Small Groups at St. Paul’s, Ivy

Whether you’re new to the Christian faith, The Episcopal Church, St. Paul’s, Ivy, or if you’ve been at St. Paul’s forever, you’re invited to join this small group where conversations about the fundamentals of our faith give way to authentic connection and community. Fr. Justin and Mthr. Amanda lead the group over the course of five sessions to explore what it means to live as a Christian and an Episcopalian in the world today. How do we read the Bible? What do we really believe? What’s so special about the sacraments? How exactly did the Episcopal church come to be? And what does it mean to be a member of the St. Paul’s, Ivy parish family? You’ll be surprised at the rich conversations these questions inspire! Come with us on this journey, and ask all those questions you’ve always wanted to ask, in a friendly small group environment.

Living Your Faith groups

New sessions are offered throughout the year. Watch for session announcements in The Vine. If you are interested in joining a Living Your Faith group, please email Mthr. Amanda or Fr. Justin to let them know.

Participation in this group serves as preparation for adult Baptism, Confirmation, or Reception into the Episcopal Church from other denominations, as well as membership at St. Paul’s, Ivy. Childcare can be made available if needed.

For more information, contact Mthr. Amanda.

Wednesdays (all year), 11:00 a.m., in Neve Hall

This weekly Bible study is led by our rector and requires no pre-reading or preparation. The group reads a selection of scripture, and the discussion is guided by the questions that emerge, with a special focus on understanding the Christian faith and the application of the Holy Scriptures to daily Christian life. Grab your Bible and join them any Wednesday morning, immediately following the 10:00 a.m. Wednesday Eucharist with Prayers for Healing.

Mondays (during the program year), 9:30 a.m., in the Parish Hall

Are you feeling a desire to grow deeper into scripture, church history and theology? At St. Paul’s, Ivy, our Education for Ministry (EfM) group meetings foster a warm, accepting space for adult seekers to learn, question, and follow their call to serve God. The curriculum, provided by the University of the South School of Theology, is designed for reflection on how our scripture, tradition, and practice inform our daily walk with God, and includes a year each on the Old Testament, New Testament, church history, and theology. This short video by Presiding Bishop Curry describes the EfM experience very well.

This year EfM is introducing a one-year program called EfM Wide Angle that offers an EfM experience with a less rigorous time and reading commitment. It is ideal for new students who might want to test drive EfM before committing to the four-year program. Wide Angle also welcomes EfM graduates who want to continue their theological studies.

New EfM groups form each fall. To enroll or learn more about this transformational program please call (‭434-979-6354‬) or email the church office.

2nd Tuesday of the month, 6:30 p.m.

Ruth and Naomi, Mary and Elizabeth… these are just two examples of the many life-giving women’s relationships in the Bible and their stories, along with those of the other women in scripture, are foundational to our understanding of our Christian faith. Our Women’s Group spends time together in fellowship and Bible study to strengthen the spiritual friendships and sisterhood of women in our parish.

The group gathers in private homes or in Neve Hall at 6:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month (*during our program year). Guests are asked to bring a beverage or a snack to share, and to be present with an open heart and mind.

For more information or to be added to the contact list, please contact Mthr. Amanda.

1st and 3rd Saturday of each month*,
7:45 a.m.–9:00 a.m., in Neve Hall

The St. Paul’s, Ivy Men’s Group meets for prayer, fellowship, and Bible study on the first and third Saturdays of each month (*during the program year). Topical discussions are centered on the Gospel reading for the following day as well as other resources on the Christian faith. Join the Men’s Group to find meaningful, faithful community with other men at St. Paul’s, Ivy. For more information, or to join the group, please contact Geoff Bollier.

Monthly Gatherings

During the program year, this group, designed for families with infants and toddlers, meets regularly for different activities and events designed to be either young-family-friendly or for parents of young children (with provided childcare at the church). Led by parishioners Kathryn Fish and Meg Flanagan, this group will meet for activities like backyard cookouts, pumpkin patch visits, movie nights, and more. For more information, or to join this group and connect with other young families at St. Paul’s, Ivy, please contact Mtr. Amanda.

The St. Paul’s, Ivy Young Professionals Group offers an opportunity for young adults to form relationships and friendships during a stage in life when networks and communities can change quickly, and a source of grounded faith and friends can feel particularly welcome. This group is a growing community of young adults who meet once or twice a month for fellowship. For more information about the Young Professionals ministry, please contact ">Gabe Simerson.

Explore the beauty of God’s creation with this family-friendly group on a variety of outdoor adventures! Hike, paddle, climb, and more with your St. Paul’s, Ivy friends on adventures that are generally scheduled on a monthly basis, and led by parishioner and outdoor enthusiast Chris Fields-Johnson. For more information or to join this group, contact Chris or Mtr. Amanda.

Coming in 2026!

Our popular mystery dinner event, Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner continues into 2026!  You can sign up to host a dinner or be a guest, and the mystery is that no one knows who they’ll be at the table with until the dinner begins! These dinners are a great way to get to know more people from our parish, and they’re a whole lot of fun. Hosts provide an entrée and beverages; guests bring a side dish or dessert. Our 2026 dinners will be held on Thursday, February 26, Thursday, May 7, and Thursday, July 30. Save the dates today! For more information, contact Mthr. Amanda.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What if I’d like to attend as a guest but won’t be able to host a dinner in the future? Is it still okay to participate?
A: Absolutely!! The fun of this event is that folks get to choose which role to fill for each date’s events. There is no expectation of reciprocation at all!

Q: What if I’m allergic to pets or prefer to avoid them altogether?
A: That’s an easy one — just note that on your registration form and we’ll be sure you get to go somewhere where your allergies/preferences can be honored.

Q: What about children or teenagers? Is this an adult-only event?
A: By no means! All ages are welcome to participate. Hosts will indicate if they are able to host children, so families who’d like to participate together can be confident that they’ll be assigned a home where children are welcome.

Mondays, 1:00–2:15 p.m, Parish Hall

Led by parishioner and professional yoga teacher Ra, this small group meets for some movement and centering through gentle yoga. Adaptations for mobility issues are provided. $20 fee per session.