Christian Education Course Catalog
2007 - 2008

Courses Offered Throughout the Year

Marching Through the Bible: Chronicles

This class attempts to achieve an understanding of the Bible through careful reading of each book of the Bible in the order in which the books were written, as best as that has been determined. This year we will be reading First and Second Chronicles, a double set, a book which has not received much critical acclaim in the last century, but which is beginning to get some attention recently. We have found that with regular attendance, advance reading of the assignment, and participation in class discussion, we have developed a feeling of self-confidence in reading the Bible. We invite you to join us.

Dates & Time: September 9 – March 2, Sundays, 10:15 - 11:00 AM.
Location: Gregory Room in Baxter House
Leader: Buzz March
Cost: $25 a semester

Education for Ministry

Education for Ministry provides a comprehensive, experiential education in the foundations of our Christian faith. EfM is a worldwide program developed by the School of Theology of the University of the South which believes in empowering an active, theologically articulate laity. A four-year program in a small group setting, EfM explores the Hebrew Scriptures, the New Testament, Church History and Theological and Moral Choices with thought-provoking texts and lively discussions. More than a Bible study, EfM also includes theological reflection (which is similar to our own functional education model) to provide time for each class member to discern his/her own call to ministry–what that means and ways to express that faith in day-to-day events. A small meal together begins the evening and prayer and worship end the class each week.

Dates & Time: September 21 – May, Thursdays, 6:00 – 9:00 PM.
Location: Penniman and Gregory rooms, Baxter House
Mentor: Monica Mills
Cost: $340

The Rector’s Wednesday Bible Study

This is not your mother’s Bible study. Everyone is welcome to attend this Bible discussion and study group. At the first session on September 5th we’ll select a Book in the Bible to read. Group size averages about a dozen.

Day & Time: Wednesdays, September 5 – May 28, 11:00 AM. – 12:15 PM. (brown bag lunch follows)
Leader: Paul Abernathy
Convener: Raiford Gaffney
Location: Adams Room
Cost: $30

Saturday Seminars: The Unique Relationship of Jesus With His Father

Participants may choose to participate for one, two or three sessions to explore the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth and his unique relationship with his Father. As we examine his teachings we are offered a way to wrestle with our own questions: How do I make life-affirming choices? What is the nature of the larger reality that we call God? How do I relate to that larger reality? How does that relationship affect my daily life? Working with the Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke and using methods of critical Bible study, modified Socratic methods, art, mime and journaling, we will seek to develop and deepen our relationship to God and ourselves.

Session Dates: Session 1 – September 29, 2007; Session 2 – January 12, 2008; Session 3 – April 19, 2008
Time & Location: TBA
Leaders: Julie Gaebe, Susan Thompson-Hoffman
Cost: $25 (Materials per session will be $3-$5 per participant - Lunch on your own.)

Monday Night Meditation

This will be an ongoing experience in Buddhist meditation and will provide a weekly chance to be still and silent. While the meditation techniques and practice is Buddhist-oriented, the evenings will also be a way of exploring universal spiritual themes as well as allowing us to deepen our understanding of contemplative and meditative Christian traditions. Each evening has been divided into periods of meditation and “dharma” talks. These “dharma” talks are about the specifics of Buddhist meditation and meditation techniques.

Monday Meditation will be inclusive and welcoming of anyone in the St. Mark’s community as well as others who are of different churches, faiths, and socio-economic backgrounds. Besides providing a weekly “centering” experience, an ancillary goal is to explore how we can experience our common humanity.

Day & Time: Monday evenings, 7:30 - 9:00 PM.
Location: Nave
Leaders: Jonathan Foust and John McIlwain, from the Insight Meditation Community of Washington, jonathanfoust@mac.com
Cost: Donation

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to Functional Christian Education

Offered Summer 2008

Leaders: Josie Jordan, Peter Sherer

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