Learning & Growing

All Saints hosts several groups whose purpose is inquiry, learning and growth in understanding of our world, our faith and each other; these groups are listed below.  (There are also other groups where people join together for more social/fellowship purposes, and we welcome you to these as well.)  In addition to group environments for learning and growing, to support individual learning and inquiry All Saints has a library of over 2,000 volumes of reference, church history, popular books and children's books.There are also web resources for seekers, and others looking for inspiration and spiritual growth:

  • Explore Faith. Spiritual guidance for anyone seeing a path to God.
  • Episcopal Cafe. An independent Web site featuring news, commentary,  art, meditations and video.

Please see also our list of additional resources for worship and study.

Group Description More
Lectures and Programs Our part of the Bay Area has many educational opportunities.  There are frequent lectures at Stanford by world-renowned experts (recent events have included Karen Armstrong and Robert Putnam) as well as programs with a longer form (e.g., a half-day workshop with Diana Butler Bass).  These events are local but not typically on the All Saints campus. They are of interest for education, self- and community-understanding, and growth.  So we highlight them to bring them to others' attention and to foster the health of our church community and our community at large. More
Sunday Forum Forums are scheduled every Sunday  (Sep-May) at 9:15am and 11:30am -- after the 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. services.  There is always lively conversation and plenty of time to share questions and experience.  Recent topics have included a two-week miniseries on resurrection in scripture; a multi-week series providing an overview of the Episcopal / Anglican account of Christianity; a session on Compassionate Communication; and a meditation on the meaning of Incarnation.  More
Evening Bible Study The Bible Study group meets monthly on Wednesdays at 7:30pm at All Saints'.   Please contact the group leader, Phillip Palmer at pmpalmer@sbcglobal.net, for the current readings and meeting schedule. The group's current focus is the Hebrew Scriptures (aka "Old Testament").  All are welcome to join at any time. Participants are encouraged to share in the leadership of the discussions. History/background: More
Book Groups Book groups meet weekly for 4-6 weeks at various times during the year to read, study and discuss specific works that help us understand our faith, community and each other. Groups are small -- about 5-10 people -– and meet weekly on a schedule the group decides. Our rector provides a choice of books, and the group chooses one of them to read. Recent books include Phyllis Tickle’s “The Great Emergence” and Diana Butler Bass’ “A People’s View of Christianity”. For information about groups current or upcoming, contact: The Rev. More