St. Thomas Episcopal Church

Adult Formation is offered year round at St. Thomas. Sunday morning classes meet every week to engage parishioners in theology, justice, scripture, and life issues as they impact us as Episcopalians and Christians. The Epiphany series focused on Encountering God in the World, particularly through the avenues of justice and economics. Members of the parish served as panelists as we wrestled with the tough questions surrounding justice and mercy, a recessionary economy, and God’s economy. During Lent we read and discussed Listening for God, a series of short stories or excerpts by acclaimed authors. Summer offerings included a wide variety, such as human trafficking, the Green Bible, our place in God’s universe, and Anglican Music 101.

For those new to the Episcopal Church, or to St. Thomas, a three-week newcomers’ course led by Fr. Hahn called Episcopal 101 is offered several times a year. 

Adult Bible study is offered on Wednesday evenings during the academic year.

Wednesday Evenings, 6:30-7:30pm

September 16-October 27

Library

Via Media: Questions for the 21st Century

The Anglican Way of Being Christian

This curriculum invites you to join the table with some of the brightest minds and spirits of the Episcopal Church.  After a brief video roundtable conversation, participants join the dialogue on such broad themes as God the Creator, Jesus, The Holy Spirit, Sin, The Bible, The Kingdom of God, Christian Hope, and The Sacraments.  Though each class stands alone, you will be enriched by joining the whole series. A Saturday Morning Retreat on October 30 will complete the course.

CURRENT!
Lent 2011
Sunday Mornings, 9:15am
Library

Adult Forum

Each week, we continue our conversation about Bible Models of Discipleship. What does it mean to be a follower of Jesus—social activist, student of virtue, practitioner of prayer, member of a beloved community? Explore these models, and learn how Christian leaders throughout history have embodied these different styles.


Past Program:
September 12 - September 26
Sunday Mornings, 9:30am
Library

Episcopal 101 - Christianity Episcopal Style -
A Refresher for Everyone, An Introduction for Newcomers

·         Our Life in Prayer and Worship
·         Where Did We Come From?: Episcopal DNA
·         Our Way of Being a Church
·         The Bible and God's Beloved Community

Adult Bible study is offered on Wednesday evenings during the academic year. 

With the advent of the academic year, we began to study facets of our adult Christian lives by focusing on the five vows, or promises, made at our Baptisms - vows which are subsequently renewed each time we read the Baptismal Covenant. One vow correlated to each liturgical season and the classes offered within sought to relate to and engage us around the promises and challenges our vows present. Pentecost: Strive for Justice and Peace among all People and Respect the Dignity of Every Human Being. Advent & Christmas: Continue in the Apostles’ Teaching and Fellowship and the Breaking of the Bread and of the Prayers. Epiphany: Seek and Serve Christ in All People, Loving Your Neighbor as Yourself. Lent: Resist Evil, and Whenever You Fall Into Sin, Repent and Return to the Lord. Easter: Proclaim by Word and Example the Good News of Good in Christ.

One of many highlights this year was having Rabbi Max Roth and Debbie Anderson as facilitators for a series on Jewish theology and music. These classes led up to a "field trip" to Temple Israel for the great Yom Kippur service of atonement.

Rabbi Roth also co-led a year-long series with Fr. Hahn: The Moral Meaning of the Bible. These classes met monthly, alternating between St. Thomas and Shearith Israel Synagogue.