Adult Formation
Faith is a lifelong journey, and we believe we never stop growing. Grounded in Scripture and the Episcopal tradition, we learn together with open hearts and curious minds and trust that God continues to teach, shape, and transform us throughout our lives.
Opportunities for Adults
Sunday Morning Formation
Sundays at 9:30 am
One group meets in the library, usually led by members of the congregation. Past topics include Bible study, Sermons for Series Times (discussing sermons from critical moments in church history), sermons from our Presiding Bishop, Famous Episcopalians, presentations from our Creation Keepers, and more. Another group for parents meets in the parlor.
Wednesday Evening Formation
Wednesdays at 6:30 pm
Adults gather on Wednesday evenings for learning, conversation, and service. When Journey Groups are not meeting, Wednesday programming explores a variety of topics and ways of engaging faith and the world around us. Past offerings have included Reel Theology (Theology & Film), Perspectives on Personal Genetics, and Across That Bridge by John Lewis.
Women’s Lectionary Bible Study
Thursdays at 10:00 am In-Person & Zoom
This one-hour women’s lectionary study and discussion will be available both in-person and on Zoom and focuses on the lectionary texts for the coming week. You are provided with a study sheet prior to the lesson. All women are welcome; participation is not limited to St. Thomas constituents and there is no cost. Contact the church office to sign up.
Prayer Group
Mondays at 11:00 am
St. Thomas’ Prayer Group, along with our congregation, remember all who ask for our prayers.
Our Prayer Group meets on Monday mornings, usually 11 am. At each worship service, we read aloud those known to the parish who request our prayers. When you request that a name be placed on a prayer list that person’s name will be read aloud on three successive Sundays.
Journey Groups
Journey Groups meet outside of Sunday mornings for 9 or 10 weeks to learn and grow together. Groups meet on Sunday afternoons, Tuesday afternoons, and Wednesday evenings.
Sessions
A fall session starts in September, and a spring session typically starts in February.
Past Journey groups topics have included: The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World, Resisting Empire: The Book of Revelation, Liturgical Life Principles and the Book of Common Prayer, Strength for the Journey: A Guide to Spiritual Practice by Renee Miller, A Case for Love discussing sermons by Presiding Bishop Curry, and The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis.
Manna and Mercy
We offer this course most years, beginning with the Hebrew Scriptures in the fall and the Christian Scriptures in the spring. Manna and Mercy is a joyful retelling of the Bible which focuses on God’s desire to heal a broken creation. Learn more about Manna and Mercy.
Welcome Classes
Second Sundays of most months at 9:30 am
Welcome Classes are for all who are new to St. Thomas and for those who may have been around for a while but would like a refresher.
Welcome classes meet on the second Sunday of the month at 9:30. Topics repeat over the course of the year.
Welcome Class topics include:
- Welcome to Worship – Our Sunday liturgy and the meaning behind our rituals
- Welcome to our Facility – A tour of St. Thomas buildings and grounds
- Welcome to Ministry – An orientation to our ministry sign up process and how to get involved
- Welcome to History – A summary of 500 years of church history that helps explain who Episcopalians are today
- Welcome to Worship – Church Year
- Welcome to Worship – Sunday Liturgy