the adult forum, sundays at 9:45 a.m. in the community room
The Adult Forum covers a variety of topics, but this year our main theme will be “Foundations of Our Faith.” We will explore what it means to be Christians, and Episcopalians more specifically, as we look at what the Episcopal Church believes on a variety of topics, closely examine our liturgy and prayer, and hear from different people about how their faith has impacted their lives.
the sunday party of readers – sunday afternoons on zoom
The Sunday Party of Readers invites everyone to join in reading and discussing books—some classic, some contemporary. We are a party of readers who seek spiritual answers in books. Contact Deje McGavran for more information and the schedule.
sacred ground – Sundays in the Library
Join us on a healing journey toward the Beloved Community. Through study, dialogue, prayer, and shared reflection, Sacred Ground explores the obstacles and pathways to reconciliation and wholeness in Christ. This 11‑session series meets biweekly on Sundays after the 11:00 a.m. service for about three hours. It is facilitated by Joanne Jenkins and Fr. Murdock Smith. Contact Fr. Murdock to learn more or sign up.
Education for ministry (efm), zoom and in-person
Have you ever wanted to explore your faith more deeply, ask tough questions, or better understand the Bible, church history, and theology? Education for Ministry (EfM) is a small-group seminar that invites thoughtful reflection and lively conversation about how your faith connects to your everyday life. Our EfM group is full for this year, but to learn more, contact Paula Savich.
Contemplative prayer group – tuesdays and wednesdays
Contemplative prayer invites us to rest in God’s presence and listen for the movement of the Spirit within. Common practices include Centering Prayer (a form of meditative silence) and Lectio Divina (prayerful engagement with Scripture). We have both a group that meets in person and one that meets online. If you are interested in joining a weekly group, contact Mother Amanda Stephenson.
wednesday night bible study – wednesdays on zoom
This year, the Wednesday Night Bible Study group will do something a little different as we look at several non-canonical Christian writings from the first few centuries of the Christian faith. This will be a light-hearted exploration as we compare and contrast these writings with what we have in Scripture, learning a bit about why they didn’t make the cut and even where some elements of church tradition come from. For more information and to receive a copy of the readings, please contact Mother Amanda Stephenson.
theology for our times – thursday evenings at the church
Christians in our day are often dismayed to see Christianity identified in the public mind with ideas and actions that can seem discordant with, and even hostile to, the faith that we know. More troubling still, these distortions are generally framed within a cloud of what seem like conclusive theological and scriptural proclamations. We know instinctively that something’s not right, but we don’t have the vocabulary or concepts to know why it’s not right, or how to offer a faithful alternative. “Theology For Our Times” will be a reading course designed to help us understand what’s wrong and find out what’s right. We will start with the book What Christianity is Not by Canadian theologian Douglas John Hall. The class will be led by Rev. Elliott Hipp, a retired Presbyterian minister who regularly attends our 11:00 service and daily Morning Prayer. For more information, contact Ruth Woodend or Elliott Hipp.
Not all groups meet weekly and many take time off around holidays or the summer. For more information about any of the Adult Formation offerings above and for up-to-date schedules, please contact Mother Amanda Stephenson using our Contact Form.