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ADULT FAITH FORMATION
Will you continue in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of the bread, and in the prayers?— The Book of Common Prayer, p 304
St. John's Adult Faith Formation program offers many pathways to spiritual growth. Through focused study and reflection, we build the foundation needed to apply both scripture, reason, and tradition to our faith today. 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. Spiritual Formation is about the whole person--body and mind--with the goal of seeking and serving Christ. For some, this is done through study, and others through service; whatever the path you take, St. John's can assist. Spiritual Formation is more than knowing about or even knowing God — it is about being known by God. We welcome you here at St. John's to be met by God, who already knows you and loves you!
Lectionary Bible Study: Sundays, 8:00-9:00 a.m., Parish Life Center Conference Room (lower level) and Zoom
Join Bruno Reich for a Bible Study based on the readings you will hear in church. Deepen your spiritual connection by understanding and discussing the background and meaning behind these readings. Email LectionaryBibleStudy@stjohnsec.org to get the Zoom connection and to receive Bible study notes.
Thursday Night Bible Study: 6:15-7:15 p.m., Zoom
St. John's offers a variety of bible studies focusing on both the Old and New Testament, as well as non-canonical books (e.g., The Gospel of Thomas & the Apocrypha). In addition, we often engage a book on a biblical or theological topic. Because we want everyone to engage scripture in a relaxed environment, we invite you to attend as you are able (there is no requirement to attend all sessions, though we would love for you to do so!) and there is no prep work required. All questions are welcome and honored, and no prior scripture knowledge is needed (though you will gain some if you attend for sure!). Please contact Rev. Stephen at shagerty@stjohnsec.org for Zoom log-in (or call-in) information.
Women's Bible Study: Thursdays, 9:45-11:15 a.m., Auditorium
Be part of study and prayer in community with women from across the generations. Contact: Allison Gradwell and Sharon Weston-Dawkes at WomensBibleStudy@stjohnsec.org for more information.
Small Groups: Various Times, In-person & Zoom
At St. John's, we strive to be a church of small groups rather than a church with small groups. These are gatherings of no more than 8 people, typically meeting every week for 60 minutes. Given all that is happening in the wider world, these groups are more important than ever. Gathering both via Zoom and in person (if the members are comfortable) allows us to continue to be present with each other, explore our spiritual journeys, be open to scripture, and offer pastoral counsel to each other without interruption. To learn more or to join a group, contact Rev. Stephen at shagerty@stjohnsec.org or by phone at 410-461-7793, ext. 351.
Annual Men's & Women's Retreats
Sacred time set aside to honor our spiritual journeys through meditation, fellowship, prayer, and worship.
Women’s Retreat: Spring, 2024
Women's Contact: Sharon Weston-Dawkes at WomensRetreat@stjohnsec.org
Men's Retreat: TBD
Men's Contact: Ken Wireman at MensRetreat@stjohnsec.org
The John L. Rabb Lectures in Contemporary Theology
Created from a legacy gift for the purpose of having key people in theological and church leadership make presentations and lead round-table discussions for our church and the community at large, generally twice a year. Our next lecture is scheduled for Sat., March 18, 2023. Details Contact: Sally Goss at RabbLecture@stjohnsec.org
Education for Ministry
Education for Ministry, or EfM, is a 4-year theological education program for lay persons seeking a more in-depth study of scripture, theology, and church history. Each weekly seminar includes Bible study, theological reflection, and worship. Participants commit one year at a time. Contact Clare Brooks at EducationForMinistry@stjohnsec.org
Spiritual Direction
Both doubt and mystical experience can be equally unnerving. Spiritual direction is one of the skills in which the clergy have been trained to help explore these experiences (and many others in-between!). Spiritual Direction differs from therapy in that our primary focus is on learning more about God’s relationship with you and bringing this to light. This focus differs from psychotherapy, where the focus on learning more about relationship with others or yourself. Individual direction and recommendations for resource materials are available at any time, particularly when one has reached a crisis point in his or her relationship with God. Please reach out directly to a clergy person with further questions or concerns, or to set up an appointment.