God’s love isn’t something we have to earn—it’s already here, everywhere, all the time.

Each week, we’ll read a selection of short, accessible essays from the book and come together to reflect on themes like love, grace, hope, and purpose. This study is designed for anyone seeking a renewed vision of God’s goodness—no matter where you are on your spiritual journey.

We all walk through dark places. Some of us have come out on the other side. Some of us are right in the middle of it. And some of us can feel a shadow beginning to fall.

This fall, you’re invited to a small group centered on Learning to Walk in the Dark by beloved author and pastor Barbara Brown Taylor. Honest and warm, Taylor invites us to reconsider the dark, not as something to fear or escape, but as a sacred space where God might just meet us in ways the light never could. This is not a book about fixing or avoiding the hard parts of life; it’s about finding holiness in the shadows.

Join us for honest conversation, quiet reflection, and just maybe, surprising hope.

Participants may also choose to contribute in various ways to the All Saints Day worship service on Sunday, November 2 at 9am and 10:30am.

Over the years, interest in spiritual life has grown stronger, both within the church and within popular culture. In the face of a world filled with chaos, uncertainty, and constant change, spiritual practices and prayer shape us into people who can provide healing, love, and compassion in response. The twelve prayer practices in this book will help you take your relationship with God to a new level.

Creating a Life with God invites you to join traveling companions like Julian of Norwich and Ignatius to help illuminate each of these prayer practices. This 20th Anniversary Edition includes two new chapters and two new Saint Brigit, who invites us to take a spiritual look at climate change, and Howard Thurman, noted pastor, author, and contemplative, who invites us to explore how spiritual practices inspire social transformation.

Do you have questions about Jesus? We will be exploring the gospels to gain insight into what the Bible says about Jesus. What did he say? What did he do? And how does Jesus’ life make a difference in my life?

No previous Bible study is necessary. This study can be meaningful to those at any level. No particular version of the Bible is required. Come join us as we pursue a deeper relationship with Christ.

New! Here comes Season 4 of The Chosen – in the final year of His ministry, Jesus of Nazareth forms the foundation of his church led by (Simon) Peter, “The Rock.” He openly challenges Jewish religious leaders and long held traditions. Jesus performs His final miracle with the raising of Lazarus, and we experience the joy and gratitude of faith when Mary of Bethany anoints Jesus’ feet with oil meant for a King. We end the season just before Jesus enters Jerusalem for Palm Sunday.

Participants will watch an episode weekly and then come prepared to discuss the show with the help of Bill Syrios’ study guide. The Chosen is a free streaming series available on Amazon Prime, Netflix, YouTube and also through The Chosen app. Adults and teens are welcome to join.

**Note: There is sensitive subject matter and tough Gospel lessons in Season 4 that are addressed.**.

Join Pastor Derek for a practical and even uplifting discussion about planning your memorial service. We’ll talk about selecting meaningful scriptures, music, and rituals that reflect your faith journey and personal values. Come with questions and leave with resources to help ease the burden on loved ones while ensuring your service reflects your life and faith.

Polarization is one of the defining challenges of our time, dividing families, friendships, communities, and even churches. In this one-time conversation, we’ll explore how our faith calls us to move beyond echo chambers and hostility toward deeper listening, mutual respect, and shared values.

Drawing on the Apostle Paul’s call to “maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Eph. 4:3) and guided by proven conversation practices, participants will reflect on their own experiences, hear from others with different perspectives, and discover practical steps to bridge divides. Come ready to listen, share, and imagine how God might use us as peacemakers in a fractured world.

The Enneagram is an ancient tool for self-discovery and spiritual growth, offering insight into the patterns that shape how we see the world, relate to others, and experience God. In this 90-minute session, we’ll explore the nine Enneagram types through the lens of Christian spirituality.

Whether you’re brand new to the Enneagram or have studied it for years, this conversation will help you deepen your understanding of yourself and others, recognize both the gifts and challenges of your personality, and consider practical next steps for spiritual transformation.

Participants should take an Enneagram assessment prior to attending and come ready to learn, reflect, and share.

Nine principles for having the adult-to-adult relationship you’ve always wanted. If you have an adult child, you know that parenting doesn’t stop when a child reaches the age of eighteen. In many ways, it gets more complicated. Author Jim Burns helps us navigate the toughest and the most rewarding parts of parenting your grown kids.

This book study with explore a better approach to getting the relationship you want to have and includes positive principles for bringing kids back to faith, ideas on how to leave a legacy as a grandparent, and offers encouragement for every season. No doubt, we will learn what works and doesn’t work and this book will lead the group into some interesting conversations!