Sunday School at St. John’s for all ages begins on September 22. We have a variety of offerings for adults, and exciting new classes for children and youth. We hope you join us throughout the year – there’s something for everyone!
Adult Sunday School (September to December 2024)
This program year, St. John’s offers a variety of Sunday School offerings. From dedicated prayer groups, to lectionary discussion, to diving right into Paul’s letters: we want to give everyone the chance to try something new and grow deeper in their Christian lives. Below you will find descriptions, dates, times, and locations of the classes offered until we break for Christmas.
Year-Round Gatherings
Lectionary/Sermon Discussion Group
9 AM and 11:30 AM, Rutledge Room
9 AM led by Betty Lou Joanos and Frances Hart
11:30 AM led by Marda Messick and Erik Salsgiver
Have you ever walked out of church wishing to dig even deeper into the scriptures and sermon of the day? Join us on Sundays after each service to further unpack the wisdom and insights revealed during the church service.
Prayer Group
9 AM, Rear of the Nave
Led by Meagan Owens
When it comes to intercessory prayer, there’s no better way to learn than by doing. This group will meet on Sunday mornings between the church services to pray for our leaders, members, and world.
Walk in Love: An Episcopal 101
11:30 AM, Killeen Hall and YouTube
Led by Jonathan Jackson, Mike Stewart-Meza, and Sarah Michael Trupiano
Take a journey through The Book of Common Prayer to learn what we believe, why we do what we do, and how it all shapes who we are as Episcopalians. Using the book Walk in Love by Scott Gunn and Melody Wilson Shobe, this class is perfect for newcomers and longtimers alike. This class will be recorded and posted online. Click here to purchase the book.
Beginning September 22
The Gospel of John
9 AM, Killeen Hall
Led by Jen Hinson and Bo Shippen
John’s Gospel is full of intriguing language—of being born anew, of living water, of wind and spirit, of the “I Am”—that enhances how we understand the Divine, experience the world, and participate in the mystery of faith. Using Amy-Jill Levine’s The Gospel of John, we’ll deep-dive into this unique gospel to unpack all its riches for today. Click here to purchase the book. (Runs Sep. 22 – Nov. 3)
Teach Me to Pray
11:30 AM, Carter Chapel
Led by rotating facilitators
Are you unsure of how to pray? This class will explore multiple types of Christian prayer and will give practical applications for a full and fruitful personal prayer life. Journaling, prayer beads, and more are on offer. There’s truly something for everyone. (Runs Sep. 22 – Oct. 27)
Beginning November 10
Richard Rohr: The Work of the People
9 AM, Killeen Hall
Facilitator TBD
Richard Rohr is a globally recognized ecumenical teacher bearing witness to the universal awakening within mystical and transformational traditions. His video series “Work of the People” is perfect for anyone who seeks meaning and direction in their spiritual journey. We will enjoy the films together and then discuss the direct implications and lessons for our lives. (Runs Nov. 10 – Dec. 22)
Paul’s Perplexing Passages
11:30 AM, Carter Chapel
Led by Fr. Lonnie Lacy
Many modern-day Christians struggle with the writings of the Apostle Paul, especially his passages on women, marriage, slavery, government, and homosexuality. A closer look, however, reveals that Paul was a progressive pastor far ahead of his time. Join Fr. Lonnie for this six-week class exploring the social, cultural, political, and religious contexts behind Paul’s most difficult passages. Together, we’ll learn how the writings of this 2,000-year-old curmudgeonly saint still offer abundant grace for people today. (Runs Nov. 10 – Dec. 22)
Adult Sunday School Schedule (Click the image to download a pdf of the schedule)
Children’s Sunday School (September 2024 – April 2025)
Children in PreK-5th grades are invited to join us from 11:30 AM–12:30 PM for weekly Christian formation. This year, 4 classes (PK/K, 1st, 2nd/3rd grades, and 4th/5th grades) will meet weekly through April 27. Activities take place upstairs in the Sunday School wing.
Here’s what we’ll be learning!
PK/K: Godly Play– This nurturing approach honors the unique competencies and capacities of early childhood. Students’ innate spirituality will be engaged, and their growing use of religious language will be nourished as they make meaning from Biblical stories through a creative process of self-discovery.
1st: Festal Eucharist– Students will participate in a special curriculum created right here at St. John’s to prepare our first-grade children for worship in the Episcopal tradition. They will focus on Worship, Holy Baptism, Christian Giving and The Holy Eucharist culminating with the Festal Eucharist in May.
2nd/3rd & 4th/5th: StoryMakers- Upper elementary students will become StoryMakers and use their imaginations to enter God’s story. They will engage with Biblical stories through creative visual arts, interactive storytelling, field notes, fun facts, thoughts to ponder, and hands-on activities. They will experience stories of The Promised Land, Isaiah, Advent, Lent, and Easter.
Middle School Sunday School (September 2024 – April 2025)
Middle-schoolers (6-8 grade) are invited to join us from 11:30 AM–12:30 PM for weekly Christian formation in the Sunday School wing.
Middle school students will become StoryMakers to express their questions, discoveries, and creativity as they explore the deep theological truths and faith in God. They will walk through the Signs of Grace—baptism and Communion—which contain the tangible means they can hang on to when all seems lost, and the Lord’s Prayer, which assures us we have been given the title of heirs—adopted into God’s kingdom and claimed as his own.
Families are asked to complete Sunday School registration form online for the year using the link below. Any questions, please contact Tyree Jordan, Director of Youth & Families.
Youth Sunday School (September 2024 – April 2025)
High school Sunday programing this year revolves around loving God with our whole heart, soul, mind, and strength. Students will rotate through four themes each month with the Wellness Compass, the Prayer Book, Global Philanthropy Leaders (and other special topics), and a movement-based class. Students will also have the option to use the time for personal reflection or preparation on any or all Sundays. Students are welcomed AND encouraged to bring their homework with them on Sundays. They may use this time to prepare for the week ahead and get on top of any assignments.
We hope you join us for this Sacred Space on Sundays.
Families are asked to complete Sunday School registration form online for the year using the link below. Any questions, please contact Tyree Jordan, Director of Youth & Families.
