Adult Faith Formation is rooted in the Episcopal tradition exploring scripture, tradition, and reason. For those who come to this congregation from other traditions, fear not. St. John’s has many people who come from backgrounds other than the Episcopal Church. So, whether you are a “cradle Episcopalian or a former member of another denomination, or no denomination at all, we are confident you will feel welcome in any of our classes.
Sunday Classes
Foundations of Faith
Foundations of Faith is a study in living the Christian life in the Episcopal and Anglican tradition for adults aged 18 and up. Newcomers are invited to move more deeply into relationship with Christ by taking this course, and it serves as preparation for an adult wishing to be baptized, confirmed, or received into the Episcopal Church. Anyone seeking a refresher in Episcopal/ Anglican Christianity is welcome. Contact: The Rev. Gregg Morris, gmorris@stjohnsec.org or 410-461-7793, ext. 351
20s and 30s Group
The 20s and 30s Group is a response to the diverse needs of the ever-growing community of young adults at St. John’s. This is an opportunity for twenty- and thirty-somethings to become actively involved in all levels of Church life including worship, teaching, outreach, and fellowship. It is a place to belong and become, and strives to be a community in which young adults can gather to worship, ask questions, seek comfort, and rejoice together. Contact: Elyse Evans Kircher, eaevansmd@gmail.com
Adult Forum
Adult Forum offers speakers and discussions that help equip us to take our Sunday experience into our workday world. Sundays as announced, 10:30 a.m., All Saints Hall. Contact: The Rev. Gregg Morris or 410- 461-7793, ext. 351
Adult Drop-in Sunday School
Do you seek a place to discuss a wide range of topics and how our faith informs our lives? Do you seek a deeper worship experience? Do you wonder if everyone around you knows more about the Bible—or faith in general—than you? If you fall into any of these categories, you are not alone. Try the Drop-in Adult Sunday School. We meet on Sundays during the Education hour. Each week is self-contained, so no one just walking in is ever “out-of-the-loop”! Contact: Karen Sarno, 410-480-9640 or Lowell Wilson, 410-461-7314.
Weekday/Weeknight Classes
Women’s Bible Study
Course study is determined by the class, but is scripturally focused, with an emphasis upon women’s experiences within scripture; in spiritual women of the past & present; and in our lives today. Contact: The Rev. Mimi Mathews, 410-461-7793
EFM
Education for Ministry (EFM) seeks to draw students who desire a more in-depth of study of Scripture and theology. The four-year program focuses on preparation and sustenance for lay ministry. Contact: Tom Goss, 410-461-5594. In Fall of 2011 a daytime Education for Ministry class will be taught. For more information, contact The Rev. Gregg Morris.
Study, Care & Share
This program runs in 6 week sessions and provides an opportunity to connect with fellow parishioners on a deeper level. Each session begins with a large group presentation, followed by small group break-outs. During the first six-week session, we'll study the future and relevance of Christianity, as we look at world-renowned theologian Huston Smith's The Soul of Christianity: Restoring the Great Tradition. Smith reexamines Christianity's first millennium and the lessons it holds for us today. We'll review the Christian faith, its history and its major branches, gaining a vision of Christianity that is tolerant and substantial, traditional and relevant. The "care" component of the program is not only about caring for one another within our St. John's family, but also bringing Christ's love into the world. We envision Study, Care and Share participants going out into the community as a group helping our neighbors in need.
