Adult Formation Classes

Adult Forum
Led by Sandra Curtis
Meets in the Adult Classroom, Room 114
Beginning March 2, 2008

We are discussing how our ideas of power influence the ways we imagine God. We are using William Placher's book, Narratives of a Vulnerable God as a loose guide as we take a close look at how scriptural narratives shape theology and  how some contemporary theology struggles with new interpretations of scripture against the backdrop of ancient categories for thinking of God.

"Faith at Home"
Led by Elizabeth Connery
Meets in the Vicar's Office
Room 103

This group explores new ways to enrich our faith lives at home, and to share traditions that families have successfully enjoyed in their homes.

Our current book is Joel Osteen’s Your Best Life Now.  Our goal is to do one section each week, concluding around the end of May 2008, in conjunction with the end of the school year. 

During the summer months, we’ll follow up with the study of Your Best Life for Moms.   It’s a little lighter and won’t require as much preparation, and we can attend class when we can, allowing for vacations and lazy summer mornings (and afternoons, and evenings…)

Class for Young Adults and Parents with Young Children
Led by Aaron and Abbie Jones
Meets in the Nursery
Room 108

This group does  Bible Study, discusses faith issues, and other topics as generated by the group.

A class for persons who would like to know more about worship and history of the Episcopal church, and what's going on at St. Margaret's.

Sunday School Newcomer Orientation

Classes include:

“Broom Closet”: How to Become a Member

Inquirer’s Class 1:
Introduction to worship; HE, Catechism

Inquirer’s Class 2:
Worship/Doctrine/Action/Oversight

Inquirer’s Class 3:
Book of Common Prayer: Daily Office; Scripture Readings

Inquirer’s Class 4:
Seasons and Sacraments

Thursday evenings,
6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Study groups are now forming at St. Margaret’s to explore the Bible as a compilation of intriguing sacred stories and rich poetry.

Developed by the Rev. Canon William Barnwell from the National Cathedral, The Transforming Literature of the Bible: The Hebrew Scriptures and New Testament seminar involves a total of 36 two-hour sessions, meeting once a week over a two-year period.  Participants will read selected passages of scripture, contemporary literature, and a commentary prepared by Canon Barnwell.  The first section explores The Hebrew Scriptures with the second section, The Christian Testament, to follow in the next academic year.

The course is designed to focus on key passages of the Bible with an emphasis on depth—What is God saying through the story?  How does the story touch my life?  What does it say about our culture, our church?  And, since the heart of the course is on the transforming literature of the Bible, the study material concentrates on theme, narrative, characterization, setting, historical context, imagery, and the poetry in prose and verse.

At the conclusion of the two years of study, participants will be able to see both the Hebrew and the Christian Scripture as a whole with a sense of the chronology of both.

One class, led by Pat Murray and Deb Cooper, is already scheduled to begin Thursday evenings, September 6, 2007 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.  Classes are limited to 12 participants.  The cost is $50 plus materials.  If you are interested in joining this group, or in facilitating or joining another group for a day session, or just want more information—contact Deb Cooper, at debsilas@swbell.net or 681-9752.

Education for Ministry (EFM)

Sign up for a four-year course in theological education and meet weekly September-May with a group, as you study the Bible, church, history and theology. This program, sponsored by the University of the South’s ProgramCenter in Sewanee, Tennessee, is world wide. There is a yearly fee involved for study materials.

Who - All who are interested in learning more about the Bible, church, history and theology.

When – call for details. Monday evenings 6:30-8:30 p.m. and Tuesday mornings 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. at the church.

Time involved - Commit one year at a time.

Contact – Pam Jones 821-2114 or neilpamjones@sbcglobal.net

Spiritual Gifts Discernment Program

At this retreat you will learn in community your spiritual gifts; discover what your ministry may be at work, at home, and at church; learn the best ways to use your spiritual gifts. Your gifts are a reflection of God’s creative power. When you discover, develop and use your gifts, you express the true identity that Christ has given you.

Who - This retreat is recommended for the new members of St. Margaret’s after confirmation, and for those who are seeking guidance about their spiritual and vocational life.

When – Call for a current schedule. The retreat usually begins on a Friday evening and continues through Sunday morning and Monday evening. Graduates are commissioned for ministry on the following Sunday.

Time involved - Attendance at an eight- hour retreat on a weekend and on two hour follow-up session.

Contact - Deacon Cindy Fribourgh at 580-9066 or cfribourgh@yahoo.com

If you have interest in being a part of this ministry please fill out the Inquiry Form and in the comments box type the name of this ministry.