Christian Ed classes 2012-2013
Gateway Classes
WHAT'S AN EPISCOPALIAN? Tradition, Liturgy & Theology-- This 4-week class, a preparation for the Rite of Confirmation in the Episcopal Church, is designed as a lens through which class members can examine the promises and commitments involved in being a confirmed communicant. The course focuses on the history and traditions of the Anglican/Episcopal Church and key elements of our worship experience. Dates & Times: January 20, 2013, July 14, 2013. Sundays 1-4 pm (3 sessions). Location: Adams Room. Leader: Paul Abernathy.
LIFE, COMMUNITY & FAITH (LCF) – FALL Designed for all parishioners who are looking to build a smaller community within the larger parish. LCF is a vibrant, experiential class that invites and encourages participants to identify and examine their life’s concerns and questions within a class community. The course uses the lens of our Christian story, particularly Jesus’ relationship with his disciples, to deepen our understanding of ourselves and our faith. Open to all, especially newcomers. January 30-April 3, 2013, Wednesdays, 7:30–9:30 p.m. (10 sessions and 2 retreats); Weekends: February 8-10 and March 15-17, 2013, DuPont House, Rehoboth, DE; Leaders: Paul Abernathy, Tracy Councill and others.
Supervisor: Charlie Rupp; Location: Adams Room; Fee: $250 (Includes meals and lodging at first retreat. Second retreat funded by a private donation.) Child care support available upon request in advance.
Other Classes:
SPRING ADULT FUNCTIONAL CLASS – What Do You Want To Believe In and Why?
We will offer a class setting in which people can reflect on their faith or lack thereof in terms of what it is they want to believe
in. More importantly, we will address the "Why?" question and how these desired beliefs influence and shape the lives we
lead. Dates & Time: April 1-29, Mondays, 7:30–9:30 p.m. (five classes); in-town weekend retreat April 27 at the home of Susan and Bill Flaners, Washington, DC.. Leaders: Susan and Bill Flanders; Location: Adams Room; Fee: $25
LOVE FREE OR DIE: LENTEN SERIES - THE JOURNEY OF LGBT PERSONS & OUR CHURCH
Bishop Gene Robinson (Diocese of New Hampshire) will preach at St. Mark’s on Sunday, March 10, 2013. As part of a
Lenten Series around this special event, join us for a thoughtful and timely conversation about the journey of St. Mark’s,
the Episcopal Church, and the global Anglican Church around full inclusion of gays, lesbians, bisexual, and transgendered
persons. Where have we come from and where are we going as an inclusive Christian community? What are we called to do
as individuals and as a community at this moment? Join us for a showing of the new award-winning documentary on Bishop
Robinson’s journey in the Episcopal Church (Love Free or Die). Take part in a two-part conversation about the cost and
promise, and what we are individually and as community called to do. Open to all.
Sermon, March 10; discussion series to be determined; watch the Sunday
bulletin for updates and announcements.
Planning Committee and Facilitators: Grace Aspinall, Rob Hall, Keith Krueger, Andrew Stafford, Tom Suydam,
and others; Location: Various / To be determined.
Check this section of the bulletin each week for a preview of upcoming classes. Check the Christian Ed catalog on the St. Mark’s website (http://www.stmarks.net) under Ministry & Programs / Course Catalog, for all descriptions. Hard copies of the catalog are also available at the back table and in the book racks (look for the green covers). Please take a look and consider which classes you will take this year!
BUDDHIST MEDITATION
Monday Nights and Thursday Mornings; Monday nights in the Nave; Thursday mornings in the Adams Room; Dates & Times: Through July 1, 2013, Mondays 7:30-9:00 p.m. and Thursdays 7:00-8:00 a.m.; Leaders: John McIlwain and Jonathan Foust; Lay Leaders: Collie Agle and Raiford Gaffney; Fee: Donation of $10 per class to be shared by the leaders, Insight Meditation Community of Washington, and St. Mark’s.
BUDDHIST MEDITATION RETREAT
April 13, 2013, Saturday–All day spring retreat in the Nave 9:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Contact: Collie Agle; Location: Nave