ENGAGE IN FAITH
FOR ADULTS
Adult Formation: Fall 2023
Engage the Mind
ADULT FORUM:
Welcome to the Adult Christian Education Forum! Join us every Sunday at 9:15 AM in the Parish Hall for an enriching and spiritually fulfilling experience. Our forum is designed to help you ENGAGE IN FAITH, deepening your understanding of Christian teachings and fostering meaningful connections with fellow parishioners.
At the Adult Christian Education Forum, we believe that faith is a journey that never stops evolving. Whether you are a lifelong believer or just beginning to explore your spirituality, our forum offers a welcoming and inclusive environment where you can grow in your faith.
Each week, we explore various aspects of Christian theology, scripture, and spirituality through interactive discussions, guest speakers, and group activities. It's an opportunity to ask questions, share insights, and build a stronger foundation for your faith journey.
We invite you to join us this Sunday at 9:15 AM in the Parish Hall and embark on a path of discovery, reflection, and community. Together, we will ENGAGE IN FAITH and deepen our connection to God and one another. We look forward to seeing you there!
-
Epiphany Series: Surprised by Hope - Bishop N.T. Wright (9/17-11/5)
What are we waiting for? And what are we going to do about it in the meantime?
These two questions shape the focus of this study. First, it is about the ultimate hope held out in the Christian gospel: the hope for salvation, resurrection, eternal life, and all that goes with them. Second, it is about the discovery of hope within the present world; about the practical ways in which hope can come alive for communities and individuals, who for whatever reason may lack it. And it is about the ways in which, embracing the first can and should generate and sustain the second. This study will help establish a foundation of practical theology – that is, Christian reflection on the nature of God and bringing God's kingdom to bear on the world in which we live.
Join us as N.T. Wright guides us through this important series, reflecting on how to help a world much in need of hope and where real hope can be found.
As a disciple, for what are you hopeful?
Does the world see that hope alive in your life?
For more information, contact: Fr. Brad Smith
-
Advent Series: The Angels of Christmas: Hearing God's Voice in Advent - The Rev. Susan Robb (11/19-12/17)
In her new work, The Angels of Christmas, Pastor Susan Robb leans into our curiosity and articulates the significant role the angelic messengers of God play in the stories of Advent. This series will engage us with the stories that have long been familiar to us, but maybe not explored as deeply because of the hectic pace of the culture in which we live. Robb will help us rediscover how God communicates hope and meaning to earth-side humans by exploring the angelic visits surrounding the birth of Jesus with Zachariah, Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds. We will explore the visits, and dive deep into the history of the angel Gabriel and other angels in the Bible. The messages of the angels continue to hold meaning for humanity, then and now.
For more information, contact: Fr. Brad Smith
BIBLE STUDIES:
-
Monday Morning Bible Study (7:30-8:00, 204/05 & Zoom) Bo Proctor - This occasion is preceded by the Daily Office of Morning Prayer, 7:00-7:30 in 204/05 & Zoom) CLICK HERE to go to the Zoom Button on this website.
-
Tuesday Morning Bible Study (Women's Bible Study, 10:30-11:30am, Choir Room) Debby Carlson
-
Wednesday Bible Study (LIFT - Learning in Faith Together, 11:00-12:30pm, Zoom) Laura McGinley - LIFT invites all who enjoy sharing different viewpoints, want to pray together and seek faithful engagement with others in their relationship with Jesus Christ. Contact Laura McGinley for the Zoom link.
LATTES in ADVENT (12/4-12/22, Mon-Fri, 12:00-12:45):
Join Mary Waller each weekday in Advent on ZOOM for some time to step back and reflect together on the day's readings from Richard Rohr's powerful book, Preparing for Christmas: Daily Meditations for Advent. Order your copy and bring it with you. Do invite friends as this is open to EVERYONE. Zoom link ID: 81354419311
ADULT CONFIRMATION: (SPRING 2024)
The Diocese of North Carolina offers a diocesan-wide adult confirmation 8-week ZOOM program with Bishop Sam Rodman and Assistant Bishop Jennifer Brooke-Davidson. This course is for adults (16 years and older) looking to grow more in your faith and learn the basics of our Episcopal tradition. Topics include: Following the Way of Jesus Christianity; God Jesus; Bible; Beliefs; The Anglican Way and the Sacraments; Church History; and the Trinitarian Life. There will also be time with Fr. Brad and Fr. Peter.
When: TBD — the ZOOM link will be sent via email to registrants before the class start date)
Materials: TBD
Registration: FREE, but not open at this time, but FREE.
Please notify Fr. Brad that you’ve registered or have any questions.
Engage the Spirit
Centering Prayer:
-
Monday (3:30-5:00pm, Chapel, Fr. Brad Smith)
-
Tuesday (10:30-12:00pm, 312, Kathy Petrie)
Centering Prayer is a receptive method of silent prayer that prepares us to receive the gift of contemplative prayer, prayer in which we experience God's presence within us, closer than breathing, closer than thinking, closer than consciousness itself. This method of prayer is both a relationship with God and a discipline to foster that relationship. It is not meant to replace other kinds of prayer. Rather, it adds depth of meaning to all prayer and facilitates the movement from more active modes of prayer - verbal, mental or affective prayer - into a receptive prayer of resting in God. Centering Prayer emphasizes prayer as a personal relationship with God and as a movement beyond conversation with Christ to communion with Christ. St. John’s frequently hosts Centering Prayer workshops, follow-up sessions, and retreats. Contact Fr. Brad Smith
Lectio Divina:
-
Thursday (9:00-10:00am, Zoom, Fr. Brad Smith)
"Divine reading," is an ancient practice of praying the Scriptures. During Lectio Divina, the practitioner listens to the text of the Bible with the "ear of the heart," as if he or she is in conversation with God, and God is suggesting the topics for discussion. The method of Lectio Divina includes moments of reading (lectio), reflecting on (meditatio), responding to (oratio) and resting in (contemplatio) the Word of God with the aim of nourishing and deepening one's relationship with the Divine. This is a ZOOM program. Contact Fr. Brad for an introduction and for the zoom link.
Labyrinth (Tilson Hall): The labyrinth is a walking meditation, a path of prayer and an archetypal blueprint where psyche meets Spirit. It is a spiritual tool that can help you find your way; quieting the mind, opening the heart, and grounding the body. Some find answers to questions long asked, some find healing, creativity, a sense of wholeness. What will you find on your labyrinth journey? Questions, contact Toni Robinson
-
Sep 20, 2-7pm
-
Oct 18, 2-7pm
-
Nov 16, 2-7pm
-
In Advent:
-
Dec 6, 2-7pm
-
Dec 13, 2-7pm
-
Dec 20, 2-7pm
-
Evening Prayer & Rosary Group:
-
Thursday, 5:45-6:30pm, Chapel
Evening Prayer from The Book of Common Prayer as well as the Anglican Rosary. Visitors and new members are always welcome. No previous experience with the Rosary is necessary. Rosary beads, booklets of prayers and instructions are available for anyone who wishes to attend. The purpose of holding beads during prayer is to help an individual to focus, to become calm and to feel comfort. A collection of prayers, written intentionally for using the Anglican rosary pattern, keeps the group reading together as we pray. The Anglican Rosary (also called Episcopal, Protestant) is a blend of the traditional Roman Catholic Rosary and the Orthodox Jesus Prayer Rope. It was developed during the 1980’s as a focus for contemplative prayer and meditation. Contact: Jane Williams
Daughters of the King (DOK):
The Order of the Daughters of the King is an order of women who have taken life vows of prayer, service, and evangelism. Part of the ministry of this Order is devotion to regular prayer on behalf of the parish. The St. Mary Magdalene Chapter of the Daughters of the King, chartered here at St. John’s, has taken on a practice of meeting monthly to pray for the concerns of the parish. The Daughters of the King have also committed to praying daily and confidentially for concerns submitted for intercessory prayer. Contact: Nancy Nye
Engage the Body
St. John's Fly Fishers:
-
3rd Thursday/month 6:30-8:00, 201)
It's about so much more than catching fish! Enjoying connection with the Divine majesty of nature, the St. John’s Fly Fishers serve Christ and further the Kingdom through a welcoming community of adult women and men (16 years or older) who share a passion for going to deep waters. We host Bible studies and faith development opportunities, clinics, instructional classes like fly tying, and of course head to the water. CLICK HERE to learn more. Contact: Craig Murden or Fr. Brad Smith
Tai Chi:
-
Tuesday, 6:00-7:00pm, Tilson Hall
-
$15.00/person/class (cash) due at the door
St. John's welcomes Sifu David Block (of "The Phoenix and Dragon Tai Chi & Kung Fu School"). Tai Chi is a martial art and also a form of “moving meditation” that calms the mind, relaxes the body and strengthens the spirit. Much of Tai Chi is practiced slowly and gently, and is ideal for people of all ages and health conditions. All are welcome.
Contact Fr. Brad Smith
Golf Fellowship: Attention all women and men! Want to have fun with fellow members of St. John’s who share your passion for golf? This is the opportunity for you! CLICK HERE to sign up for this exciting fellowship which will include opportunities for 9 hole, 18 hole, weekday/weekend, and even some travel destinations throughout the year at beautiful courses within and beyond North Carolina.
Contact: Roddey Player or Blaire Crimminger
Sacred Ground: A 10 Week Course
Sacred Ground is a part of Becoming Beloved Community, The Episcopal Church’s long-term commitment to racial healing, reconciliation, and justice in our personal lives, our ministries, and our society. This series is open to all, and especially designed to help white people talk with other white people. Participants are invited to peel away the layers that have contributed to the challenges and divides of the present day – all while grounded in our call to faith, hope and love. For more information contact Lauren Phillips.
The Way Forward: Monthly Gatherings
Meeting the 3rd Wednesday of each month (Rm 204/05) this ministry seeks to provide the parish with opportunities to fulfill the mission of the church, by engaging in conversations on a variety of social topics that lead to action, growth, and ultimately bringing us more closely together as a parish and a broader Charlotte community. CLICK HERE for more information. For questions, contact, Jackie John.
The Way Forward Speaker Series
This series offers a variety of speakers that are open to the public. Check the church eblast for more information.
Engage the World