St James' Adult Forums

Beginning on June 27th, join us for our Summer series, a weekly discussion of C. S. Lewis’ Meer Christianity! Meer Christianity, based on radio broadcasts of layman’s theology by Lewis to England’s population during World War II, has become one of the most famous and well-respected contributions to Christian theology in the 20th century. Don’t let the word “theology” scare you off; Lewis intentionally wrote it to be an easy read, and he certainly succeeded.

Each week we will ask participants to come having already ready a particular, small section of the book. An open discussion of that section will be held in the Parish Hall meeting room, allowing participants to share their reactions as well as ask and answer questions of others. As this is a summer series, it is intended to be accessible even if you’ve missed past weeks, so long as you’ve done the reading for the week you attend. As always, Adult Forums are held at 9:15 on Sunday mornings, and all are welcome.

Date	Topic	Section
8/29/10	The Cost of Christianity	Book 4 Chapters 8 and 9
9/5/10	New Life in Christ	Book 4 Chapters 10 and 11

Beginning September 12–Spiritual Formation Opportunities

On September 12, Rally Sunday, our Sunday morning schedule will change and we will greatly enhance our Christian Education offerings. We hope that every member of St. James’ will set aside some time to grow as a Christian disciple through spiritual formation by participating in one of the many offerings being provided.

9:15 am Adult Forum Embracing an Adult Faith

● Facilitators: the Adult Forum Planning Committee

○ Location: Parish Hall Meeting Room

» Offered at 9:15 am in the parish hall and running concurrently with the 9:15 am child-friendly service held in the church, this six week series features a 10 minute DVD presentation by theologian Marcus Borg, followed by discussion of Christianity’s most fundamental questions: Who is God? What place does Jesus hold in contemporary Christian faith? . . . . . . . and more.

10:05 am Building Connections options

● Current Events and the Gospel Facilitator: The Rev. Elton O. Smith, Jr.

○ Location: Parish Hall Library

» This six-session discussion group will discuss top stories in the headlines and how we clarify the ethical and theological issues related to what’s happening in our world.

● The Spirituality of Parenting Facilitators: Kirsten Hall, Trish Powell

○ Location: Parish Hall Lower Level, Room 105

» This six-session discussion group will be based on an NPR broadcast, "Speaking of Faith" and is designed for parents who have children that are asking questions about church, faith, or spirituality. Under discussion will be such topics as: talking to kids about the difference between religion and spirituality; giving my child the experience of the sacred; praying with children; facing your "native tongue" in spite of bad experiences, and passing on something useful and the best of the tradition to children

● Diapers and Devotion Facilitated by the D & D Fellowship Group

○ Location: Church Lower Level, Children’s Chapel Room

» This study, sponsored by St. James’ Diapers and Devotion group, will primarily focus on the many ways in which God and our spiritual lives inform how we raise our young families – and vice versa. The group will also aim to provide a practical, informal, intellectually stimulating, and welcoming social and spiritual support network for all interested young people, couples, and families.

D&D will begin with a discussion of the book Parenting Is Your Highest Calling: And Eight Other Myths That Trap Us in Worry and Guilt by Leslie Leyland Fields. The book explores myths that can lead to unrealistic expectations and distract us from God’s purposes for our children and for us.

● Divine Secrets of St. James’ Facilitated by the St. James’ Membership Commission and the Rev. Cindy Baskin

○ Location: Church Main Level, Flower Room

» This six-session orientation class is for newcomers to St. James’ or "old-timers" who would like to know more about who we are as a congregation. Have you ever wondered about some of the things we do and why we do them? Then join us for these sessions.

● Bible Study Potpourri Facilitator: The Rev. Prince Williams

○ Location: Parish Hall Lower Level, Room 106

» Watch for further information and details as they develop and as Prince joins our parish clergy staff in the fall.

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