Get Rooted and Grow at GSP!
We offer lots of good things for folks of all ages. We welcome and encourage everyone to participate in the wide range of opportunities to get rooted and grow at GSP!
Amy Cormode
Children, Youth & Family Ministry

Catherine Penn Williams
Convener, Adult Spiritual Formation Team
Programs for Children, Youth & Families
(& Everyone Else)
Godly Play Workshop
Saturday, April 8 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm

Ever wonder what exactly we are doing down during Sunday School these days? Our children are being invited each week into deep work that is also quite playful. If you think you might want to be a part of our Godly Play circle, or if you are just curious, do join us. Lunch will be provided. RSVP is necessary. Sign up in the office or contact Amy Cormode at [email protected].  
The Nursery at GSP is Growing!

I have good news: Our nursery is growing; on two different Sundays in the past few months, we have had over eight children ages 0-3. Isn't that exciting?! This means we are in need of some additional Grandparently types who would enjoy sharing God's love with our youngest parishioners and visitors.  We have one paid worker, and need one parishoner each week. Consider joining this team by being on a rotation of once a month, or once every two months. The time frame is Sundays 8:45-noon. A short training is required. A background check and online abuse prevention course will also be necessary before beginning in this important place of service. Contact Amy Cormode with questions and interest at [email protected]. 

Sunday Mornings for Children & Youth

  • Nursery care is available from 8:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. for children ages 3 and under and is located in the Theresa of Avila Room.
  • Preschool-5th grade children’s formation in the Godly Play circle happens during the 10 a.m. service in the Mary of Bethany Room. Children join the church family at The Peace for the Liturgy of the Table.
  • Youth Spiritual Formation class is held at 9 a.m. for middle school youth and older, and is located in the St. Francis Room.
  • Youth group for middle school and high school students meets on Sunday evenings at 6 p.m. in the Bloom Room to share in a meal and discussion/activity.
  • Nursery care, children and youth spiritual formation classes are all located in the Education Center, below the sanctuary.  
Sundays for Adults at 9:00 am & 11:45 am
Have an idea for a class or group? Would you like to present a class
for Adult Spiritual Formation  at GSP? Please email us here.
We welcome all suggestions!
Why Palm Sunday?
Sunday, April 2 at 9:00 am in the Bloom Room

This program will use slides and historical information to answer such questions as:
  • Why is the day both Palm Sunday and Passion Sunday?
  • Why is it named “Palm Sunday”?
  • How is Palm Sunday linked to Ash Wednesday?
  • What does the donkey signify?
  • Do kings always ride horses?
  • What do palm branches signify?
  • What does the word “Hosanna” mean?
  • When is Palm Sunday?
  • What is the liturgical color for Palm Sunday?
  • How was Palm Sunday celebrated in earlier times?
  • How did the reformers treat Palm Sunday?
  • How have things changed in modern America?
  • What is GSP’s special link with Palm Sunday?
Presented by Chuck Dickson, a member of the adult spiritual formation ministry team. Chuck is a retired history teacher and one of our most popular presenters.
Episcopal 101 — for Everyone
Final session is Sunday, April 2 at 11:45 am in the Bloom Room

All inquirers and current members wanting a “refresher” are invited to learn more of the joy and highlights of the Episcopal path and sharing your journey in the 21st Century. In this six-session introduction to the Episcopal Church, we’ll discuss basic Episcopal liturgical practice, the idea of liturgy, and the Book of Common Prayer; offer a history of the Episcopal Church, its roots and sense of tradition--including where things stand in the church’s most recent controversy; and explain the structure and organization of the Episcopal Church; and what does it mean to be a member of Grace St. Paul’s Church? What do bishops do? What is Apostolic Succession? Why do we need priests? What direction does authority flow? Bring your questions to all the sessions! Participants may wish to buy the book Jesus Was an Episcopalian: a Newcomers Guide to the Episcopal Church by Chris Yaw to supplement the class experience but it’s not required.  Snacks will be provided.

Facilitated by Fr. Steve Keplinger, Rector of Grace St Paul's.
NOTE: There are no adult classes scheduled at 9:00 am on Palm Sunday (April 9),
Easter (April 16) or the Sunday following Easter (April 23)
The Rt Rev Kirk Smith, Bishop of Arizona
Sunday, April 23 at 11:45 am in McBride Hall

Join us for Bishop Smith's annual visitation at GSP. He will make a special presentation to the congregation in McBride Hall following the 10:00 am service.

Kirk Stevan Smith was elected the Fifth Bishop of Arizona on October 18, 2003 and seated at Trinity Cathedral, Phoenix, on October 15, 2004. You can find his weekly online message here.
Exploring Today's Lectionary
Sunday, April 30 at 9:00 am in the Bloom Room

One Sunday a month we provide an opportunity to discuss the Bible readings for that day in more depth in a small group setting. Come join us for a thoughtful but always lively conversation about scripture.

Jim Franks, a member of the Adult Spiritual Formation team, will facilitate this discussion.
Deepening Our Response: Going Underground to the Question of Violence Itself
Sunday, April 30 at 11:45 am in the Bloom Room

Whether your aim is to create political and social action around gun violence, or to obtain a wider grasp of the violent nature of our social and political world, join us for this presentation. We will hear and discuss points from the book Violence Unveiled: Humanity at The Crossroads by Gil Baillie, a Girardian-influenced, engagingly written classic on the nature of violence and the hope for overcoming it in our conflict-ridden world. Gun violence thrives on ground where there is increasing idealization, demonization and demoralization of people and communication. This is an old predilection, but one with stunning implications as we come to understand the shift in recent cultural events and how the archaic, religious mechanism of scapegoating has become a staple of politics and continues to escalate. Join us for a fascinating conversation! Join us for a fascinating conversation!

Danica Olson is a member of the GSP community and teaches Humanities and Writing.
GSP Readers Group
GSP Readers Group: Missing Person by Patrick Modiano
Friday, April 14 at 9:30 am  in the Bloom Room

In this strange, elegant novel, winner of France's premier literary prize, Patrick Modiano portrays a man in pursuit of the identity he lost in the murky days of the Paris Occupation, the black hole of French memory. Guy Roland suffers from amnesia, the period of his life before launching his career as a private investigator is almost a complete blank. Even his name and nationality are a mystery to him. Now after a career of solving other people's problems, he turns to his own. In this quest for identity, the very notion of self begins to fade under close scrutiny. All are welcome. No registration necessary.

For more information, please contact Vicki Stefani at 520-743-3978.
3rd Friday Film Series for Spring 2017
Priests on Film: The Struggle to Serve
We Have a Pope (Habemus Papam) (Italian-French, 2011)
Friday, April 21 at 7:00 pm in the Bloom Room (Note: There is no potluck before this film)

The ministry of priesthood has varied widely for those who have served in that capacity throughout human religious history. This spring our film series offers a look at three different cinematic examples of priestly service—and struggle. We Have a Pope, is a comedy-drama directed by Nanni Moretti. The title refers to the phrase used upon the announcement of a new pope. The story revolves around a cardinal who, against his wishes, is elected pope. A psychoanalyst is called in to help the pope overcome his panic. The director reportedly “wanted to depict a fragile man … who feels inadequate in the face of power and the role he's called to fill.”

Coming up:
Friday, May 19 at 7:00 pm: Adam's Apples (Danish, 2005)

Hosts Vicki and Joe Stefani are involved in a variety of ministries at GSP; Joe also serves on the vestry. Both are retired from the University of Arizona, where each taught writing and Vicki also taught literature and film. Click here for a downloadable flyer.
Understanding Scripture
For Everyone: Coffee, Bagels
and Bible Stuff
Every Thursday from 7:30-8:30 am in the Weeks Room

Join a diverse group in a discussion of the Bible. In our second year many are attending their first bible study and are enjoying the attempt to put the weekly readings into historical prospective while finding current application. 

All materials are provided. Drop-ins are welcome, and we start and end on time.

Facilitated by Bill Moore, GSP Junior Warden.

Bible Women
2 Fridays, April 7 & 21 from 10:30-11:30 am in the Weeks Room

What do the voices of women in scripture have to say to us about our own lives, regardless of our gender? This class studies the Bible through the words of women in the Old and New Testaments. The focus is on actual scripture and its contexts; an optional text, Bible Women: All Their Words and Why They Matter by Lindsay Hardin Freeman is available through Amazon.

The group meets twice a month on the 1st and 3rd Friday. No registration is necessary and participants are welcome to join the group at any time.

For more information contact Vicki Stefani at 520-743-3978.
Weekly Small Group Discussions
Sharing Our Spiritual Journeys
Every Monday from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm in the Bloom Room

Each week, in this small discussion group, we focus on a different intersection between spirituality, religion, and culture. We view short videos (10-15 min) by scholars and authors such as Richard Rohr, Marcus Borg, Diana Butler Bass, Christena Cleveland and other innovative church thinkers. The conversation is always a surprise and takes us where the Spirit guides.

Each session stands alone and participants are welcome anytime. 

Co-facilitated by Brian Arthur, Jim Franks and Catherine Penn Williams.
Saturday Java Jive:
Coffee & Conversation
Every Saturday from 8:30-11:00 am
at Epic Cafe (745 N 4th Ave, at University Blvd)

Want to meet and get to know folks in a relaxed and friendly environment? All are welcome to join this long-running motley crew that meets every Saturday morning for coffee and conversation. We never know who will show up, the topic is always up for grabs, and hilarity often ensues.

Spirit Song: A Monthly
Contemporary Worship Service
Programs of Interest Outside of GSP
Experiencing Transcendence
Kathryn Kuisle, PhD, Jungian Analyst
S aturday, April 29, 2017
Grace St Paul’s Episcopal Church, 2331 E Adams St (in the Bloom Room)

Lecture: The Annunciation: Transcendence Expressed through Art from The Renaissance
10:00 am-12:00 pm
Members: $15, Non-Members: $20

Workshop: Transcendence in Everyday Life
1:00-5:00 pm
Members: $50, Non-Members: $65

Download a flyer here. For more information, go to www.safoj.org.