Christian Ed classes 2011-12
Christian Education
Suggestion Form
Have you taken a course this year; have you yearned to take a course; or do you have an idea for a class you’d love to see offered next year? Please fill out a Christian Education Class Suggestion form. It’s available on the St. Mark’s Website under Ministry & Programs / Christian Education.
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: April 22, April 29, May 6, and May 13; Sundays 2-4 pm (4 sessions). Location: Adams Room. Leader: Paul Abernathy. Fee: $25 voluntary contribution to defray costs.
Adult Class Offerings – Spring 2012
ST. MARK'S: THE MUSICAL - A UNIQUE FUNCTIONAL CLASS DEBUTS AN ORIGINAL MUSICAL: based on life at St. Mark's. Portraying the issues of three generations, scenes and songs will serve as launches for class sessions. Concerns include searching for authenticity within a caring community; coping with illness, disease and death; struggling to maintain relationships despite confusion, separation and conflict; and finding, losing and celebrating love. The class will end with a guided reading and singing of the script. Join us for a deeply engaging experience! Sign up in the hall. Dates and Time: Wednesdays, April 18-May 23 7:30-9:30pm in the Adams Room. Retreat: May 18-20 at Roslyn Center, Richmond, VA. Cost: $250. Leaders: Tom Wickenden (twickenden@msn.com ), Rick Hayes (rick.hayes@yahoo.com), Betsy Athey (atheylloyd@comcast.net), and Grace O'Neil (ge_oneill@yahoo.com). 6 sessions / Roslyn Retreat.
Bible & Religious Studies
THE ART AND PRACTICE OF MEDITATION AT ST. MARK’S: A four week course on meditation will be offered at St. Mark’s. The emphasis will be on developing an intentional meditation time during the day when we can pause from the hectic routines that so often drive our lives. It will also introduce students to the wisdom of the Dharma, which is the Buddha’s wisdom teachings. The course will concentrate on how to develop a meditation practice by setting a time, using the breath and posture to develop concentration, and dealing with the hindrances that invariably arise. The course will also explore the wisdom of the Buddha’s teachings and the metta, or loving kindness, practice. Course dates and time: Thursday evenings May 3, 10, 17, and 24 from 8:00 pm to 9:30 pm. Location: Adams Room. Course leader: Collie Agle. 4 sessions; no retreat.
Looking Ahead
* BANNER SUNDAY: Mark your calendars now for Sunday, June 3. One service at 10am.
* SHRINE MONT 2012: Parish Retreat at Shrine Mont in Orkney Springs, Virginia. Register now for a fun-filled weekend, June 8-10, 2012.
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 orange covers). Please take a look and consider which classes you will take this year!