Study & Small Groups

Connecting in Ways that Speak to You

Compassion Circle  The Compassion Circle is a rich and empowering spiritual practice borrowed from the Servant Leadership School of Greensboro, NC. Through meditation and prayer, it brings people together in a spirit of communion – communion with one another and with God.

The purpose of this communion is to awaken the heart of compassion – compassion for oneself, for others, for all of creation. As this compassion becomes an outpouring of love for the world, we become co-creators with God in the realization of God’s dream for the world. This co-creative activity is supported by the individual practice of various spiritual disciplines which will be discussed in the group. We meet on Saturday mornings from 8:30-10:30 in the parlor. The first half hour will be a breakfast of coffee, fresh fruit, and bagels. Please join us – the world is crying out for more compassion! Your compassion – in communion and co-creation with God and others – may make all the difference.

Men's Mid-Week Morning Bible Study  Join leader Mike Akermann Wednesday mornings 7:00-7:45 for bible study. Explore what scripture has to say about responsibility, vulnerability, humility and balance. The sessions involve lively discussions but minimal outside reading and preparation. And there's also plenty of juice, coffee and rolls!

Women and the Word  During the school year, this group meets every Thursday morning from 9:30 – 11:30 in the parlor (the room with couches at the front of the church).

They often study a book or review a DVD series (e.g. –  Same Kinds of Different as Me, Take This Bread, Jesus Freak, An Altar in the World, The Irresistible Revolution, Living the Questions, and Servant or Sucker). Discussions can be lively, poignant, and hilarious. 

Women and the Word is much more than a book study, however. Meeting for two hours every week has brought the group close. Members often share the joys and challenges of their lives, and receive support from the group. But don’t think it’s closed to newcomers – drop in whenever you can! 

Wednesday and Thursday Evening Classes  On Wednesday and Thursday evenings, men and women gather in the parlor to explore aspects of faith, spirituality and life. The groups begin at 6:30 (with many gathering at 6:00 to share a BYO brown bag dinner) and conclude at 8:00. Childcare is provided. Senior Pastor Larry Kleiman and Associate Pastor Lori Bievenour lead the discussions.

The Good Book Club Join us one Sunday a month at 7:00pm in the parlor to discuss a book of the gorup’s choosing.  The book titles and discussion dates are posted well in advance in monthly newsletters, weekly bulletins, and weekly emails. 

Special Workshops  Throughout the year, our pastors and/or outside speakers hold special workshops on issues important to members. Recent sessions: When your Parent Needs You and Discovering God’s Vision for Your Life.

Dine with Nine  Dine with Nine has long been a tradition of our congregation. Typically, groups of nine people have been coordinated to share meals and/or an activity together, usually once a month for six months. This provides a unique way to meet new people, reconnect with old friends, and share in fellowship with other St. Peter’s friends.