(Posted January 2021) – Since March 2020, we have spent time in the spiritual wilderness. If you have felt disconnected from God and the church, you are not alone. We have all felt that way! The good news is God never leaves us in the wilderness. In 2021, God is leading St. John’s through the wilderness to new life and spiritual renewal with a special parish-wide edition of Growing in Grace, a course for adults on the basics of the Christian faith.
It is not necessary to register in advance. We encourage everyone to attend a class to learn what it’s all about. Check out the FAQ below. And if you missed a class in spring 2021, we invite you to view the video recording. If you’d like to take part, or if you have questions about the confirmation process, please contact Claire Dodd, membership director.
JANUARY 24, 2021:
Why are we St. John’s?
How does the name of our patron saint shape our identity as a parish? Fr. Dave will explore what it means to belong, grow, serve, and center at St. John’s Episcopal Church.
JANUARY 31, 2021:
How do we talk about God?
Fr. Wallace discusses the historical challenges (and importance) of talking about God. Most importantly, how do we speak about God in today’s world?
FEBRUARY 7, 2021:
Annual Meeting (NO CLASS)
FEBRUARY 14, 2021:
Who is Jesus? Why did he die?
Mother Abi will look at some of the different ways the church has understood Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection.
FEBRUARY 21:
What is the Holy Spirit?
Deacon Joe will talk about the presence of the Holy Spirit in scripture and our lives.
FEBRUARY 28, 2021:
Instructed Eucharist
The Clergy of St. John’s will lead an instructed Eucharist. We will walk through the liturgy, talk about the how and why, and answer questions you have about what we during Holy Eucharist.
MARCH 7, 2021:
Why and how should I read the Bible?
This class will feature The Rev. Dr. Rebecca A. Wright, Professor of Old Testament at The School of Theology at Sewanee.
MARCH 14, 2021:
What did it mean to be Church for the early Christians?
Today’s class will feature our seminarian, Chris Schwenk, who will offer insight on why the past is important to helping us navigate the present.
MARCH 21, 2021:
What does it mean to be an Episcopalian?
Fr. Wallace talks about the beginning of the Anglican Church and why our theology offers something important to today’s challenges.
MARCH 28, 2021:
Walking through Holy Week
On this Palm Sunday, we will enter Holy Week with a directed retreat by the clergy, to help you go deeper in your faith at St. John’s.
APRIL 11, 2021:
Prayer Book Spirituality
What is contained in the Book of Common Prayer? How does it shape our faith and spirituality? How can we integrate it into our daily lives? These questions will be the explored by The Rev. Dr. Julia Gatta, Professor of Pastoral Theology at The School of Theology at Sewanee.
