Sunday Mornings

St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church  

Adult Education

Adult Formation programs at St. Michael’s offer opportunities for all who seek God to come together and explore ways to enter more deeply into an ongoing, transformative relationship with God in Christ. We believe that each person has valuable insights and experiences to offer in this process and that some of our most important learning takes place in community. We offer a variety of programs that includes Bible study, book discussion groups, lectures by parishioners and guest speakers, quiet days or “mini-retreats” to refresh the spirit, and special seasonal programs. We also maintain the parish library, which is a wonderful resource for reading on a variety of religious and spiritual topics.

Current program offerings include:

· Bible Study each Wednesday morning at 10:45. This group, led by the Rev. Dr. Ann Lukens, reads and reflects together on Scripture readings for the following Sunday.

· “Christianity 102: Growing in Faith”

This fall series of classes prepares adults to receive the sacrament of Confirmation in December and provides all interested persons with an opportunity to explore the content of Christian faith within the Anglican/Episcopal tradition. Class is held once each month at 9:00 am and includes a continental breakfast, a brief presentation, and opportunity for discussion at the tables. Dates and topics are:

September 16: The Book of Common Prayer

Mike Kaufman

October 14: The Bible

Michelle Goodrie-Evans and Don Wilbert

November 18: Characteristics of Anglican Spirituality

Peggy Hansen

December 16: The Sacraments: Signs of Grace

Christine Peterson

· Book Discussion Group: “Six Weeks to a Simpler Lifestyle”

This group meets for seven Tuesday evenings beginning October 2 from 7:00-8:30 to explore ways in which God may be calling us to simplify our lives. Our text is a book by the above name written by Barbara DeGrote Sorensen and David Allen Sorensen, a former school teacher and a Lutheran pastor. It offers weekly themes with short daily readings, Bible verses to pray over, and suggestions for an easy activity and journal entry. Weekly discussions led by parishioner Kathie Wilbert provide opportunity for sharing and mutual support.

Coming up:

“An Advent Breather” on Saturday, December 8 from 10:00-3:00 will feature The Rev. Jane Maynard as keynote speaker and will include brief presentations and time for quiet reflection and sharing, as well as lunch. Flexible scheduling will offer opportunities to come for 1, 2, or 3 hours or for the whole day to take some time out and prepare our souls for Christ’s coming at Christmas. Special activities for children will be offered during the afternoon sessions.

Lenten Soul Food series on five Wednesday evenings beginning February 13, 2008 from 6:30-8:00. This series begins with a soup supper followed by educational offerings for all ages.