In an Open Scripture Circle,

we start by checking in with each person gathered to find out what is on our minds and hearts. From the gathered questions and struggles, the teacher gives Scripture passage choices that fit the group. Then, we wrestle through whatever passage the group votes to explore. Together, we expand each other’s experience of what is sacred, whole, and good.

This circle will be led by Stephanie Spencer.

We ask you to consider making a donation for participating in this Scripture Circle. Alternative options are available- clicking the register button will allow you to chose what works for you. We never want cost to be the thing that keeps anyone from attending.

Please contact us if you try to get in but the study is full.  You will receive a confirmation email upon completing your registration.  If you do not receive an email, please contact us so we can confirm your registration.

Once you click on the link to register, you will be asked to log in with your email and password. If you have not registered before, just click on the "x" to register.  If you have forgot your password, you can enter your email to recover it. You will receive a confirmation email upon completing your registration. If you do not receive an email, please contact us so we can confirm your registration!

In a Lent Lunch, we start the way we always do- by checking in with each person gathered to find out what is on our minds and hearts, allowing the gathered questions and struggles to guide where we go.

In this season of preparation, our gatherings will be focused on the words of Jesus, specifically focused on the “I am” statements he makes in the book of John. As is the way of 40 Orchards, the invitation will be to wrestle with these texts without guarding a particular viewpoint or theology. We will let the Scripture, and each person in the room, to push us to ask questions we perhaps have never felt comfortable asking before.

We will meet for an hour each Wednesday during Lent, beginning Ash Wednesday, from 12-1pm Central Time. We are hopeful that this weekly rhythm of Scripture Circles will give us a an expansive experience of what is sacred, whole, and good. You are welcome to come to just one, or to register for all 7 gatherings. Please plan on attending anything you register for, as these circles are live, participatory, and not recorded.

On March 27, our passage will be John 15:1-11, in which Jesus says, “I am the true vine.”

This circle will be virtual and led by Stephanie Spencer. A zoom link will be emailed to registrants the day before the gathering.

There is no cost to register for a Lent Lunch. Donations are always welcome.

Please contact us if you try to get in but the study is full.  You will receive a confirmation email upon completing your registration.  If you do not receive an email, please contact us so we can confirm your registration.

Once you click on the link to register, you will be asked to log in with your email and password. If you have not registered before, just click on the "x" to register.  If you have forgot your password, you can enter your email to recover it. You will receive a confirmation email upon completing your registration. If you do not receive an email, please contact us so we can confirm your registration!

In a Lent Lunch, we start the way we always do- by checking in with each person gathered to find out what is on our minds and hearts, allowing the gathered questions and struggles to guide where we go.

In this season of preparation, our gatherings will be focused on the words of Jesus, specifically focused on the “I am” statements he makes in the book of John. As is the way of 40 Orchards, the invitation will be to wrestle with these texts without guarding a particular viewpoint or theology. We will let the Scripture, and each person in the room, to push us to ask questions we perhaps have never felt comfortable asking before.

We will meet for an hour each Wednesday during Lent, beginning Ash Wednesday, from 12-1pm Central Time. We are hopeful that this weekly rhythm of Scripture Circles will give us a an expansive experience of what is sacred, whole, and good. You are welcome to come to just one, or to register for all 7 gatherings. Please plan on attending anything you register for, as these circles are live, participatory, and not recorded.

On March 20, our passage will be John 14:1-7, in which Jesus says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.”

This circle will be virtual and led by Stephanie Spencer. A zoom link will be emailed to registrants the day before the gathering.

There is no cost to register for a Lent Lunch. Donations are always welcome.

Please contact us if you try to get in but the study is full.  You will receive a confirmation email upon completing your registration.  If you do not receive an email, please contact us so we can confirm your registration.

Once you click on the link to register, you will be asked to log in with your email and password. If you have not registered before, just click on the "x" to register.  If you have forgot your password, you can enter your email to recover it. You will receive a confirmation email upon completing your registration. If you do not receive an email, please contact us so we can confirm your registration!

In a Lent Lunch, we start the way we always do- by checking in with each person gathered to find out what is on our minds and hearts, allowing the gathered questions and struggles to guide where we go.

In this season of preparation, our gatherings will be focused on the words of Jesus, specifically focused on the “I am” statements he makes in the book of John. As is the way of 40 Orchards, the invitation will be to wrestle with these texts without guarding a particular viewpoint or theology. We will let the Scripture, and each person in the room, to push us to ask questions we perhaps have never felt comfortable asking before.

We will meet for an hour each Wednesday during Lent, beginning Ash Wednesday, from 12-1pm Central Time. We are hopeful that this weekly rhythm of Scripture Circles will give us a an expansive experience of what is sacred, whole, and good. You are welcome to come to just one, or to register for all 7 gatherings. Please plan on attending anything you register for, as these circles are live, participatory, and not recorded.

On March 13, our passage will be John 11:17-27, in which Jesus says, “I am the resurrection and the life.”

This circle will be virtual and led by Stephanie Spencer. A zoom link will be emailed to registrants the day before the gathering.

There is no cost to register for a Lent Lunch. Donations are always welcome.

Please contact us if you try to get in but the study is full.  You will receive a confirmation email upon completing your registration.  If you do not receive an email, please contact us so we can confirm your registration.

Once you click on the link to register, you will be asked to log in with your email and password. If you have not registered before, just click on the "x" to register.  If you have forgot your password, you can enter your email to recover it. You will receive a confirmation email upon completing your registration. If you do not receive an email, please contact us so we can confirm your registration!

In a Lent Lunch, we start the way we always do- by checking in with each person gathered to find out what is on our minds and hearts, allowing the gathered questions and struggles to guide where we go.

In this season of preparation, our gatherings will be focused on the words of Jesus, specifically focused on the “I am” statements he makes in the book of John. As is the way of 40 Orchards, the invitation will be to wrestle with these texts without guarding a particular viewpoint or theology. We will let the Scripture, and each person in the room, to push us to ask questions we perhaps have never felt comfortable asking before.

We will meet for an hour each Wednesday during Lent, beginning Ash Wednesday, from 12-1pm Central Time. We are hopeful that this weekly rhythm of Scripture Circles will give us a an expansive experience of what is sacred, whole, and good. You are welcome to come to just one, or to register for all 7 gatherings. Please plan on attending anything you register for, as these circles are live, participatory, and not recorded.

On March 6, our passage will be John 10:11-18, in which Jesus says, “I am the good shepherd.”

This circle will be virtual and led by Stephanie Spencer. A zoom link will be emailed to registrants the day before the gathering.

There is no cost to register for a Lent Lunch. Donations are always welcome.

Please contact us if you try to get in but the study is full.  You will receive a confirmation email upon completing your registration.  If you do not receive an email, please contact us so we can confirm your registration.

Once you click on the link to register, you will be asked to log in with your email and password. If you have not registered before, just click on the "x" to register.  If you have forgot your password, you can enter your email to recover it. You will receive a confirmation email upon completing your registration. If you do not receive an email, please contact us so we can confirm your registration!

In a Lent Lunch, we start the way we always do- by checking in with each person gathered to find out what is on our minds and hearts, allowing the gathered questions and struggles to guide where we go.

In this season of preparation, our gatherings will be focused on the words of Jesus, specifically focused on the “I am” statements he makes in the book of John. As is the way of 40 Orchards, the invitation will be to wrestle with these texts without guarding a particular viewpoint or theology. We will let the Scripture, and each person in the room, to push us to ask questions we perhaps have never felt comfortable asking before.

We will meet for an hour each Wednesday during Lent, beginning Ash Wednesday, from 12-1pm Central Time. We are hopeful that this weekly rhythm of Scripture Circles will give us a an expansive experience of what is sacred, whole, and good. You are welcome to come to just one, or to register for all 7 gatherings. Please plan on attending anything you register for, as these circles are live, participatory, and not recorded.

On February 28, our passage will be John 10:1-10, in which Jesus says, “I am the gate for the sheep.”

This circle will be virtual and led by Stephanie Spencer. A zoom link will be emailed to registrants the day before the gathering.

There is no cost to register for a Lent Lunch. Donations are always welcome.

Please contact us if you try to get in but the study is full.  You will receive a confirmation email upon completing your registration.  If you do not receive an email, please contact us so we can confirm your registration.

Once you click on the link to register, you will be asked to log in with your email and password. If you have not registered before, just click on the "x" to register.  If you have forgot your password, you can enter your email to recover it. You will receive a confirmation email upon completing your registration. If you do not receive an email, please contact us so we can confirm your registration!

In a Lent Lunch, we start the way we always do- by checking in with each person gathered to find out what is on our minds and hearts, allowing the gathered questions and struggles to guide where we go.

In this season of preparation, our gatherings will be focused on the words of Jesus, specifically focused on the “I am” statements he makes in the book of John. As is the way of 40 Orchards, the invitation will be to wrestle with these texts without guarding a particular viewpoint or theology. We will let the Scripture, and each person in the room, to push us to ask questions we perhaps have never felt comfortable asking before.

We will meet for an hour each Wednesday during Lent, beginning Ash Wednesday, from 12-1pm Central Time. We are hopeful that this weekly rhythm of Scripture Circles will give us a an expansive experience of what is sacred, whole, and good. You are welcome to come to just one, or to register for all 7 gatherings. Please plan on attending anything you register for, as these circles are live, participatory, and not recorded.

On February 21, our passage will be John 8:12-20, in which Jesus says, “I am the light of the world.”

This circle will be virtual and led by Stephanie Spencer. A zoom link will be emailed to registrants the day before the gathering.

There is no cost to register for a Lent Lunch. Donations are always welcome.

Please contact us if you try to get in but the study is full.  You will receive a confirmation email upon completing your registration.  If you do not receive an email, please contact us so we can confirm your registration.

Once you click on the link to register, you will be asked to log in with your email and password. If you have not registered before, just click on the "x" to register.  If you have forgot your password, you can enter your email to recover it. You will receive a confirmation email upon completing your registration. If you do not receive an email, please contact us so we can confirm your registration!

In a Lent Lunch, we start the way we always do- by checking in with each person gathered to find out what is on our minds and hearts, allowing the gathered questions and struggles to guide where we go.

In this season of preparation, our gatherings will be focused on the words of Jesus, specifically focused on the “I am” statements he makes in the book of John. As is the way of 40 Orchards, the invitation will be to wrestle with these texts without guarding a particular viewpoint or theology. We will let the Scripture, and each person in the room, to push us to ask questions we perhaps have never felt comfortable asking before.

We will meet for an hour each Wednesday during Lent, beginning Ash Wednesday, from 12-1pm Central Time. We are hopeful that this weekly rhythm of Scripture Circles will give us a an expansive experience of what is sacred, whole, and good. You are welcome to come to just one, or to register for all 7 gatherings. Please plan on attending anything you register for, as these circles are live, participatory, and not recorded.

On February 14, our passage will be John 6:32-42, in which Jesus says, “I am the bread of life.”

This circle will be virtual and led by Stephanie Spencer. A zoom link will be emailed to registrants the day before the gathering.

There is no cost to register for a Lent Lunch. Donations are always welcome.

Please contact us if you try to get in but the study is full.  You will receive a confirmation email upon completing your registration.  If you do not receive an email, please contact us so we can confirm your registration.

Once you click on the link to register, you will be asked to log in with your email and password. If you have not registered before, just click on the "x" to register.  If you have forgot your password, you can enter your email to recover it. You will receive a confirmation email upon completing your registration. If you do not receive an email, please contact us so we can confirm your registration!

Our 40-Week Cohort Circle

Our cohort program is a place of to rebuild while surrounded by community. That community may not be people who are the same age or gender or sexual orientation as you. You may have different kinds of baggage in your religious history. What you have in common is a desire to pick up the Bible and have it come alive again. To learn to read its text more expansively and vulnerably. To hope that there is still a Spirit at work in the world. To have your voice and perspective be welcomed with love and belonging. We’d love to have you join us!

Check out our cohort page for more information.

The 2024 cohort will start January 12, 2024, with full day Scripture Circles on the 2nd Friday of each month.

The first step if you are interested is to connect with us. We'll set up a time (maybe coffee, a walk, or a Zoom) to get to know each other and find out of cohort is the right next step. Let us know about your interest by filling out the google form below or by emailing Steph or Lisa.

After getting together, if the cohort feels like a fit, we have a two-part process. First, a registration that includes setting up a payment plan that works for you, making sure we have all the logistics set, and giving us a $25 nonrefundable deposit. This is followed by a declaration of intent in which you name where you are and declare your hopes for what this experience will do.

In an Open Scripture Circle,

we start by checking in with each person gathered to find out what is on our minds and hearts. From the gathered questions and struggles, the teacher gives Scripture passage choices that fit the group. Then, we wrestle through whatever passage the group votes to explore. Together, we expand each other’s experience of what is sacred, whole, and good.

This circle will be in Richfield and led by Stephanie Spencer.

This all day study will give us time to dive into deeper questions and explore more— together.

We ask you to consider making a donation for participating in this Scripture Circle. Alternative options are available- clicking the register button will allow you to chose what works for you. We never want cost to be the thing that keeps anyone from attending.

Please contact us if you try to get in but the study is full.  You will receive a confirmation email upon completing your registration.  If you do not receive an email, please contact us so we can confirm your registration.

Once you click on the link to register, you will be asked to log in with your email and password. If you have not registered before, just click on the "x" to register.  If you have forgot your password, you can enter your email to recover it. You will receive a confirmation email upon completing your registration. If you do not receive an email, please contact us so we can confirm your registration!

We loved our gathering last November, so we decided to do it again. But this time, with a twist: We will do a LIVE recording of our Searching the Sacred Podcast!  Here's what to expect:

Who: Anyone in the 40 Orchards community, whether you come to Scripture Circles regularly, haven’t come in a long time, or are brand new. You may even want to invite a friend or two! The more the merrier.

Where: Art House North, 793 Armstrong Ave. St Paul, MN 55102

What: Food, drink, community, & a podcast!

When: Thursday, November 16, 2023

• 6:00-7:00 pm Mingle downstairs for conversation, drinks, appetizers, & desserts.

• 7:00-7:20 pm Gather upstairs for updates since last year. Things like… How was it without the cohort? and Where are we headed next?

• 7:25-8:25 pm Participate in a live recording of our podcast. Listen, wonder, and respond with your thoughts as we make our way through a passage.

• 8:30pm Head home with (likely) more questions, but (hopefully) also a full heart.

How: Get your ticket by clicking the button below. Suggested donation is $10 a ticket.

Having questions about the evening or issues with registration? Don’t hesitate to reach out and contact us.

In an Open Scripture Circle,

we start by checking in with each person gathered to find out what is on our minds and hearts. From the gathered questions and struggles, the teacher gives Scripture passage choices that fit the group. Then, we wrestle through whatever passage the group votes to explore. Together, we expand each other’s experience of what is sacred, whole, and good.

This circle will be led by Stephanie Spencer.

We ask you to consider making a donation for participating in this Scripture Circle. Alternative options are available- clicking the register button will allow you to chose what works for you. We never want cost to be the thing that keeps anyone from attending.

Please contact us if you try to get in but the study is full.  You will receive a confirmation email upon completing your registration.  If you do not receive an email, please contact us so we can confirm your registration.

Once you click on the link to register, you will be asked to log in with your email and password. If you have not registered before, just click on the "x" to register.  If you have forgot your password, you can enter your email to recover it. You will receive a confirmation email upon completing your registration. If you do not receive an email, please contact us so we can confirm your registration!

In an Open Scripture Circle,

we start by checking in with each person gathered to find out what is on our minds and hearts. From the gathered questions and struggles, the teacher gives Scripture passage choices that fit the group. Then, we wrestle through whatever passage the group votes to explore. Together, we expand each other’s experience of what is sacred, whole, and good.

This circle will be led by Stephanie Spencer.

We ask you to consider making a donation for participating in this Scripture Circle. Alternative options are available- clicking the register button will allow you to chose what works for you. We never want cost to be the thing that keeps anyone from attending.

Please contact us if you try to get in but the study is full.  You will receive a confirmation email upon completing your registration.  If you do not receive an email, please contact us so we can confirm your registration.

Once you click on the link to register, you will be asked to log in with your email and password. If you have not registered before, just click on the "x" to register.  If you have forgot your password, you can enter your email to recover it. You will receive a confirmation email upon completing your registration. If you do not receive an email, please contact us so we can confirm your registration!

Prophet Roots

In these circles, we wrestle through selections from both written prophets, such as Jeremiah, and oral prophets, such as Elijah. In their narratives, we see things like leaders engaging in religious practices but ignoring justice, people confused about what following God means for daily action, an environment of fear leading to moral compromises, and struggle to find hope in the midst of loss and change. How might the voices of these prophets ring through the ages and to give us guidance for today?

This Roots is taught by Stephanie Spencer and meets in Richfield, MN. We will meet on the 2nd Thursday of each month from 9am-11am, for 10 sessions, beginning September 2023.

This program is $45.00 per session or $450 if paid in full in advance. Alternative payment options- including paying nothing up front or choosing a sliding scale- are available. Clicking the register button will allow you to chose the payment plan that works for you before committing. We never want cost to be the thing that keeps anyone from attending.

Please contact us if you try to get in but the study is full.  You will receive a confirmation email upon completing your registration.  If you do not receive an email, please contact us so we can confirm your registration.

Once you click on the link to register, you will be asked to log in with your email and password. If you have not registered before, just click on the "x" to register.  If you have forgot your password, you can enter your email to recover it. You will receive a confirmation email upon completing your registration. If you do not receive an email, please contact us so we can confirm your registration!