Anchor is St. Stephen's new endeavor for people in their 20s and 30s. Through weekly gatherings (like "Theology on Tap" and “The Gospel According to The Office” dinner-and-discussion series—see articles at right) and the occasional party, we provide a place for friends—Christians and people thinking about Christianity—to connect over conversations about things that matter. We eat, we drink, we think deep thoughts, we laugh.

But why are we called Anchor? People in their 20s and 30s often have a real sense of being adrift. They are figuring things out for the first time: marriage, career, finances, kids, community, God's place in life. There's often little guidance. So "Anchor" conveys stability, a place to be grounded, a solid community.

But the big thing that "Anchor" makes me think of is the Gospel. As Christians, the Anchor is the good news of God's grace to sinful people. This group is committed to keeping the main thing the main thing. The cross is the center. That is our Anchor.This idea is powerfully and beautifully summed up in the following Collect (found on p. 219 of the Book of Common Prayer):

"Almighty God, you alone can bring into order the unruly wills and affections of sinners; Grant your people grace to love what you command and desire what you promise; that, among the swift and varied changes of the world, our heart may surely there be fixed where true joys are to be found; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”