 Adult Christian Formation Opportunities, Fall 2003 Classes & Groups | Sunday Adult Forum | Off-Campus Formation Bible Study Romans
Thursdays 10:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m.
7 weeks. Thursday class begins on Sept. 11th Ann Moczydlowski and Robert Hundley will lead a study of Romans using The Story of Romans, an incredible new commentary on Paul's letter to the church at Rome. This commentary, by scholar and New Testament Professor, Dr. A. Katherine Grieb, (who preached at Ann's ordination here at Grace) examines Paul's argument in fresh, but biblically grounded ways. This study illuminates the narrative structure of Paul's writing as well as addressing the issue of God's righteousness - "Can we really trust this God?" This topic is as timely for our lives in the 21st century just as it was in ancient Rome. The author uses the civil rights movement as her backdrop for reflective questions, a dynamic way to study this text and a complement to the Racial Dialogue process at Grace. Grace will run two classes so that parishioners with differing schedules may attend. Participants can purchase the book on September 7th at the Dedication Sunday ceremony for $21.00. Scholarship money is available, so please dont pass up this opportunity for lack of funds. Race Dialogue Wednesday, September 17th, 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. This successful and enriching group will continue to meet periodically throughout the fall. Participants will have a chance to tell their personal stories, as well as discuss readings from the book Before the Mayflower: A History of Black America, by Lerone Bennett. Contact the Parish Office for more information. The Anglican Vision Thursday 7:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m. 8 weeks beginning September 18th Parishioners Olivia Gray, Cherisse Robles and Pat Scott-Clayton will share facilitation of the study of Volume 1 in the New church teaching Series The Anglican Vision, by James E. Griffiss. They will explore the origins of Anglicanism, the Catholic and Evangelical renewal movements of the 19th century, and present a survey of Anglican mission, theology, and worship. At the end of the course the leaders hope participants will have a better understanding of the richness of the Anglican tradition and how it is expressed at Grace. Participants can purchase the book on September 7th at the Dedication Sunday ceremony for approx. $12.00. Attendees should read Chapter One prior to the first class. Prayer Group Wednesday 7:00 p.m. 8:30 p.m. The Prayer Group continues exploration of a variety of prayer styles, meeting regularly on the 1st & 3rd Wednesdays of the month. The 1st Wednesday is always Contemplative Prayer. We will also be offering a meditative walk on Saturday, October 11th, at Brookside Gardens in Wheaton Regional Park. Brookside Gardens is a 50-acre public display garden, where there are always plants in bloom. Inside the two conservatories, colorful seasonal displays accent lush green tropical plants year round. Advent Retreat Saturday, December 13th - Time TBA Held at Church of Our Savior on New Hampshire Ave. Facilitated by Revs. Allison St. Louis and Ann Moczydlowski, and featuring Grace storytellers Anne Sheldon, Pam Hamilton and Jennie Kiffmeyer. What is Your Faith? Wednesday 7:00 p.m. 8:30 p.m.
6 weeks beginning September 24th A new and exciting Christian formation opportunity for newcomers and long time members alike. John Leach, our seminarian, will be leading an extension of last fall's Inquirer's Class. The class will explore the words of theology that are so often used in the Church such as redemption, salvation, reconciliation, sanctification, incarnation. Class members will discuss these terms, what they mean, how they are part of our daily lives, and how they are expressed in the liturgy of the Episcopal Church. They will use a basic approach of learning from each other and from theologians, so that all participants need bring is a willingness to share their own experiences and their questions. In the spring John will facilitate a discussion on Living into our Baptism, and a Spiritual Gifts inventory. For more information, you may call John at 703.578.4416. Personal invitation is the #1 way that people attend church activities and are incorporated into parish life. If you plan to participate in one or more events this fall, ask a fellow parishioner to join you! September September 14 Managing Stress The season begins with a timely session on stress. The leader is Dr. William Decker, a clinical psychologist who specializes in self-regulation techniques including music therapy, biofeedback and meditation, among others. He will help the group analyze the stress of the world we live in and give guidance on practical strategies for de-stressing, that is, living with less anxiety and worry. September 21 Simplifying Your Life The theme of the second session is simplifying one's life. Featured will be a discussion of the book, Unplug the Christmas Machine, a fascinating and thought-provoking practical guide to returning Christmas to a season of celebration that involves more giving of self than commercialization. The book will be available for purchase. Facilitating the session will be Cheryl Peterson and Gloria Lewis. September 28 Parish Weekend - No Forum October October 5 Our Belief Systems How much do our beliefs impact our availability to appreciate others' beliefs? How deeply rooted is belief ? Can we change our beliefs with relative ease? If not, why not? Where physically are our beliefs rooted within us? October 12 The Abrahamic Religions - Overview This session will begin an important series of the adult education program in which Grace looks at the core beliefs of the three Abrahamic religions, which are intersecting so powerfully in the world's hot spots. Topics will include critical concepts such as jihad. Grace's own Rev. Dr. Peter Antoci will provide an overview of the three linked religions, to provide a framework for analysis. Rev. Antoci has taught Religious Studies at several area colleges, including UMBC, Catholic University and George Mason University. October 19 - Islam Dr. Ahmad Moen, a well respected authority on Islam at Howard University (and himself an Imam) will explore the tenets of the Islamic faith, bringing powerful insights to this important religion. October 26 - Judaism Rabbi Janet Ozur-Bass will speak with us on the core tenets of Judaism from her perspective of having attended the Jewish Theological Seminary of America, studying in both New York and Israel. November November 2 Eco-Theology This session will begin a series on eco-theology, the increasingly important discussion of how Christians can be responsible stewards for God's creation in the form of the natural environment which sustains all life on earth. The series starts with a presentation and discussion on clean air and water. November 9 Eco-Theology, Part II Leading the discussion will be Sarah Wilton, a former member of Grace who started an eco-theology committee. She is currently working on a doctorate in foreign policy and the environment. November 16 - Craft Boutique - No Forum November 23 Being With the Poor At the Thanksgiving session Kim Montroll, former lawyer and one of the leaders of the Good Shepherd Ministry in Adams Morgan for impoverished children will speak with us about "being with the poor". This powerful discussion will be continued by discussions in the undercroft after the 10:30 service by Grace's social ministers, who will share activities about Grace's ministries among the poor. November 30 Wreath Making No Forum December December 7, 14, 21 The Story of Ruth Anne Sheldon, Pam Hamilton and Jennie Kiffmeyer, our trio of authors and professional storytellers, will continue their riveting series of stories illuminating the Bible. This powerful three-part presentation will focus on Ruth, who figures in the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew despite being a non-Jew. The presenters bring the Biblical figures to life, giving the familiar texts powerful new immediacy. It is an experience you will not want to miss! One World: Off-Campus Formation Opportunities Servant Leadership School The Things That Make For Peace Forum Series September 11th, 2001 and its aftermath have reminded us that the road to peace is fraught with difficult questions and choices. Many who seek a strong, yet non-violent response to terrorism have wondered if that is realistic in this moment. Many who support military responses struggle to reconcile that with Jesus' instruction to be peacemakers. It takes courage to ask questions like these in a time when unity is prized, and even more courage to consider possible answers. With this ongoing forum series, the Servant Leadership School is creating an opportunity for dialogue to seek clarity and courage in our common striving for peace. We will pray together and listen for ways to actively pursue the peace that we long for - for ourselves and for the world. We want to follow Jesus more closely; prayer and authentic conversation will help us discern how best to do that in this day and time. These forums are offered free of charge at the Festival Center, 1640 Columbia Road, NW Washington, DC 20009. For more information, contaact the Festival Center at 202.328.7312.
Shalem Institute Many offerings for individuals and groups. Workshops, retreats, spiritual direction, prayer and much more. National Cathedral The Cathedral Center for Prayer and Pilgrimage Contemplative Prayer - Fourth Saturdays, 10:00 11:30 a.m. The Cathedral Center for Prayer and Pilgrimage offers a community gathering with contemplative prayer. Centering Prayer - Wednesdays, 8:00 8:30 a.m. Sessions are held immediately following the 7:30 am Eucharist in the Cathedral Center for Prayer and Pilgrimage. Labyrinth - last Tuesday of each month 6:00 9:00 p.m. A labyrinth is a sacred pattern that leads you on a prescribed path to its center, and back out again. Although the labyrinth may be new to many people today, its use as a spiritual tool can be traced back to several ancient cultures. There is no right or wrong way to walk a labyrinth, since it is an activity that becomes a metaphor for your own spiritual journey in life. Some people walk with the intention to address an issue in their lives, others to pray and meditate.
Dayspring Retreat Center Beautiful wooded acres are the setting for a variety of teaching and silent retreats, led by spiritual leaders from around the country. Individual and private group retreats are also encouraged. |