Small Groups

Within the context of a local church, a definition of "small group" is: "a voluntary, intentional gathering of three to twelve people regularly meeting together with the shared goal of mutual Christian support, growth, strengthening and companionship." Small groups commit to come together within that definition on a wide variety of bases: women, men, people who want to read the Bible together, people who want to read other spiritual books together, parents, people who want to run or walk together, people who have a particular vocation or avocation, to name a few. Prayer is a part of the life of every small group. Small groups are always gathered with trained leadership and clear norms (guidelines) that keep them healthy and clarify that they are not therapy groups. Watch for more small groups at St. Mark's.

Labyrinth, Prayer and Tea:
2nd and 4th Tuesdays, 10 – 11 am

Starting in front of the labyrinth, we share intercessory prayers, walk the labyrinth and then end with a cup of tea. Walking the labyrinth is not necessary; one may also use a finger labyrinth and meditate.
Contact Pam Malone: Pamwings@juno.com

Men's Breakfast Group:
2nd and 4th Saturdays, 8 – 9:15 am

Men of the parish are invited to a great breakfast and conversation on Saturday morning. They have breakfast, catch up with each other and have some quality conversation. They gather in the kitchen, walk about praying for others and ourselves — where is God in those prayers? What are we to think when it seems that our prayers are answered or when it appears that they are not answered?
Contact Randall Day: Randallday@msn.com, (201) 836-7275.

Listening for God
Wednesdays, 7:30 - 9 pm

Listening for God meets to prayerfully listen to one another, honoring God's Spirit in our midst. Silence is an essential part of our time together. Those who have participated in "Listening Hearts" or "Created and Called" will be familiar with the unique nature of this group.
Contact Dennie Bennett: associate@stmarksteaneck.org (201) 836-7275
or Jane Bellis: jqpbellis@yahoo.com, 201-843-5288

Prayerful Politics:
1st & 3rd Saturdays, 8: 30 – 9:30 am

Do you think religious fundamentalism has co-opted society's understanding of Jesus? Would you like a chance to explore the relevance of Jesus Christ in the new millennium? Then join the small group ministry, Prayerful Politics, for "Saving Jesus," a 12 session dvd/discussion-based program beginning Saturday, Oct. 7, meeting every first and third Saturday through April.

In a format similar to the "Via Media" program, the dvd features leading religious educators, theologians and lay ministers. There will be time for guided discussion on the dvd's content and on current political issues. The first session takes a look at Jesus through the ages and how politics and the needs of society shaped our understanding of Jesus's life and work. Bagels and coffee will be there, too. All views welcome.
Contact Teresa Austin: cctea@msn.com, 201-227-7407

Pancakes for Peace
3rd Saturdays, 8 – 9:30 am

Pancakes for Peace, a small group run by St. Mark's new Episcopal Peace Fellowship (EPF) chapter. Everyone is welcome (you do not need to be an EPF member). We will meet one another, explore a bit of the history of EPF, map out a direction for our local EPF chapter, and answer your questions about EPF. We will also decide whether the third Saturday of each month is a good time, generally to meet.

New Small Groups anticipated this year:

Lavender Lions — gay and lesbian spirituality