For decades, a hallmark of St. Mark’s community life has been intellectual curiosity and a focus on lay-organized classes that help participants wrestle with the hard questions of life, relationships, and theology.
We are St. Mark’s Christian Education program
Our mission is to present a range of educational opportunities that strengthen, enlighten, inspire, and comfort us.
In the Episcopal Church, Christian education and formation does not center on passive instruction but flexible learning systems to engage and guide individuals in their faith journey. At St. Mark’s, the Christian Education program seeks to establish a foundation for life’s daily challenges. It incorporates educational activities such as adult classes, Bible study groups, and forums. Issues are drawn from biblical teachings, theological writings, and today’s social dilemmas.
Current and Upcoming Courses
Faithful Work in an Imperfect World
This class will discuss what it means to live and work faithfully in a far-from-perfect world. Drawing on Scripture, contemplative Christian writers, and wisdom from working inside large institutions, this three-session course offers a space to discuss tensions of working in government, nonprofits, and the private sector — compromise, complicity, burnout, and hope — and to explore practices that keep integrity and faith alive for the long haul. Open to anyone navigating faith and work, regardless of sector or vocation. When: Wednesday, November 18; Wednesday, December 2; and Tuesday, December 8 from 6:30-8:00 pm. Where: Baxter Hall, St. Mark’s. Facilitators: Mary Ellison and Susan Kyle. Sign up: mary.c.ellison[at]gmail.com or sfkyle[at]gmail.com.
Book Study: Borg and Crossan’s “First Christmas”
Matthew and Luke’s stories of Jesus’ birth are among the best known parts of the Gospels, but what do they mean to us in 2026? Which parts do we read as historical fact, as parable, or as fable?
Join Louise Walsh and Steve Dalzell for two Saturday sessions using Marcus Borg and John Dominic Crossan’s “The First Christmas: What the Gospels Really Teach about Jesus’ Birth” to think about how we can read the Nativity stories and the rest of the New Testament as individuals of both faith and intellect.
Classes meet December 5 and 12, 9:30 am – 2:30 pm, in the Elders’ Room.
Sign up in the foyer or using the QR code.
More about the history and vision of Christian Education at St. Mark’s
You are St. Mark’s. Join us. Contact our Christian Education co-directors at dalzellsr@gmail.com.