Being Formed in Beauty

Led by Clifton Rogge, Charles Simeon Fellow

            This seven-week class examines the Christian life through the concept of beauty.  From God’s redemptive act expressed in Scripture, to our responding to his active work in us, we behold God more completely when we open ourselves to the various forms of beauty within this self-revelation. The requires a sacrifice on our part that conditions our faith to makes us into disciples who reflect not only Christ’s restorative grace, but the beauty drawn from the life of God himself.  This course is designed to conceptualize beauty as that which draws us into God and that which allows us to participate in God’s self-revelation as we are further transformed into his likeness.

Perspectives on Christians and Politics: A Discussion

Led by Cliff Nilson

            Who does God want you to vote for in November? We don’t have the answer to that question, but we will look at what the Scriptures say about being a good citizen. Using the book, “Jesus and the Powers”, by N.T. Wright and Michael F. Bird, this class will discuss the role of Christians in politics. We will consider the historical perspective, the relationship of church and state, the impact of the kingdom of God in this age, whether Christians can oppose laws or rulers, and what kind of government God approves. The book is recommended but not required.

Parenting for Faith

Led by Jason and Frances Merritt

As parents, we are perfectly positioned and perfectly equipped to daily and easily show our children the reality of day-to-day life with God. God has shared with us in the Bible a simple plan for us to encourage our children into a vibrant, two-way relationship with God. This class will help parents to understand this plan and put it into practice. Class topics include finding a spiritual framework to make sense of life, unwinding false views of God, conversational prayer, discipling children in any season of life, prayer ministry for children, and connecting children with the Church.

Class Title: Common Worship: Prayer Book 101
When: Mondays, 6:15 – 7:30 pm | June 12–July 31
Led by: Fr. Michael Petty
Pathways 1, & 4

Using The Book of Common Prayer can be difficult if you are unfamiliar with it or if you have come from a non-liturgical background. If you have found yourself puzzled by the liturgy on Sunday or would like to be able to use the Book of Common Prayer in your daily prayer life, this class is for you. Over the course of seven weeks, we will explore the origins of the Book of Common Prayer, the history of Christian liturgy, the Daily Office (Morning Prayer and Evening Prayer), the theology of the sacraments, the Eucharist, Holy Baptism as a model for the Christian life, the Sunday collects and Scripture readings, the liturgies for Holy Matrimony, the anointing of the sick, Reconciliation, Ministry at the Time of Death, the seasons of the Church year, and the Prayer Book vision for individual and common worship and prayer. By the end of the class, you will not only have a better understanding of the “how” of Anglican worship but also a better understanding of the “why”. The resource book for this class is A Walk Through the Prayer Book by Arnold Klukas.

Kneeling With The Giants: Learning to Pray with History’s Best Teachers

Led by Ben Praamsma, Charles Simeon Fellow

            What can our spiritual mothers and fathers teach us about prayer? Over the course of the summer, we will kneel alongside St. Benedict of Nursia, Theresa of Avila, John of the Cross, Ignatius of Loyola, George Herbert, and John Calvin, learning their unique gifts to the great tradition of prayer. We’ll get to know these friends and their stories, but also spend time praying like they did, with the hope of enriching our private and congregational prayer lives.

Class Title: The Grand Sweep of Scripture
When: Sundays, 10:30-11am | January 14-April 28
Led by: Fr. Michael Petty
Pathway 2: Scripture and Christian Doctrine

Adult Sunday School continues a journey through the whole of Scripture by exploring the book of Joshua.  In Joshua, God’s promise of land to the descendants of Abraham finds a provisional fulfillment as Israel settles in the land of Canaan.  As we explore the narrative of Joshua, we will be looking at its Christian meaning, recognizing that the early church read this book as prefiguring the Messiah.  We will also explore the themes of faith, trust in God, living in a hostile environment, and hope.

Pathway 2: Scripture and Christian Doctrine
Pathway 4: Living Out Our Baptism as Public Witnesses For Christ
Led by: Alice Sanderson

Mom to Mom is a biblically based parenting program designed around the Titus 2:4 concept of older women teaching and encouraging younger women in their relationships with their husbands and children. Our time together will include quality instruction in parenting, small group discussion, and the interaction of more experienced mothers with younger women. In our study this fall, Growing Together, we will explore how growing our children involves us growing as moms. All women are welcome to join in as we seek to become equipped, encouraged, and energized as moms in the most significant job in the world—raising the next generation.

Childcare is typically available during Mom-To-Mom meeting times.

Led by: Bp. Andy Miller (EEC) & Ryan Cecil
Pathway 1:  Formation Through Prayer and Worship

Pathway 4:  Formation Through Living Out Our Baptism as Public Witnesses for Christ

Intercession and Healing Prayer have been critical components of faith expressed by both the Old and New Testaments and have historically been central to the life, mission, and health of the Church.  This class will emphasize the importance of creating a foundation for and nurturing a culture of intercession and healing prayer.  Special attention will be given to scriptural lessons and instruction on intercession and healing prayer for “sickness of body, mind, and spirit” (BCP, p. 225), as taught and demonstrated by Christ, the patriarchs, and the Apostles.  In addition to these principles, participants will also explore five ways that believers typically hear from God so that we are able to pray in agreement with the intercession of the Holy Spirit.

Led by: Fr. Sudduth Cummings & Brian Bailey
Pathway 1:  Formation Through Prayer and Worship
Pathway 4: Formation Through Living Out Our Baptism as Public Witnesses For Christ

All of us encounter spiritual struggles, valleys in our journey with the Lord, and times of spiritual dryness or even desolation.  This class focuses on particular struggles and how to deal with them so as to grow in holiness.  Some of the situations addressed will be: What to do when you are tired, burned out, or overwhelmed by life.  How to respond when you feel burdened or confused in prayer.  Helpful tactics to employ when experiencing spiritual struggles.  How to deal with worldly agitations and temptations. How to resist the enemy when your confidence in God is threatened. Participants should purchase Struggles in the Spiritual Life: Their Nature and Their Remedies by Timothy Gallagher, available in St. Peter’s Bookstore.

Led by: Deacon Justin Hughes
Pathway 2: Scripture and Christian Doctrine
Pathway 4: Formation Through Living Out Our Baptism as Public Witnesses For Christ

In Mere Christianity, C. S. Lewis lays out the fundamentals of the Christian faith and doctrine in a way that is both accessible to the novice and engaging for the mature.  It is among the 20th Century’s most important contributions to the canon of classic works of Christian thought.  This class will read and discuss Mere Christianity and bring it into conversation with biblical texts and other classic expressions of Christian faith and doctrine.  The issues Lewis addresses are a great read for people new to or interested in the Christian faith.  Participants should purchase a copy of Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis, available in St. Peter’s Bookstore.        

Led by: Fr. Marcus Kaiser, Dean
Pathway 2: Scripture and Christian Doctrine
Pathway 4: Formation Through Living Out Our Baptism as Public Witnesses For Christ

Join Dean Marcus Kaiser for a guided tour of the Letter to the Hebrews.  This class will focus on key passages of Hebrews so as to explore such important issues as the person and work of Christ, the nature of the Christian life, the relationship between the Old and New Testaments, and the calling of Christians to the holiness of life.  The textbook for this class is Hebrews: A 12-Week Study by Matthew Capps.

Class Title: The Anglican Catechism: The Christian Basics
When: Wednesdays, 6:15-7:15pm | January 10-March 20
Led by: Fr. Michael Petty
Pathway 1: Cultivate a life of prayer and worship
Pathway 2: Scripture and Christian Doctrine
Pathway 4: Formation Through Living Out Our Baptism as Public Witnesses For Christ

To Be A Christian: An Anglican Catechism is the official catechism of the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA). It was designed to introduce people to the Christian faith as well as to provide instruction to those who have already been baptized. The Catechism presents teachings on the Apostles’ Creed (what a Christian should believe), the Lord’s Prayer (how a Christian should pray), and the Ten Commandments (how a Christian should live). This class provides an in-depth introduction to the Catechism and an opportunity to discuss its meaning and implications for life. Participants should Purchase a copy of To Be A Christian: An Anglican Catechism (available in St. Peter’s Bookstore).

Meets Every Tuesday

Led by: Ryan Cecil
Pathways 1 & 4

In our fractured world, Brothers In Faith seeks to celebrate the redemptive work of Christ in an environment that builds deep bonds of fellowship. We are a community of men who seek to be formed in Christ through the power of Christian friendships, prayer, discussion, mutual accountability, and mutual encouragement. We study a variety of topics and books that cover a broad scope of the Christian tradition. New members are always welcome and encouraged! For more information, contact Ryan Cecil by clicking the button below.

Class Title: Common Worship: Prayer Book 101
When: Mondays, 6:15 – 7:30 pm | 18 September–30 October
Led by: Fr. Michael Petty
Pathways 1, & 4

Prayer Book 101 is an introduction to The Book of Common Prayer, 2019 which is the official prayer book of the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA). This class focuses on how to use the Prayer Book for both common and private prayer and is a good introduction to liturgical worship for those who do not come from a liturgical tradition. Topics include The Daily Office (Morning and Evening Prayer), the foundations of liturgical worship, the theology of the sacraments, the two eucharistic liturgies (Anglican Standard and Ancient Renewed), liturgies for Holy Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Matrimony, and other pastoral rites, the Church liturgical calendar and major feast days. Participants should purchase a copy of The Book of Common Prayer, 2019, available in St. Peter’s Bookstore.

Pathway 2: Scripture and Christian Doctrine
Pathway 4: Living Out Our Baptism as Public Witnesses For Christ
Led by: Alice Sanderson

Mom to Mom is a biblically based parenting program designed around the Titus 2:4 concept of older women teaching and encouraging younger women in their relationships with their husbands and children. Our time together will include quality instruction in parenting, small group discussion, and the interaction of more experienced mothers with younger women. In our study this fall, Growing Together, we will explore how growing our children involves us growing as moms. All women are welcome to join in as we seek to become equipped, encouraged, and energized as moms in the most significant job in the world—raising the next generation.

Childcare is typically available during Mom-To-Mom meeting times.

Led by: Cliff Nilson
Pathway 1:  Formation Through Prayer and Worship

This class might be called “Prayer 101”. Using Anthony Bloom’s classic book Beginning to Pray, we will focus on prayer as ongoing conversation with God, an ongoing conversion to God, an expression of our relationship with God, and a means of deepening this relationship. Participants should purchase a copy of Beginning to Pray (available in St. Peter’s Bookstore). 

Led by: Steve Gordon, Katy Merritt, & Matthew Swanson
Pathway 3:  Formation Through the Stewardship of Spiritual Gifts and Financial Resources
Pathway 4: Formation Through Living Out Our Baptism as Public Witnesses For Christ

How do you figure out what to do with your life? Oh, and as a Christian, how do you figure out what God wants you to do with your life? Do I have to become a full-time international missionary or member of the clergy in order to be a good Christian? As young adults, we often find ourselves lost or confused. The great thing is, we have brothers and sisters in Christ that can journey with us through the often scary and complicated wilderness that is adulthood. Come a join other young adults as we discover the path that God has planned for our lives, and what it’s like to enter the workforce. We will be reading Daniel Dorian’s Work That Makes a Difference as well as What Color is Your Parachute? Copies of both will be provided.  

Led by: Dr. Pam Valentine
Pathway 3:  Formation Through the Stewardship of Spiritual Gifts and Financial Resources
Pathway 4: Formation Through Living Out Our Baptism as Public Witnesses For Christ

This class, based on the book Life on the Vine by Phillip Kenneson, will be interactive. Each week, we will examine the call from God regarding a particular aspect of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), the cultural obstacles to developing and manifesting the fruit, the Church’s role in developing the fruit, and the individual challenge upon each of our lives. Participants should purchase a copy of Life on the Vine: Cultivating the Fruit of the Spirit in Community by Phillip Kenneson (available in St. Peter’s Bookstore).

Led by: Dr. Susan Chase
Pathway 1:  Formation Through Prayer and Worship
Pathway 4: Formation Through Living Out Our Baptism as Public Witnesses For Christ

Spiritual formation is the process of renewing and deepening our life in God through Christ. Based on reading Dallas Willard’s book Renovation of the Heart, each week the class will discuss one of the aspects of a Christian’s life using readings from Willard’s book, and Scripture. During the week, participants will engage in exercises suggested in Renovation of the Heart which will provide a path to deepening our commitment to discipleship. Participants should purchase a copy of Dallas Willard’s book Renovation of the Heart (available in St. Peter’s Bookstore).

Led by: Curate Andrew Beluk
Pathway 3:  Formation Through the Stewardship of Spiritual Gifts and Financial Resources
Pathway 4: Formation Through Living Out Our Baptism as Public Witnesses For Christ

Some in the Church today believe that evangelism and missions are two distinct activities of the Christian life. But has this ever really been true? This class will explore how Jesus, the apostles, and the early Church engaged in both evangelism and mission together. We will consider how modern-day Christians might continue this way of life. The class will advocate for an understanding of the two callings as inseparable, coining the word “evangelisson” to do this. Participants should purchase a copy of The Rise of Christianity by Rodney Stark (available in St. Peter’s Bookstore).

Led by: Fr. Marcus Kaiser & Deacon Justin Hughes
Pathway 2: Scripture and Christian Doctrine
Pathway 4: Formation Through Living Out Our Baptism as Public Witnesses For Christ

Life among Christians can be both great and exasperating. The joys of fellowship in Christ can be diminished by division and animosity. This study of 1 Corinthians will focus on the struggles faced by early Christians in Corinth and the wisdom we can gain from Paul’s efforts to address them. As Paul helps us to see, life together is a challenge, but it is the thing to which Christ calls us. Participants should purchase a copy of 1 Corinthians: The Challenges of Life Together by Paul Stevens and Dan Williams (available in St. Peter’s Bookstore).

Led by: Beth Medley

We recognize that they are “in-between” Children’s and Youth ministries. We have a special time of community, evening prayer, and discipleship for this group.

Led by: Fr. David Marten and Cheryl Cerreta

This 14-week series focuses on the issues our students face everyday. How to talk with our nonvert and atheist friends. How to handle questions of faith and doubt. How does God handle injustice and brokenness in the world. Get a glimpse for yourself at DarkRoomFaith.com. We’ll be getting into some tough discussions that will challenge your faith.

Led by: Jennifer Nicholson and Kendra Miriam Calhoun

How will you spend your middle school years - as a casual fan of Jesus, or a committed follower? What does it really mean for your life to follow Jesus? We will explore the teen edition of Kyle Idleman’s Not A Fan study through readings, Bible study, and videos.

Class Title: The Anglican Catechism: The Christian Basics
When: Wednesdays, 6:15-7:30pm | September 13 – November 15
Led by: Fr. Michael Petty
Pathway 1: Cultivate a life of prayer and worship
Pathway 2: Scripture and Christian Doctrine
Pathway 4: Formation Through Living Out Our Baptism as Public Witnesses For Christ

To Be A Christian: An Anglican Catechism is the official catechism of the Anglican Church in North America (acna). It was designed to introduce people to the Christian faith as well as to provide instruction to those who have already been baptized. The Catechism presents teachings on the Apostles’ Creed (what a Christian should believe), the Lord’s Prayer (how a Christian should pray), and the Ten Commandments (how a Christian should live). This class provides an in-depth introduction to the Catechism and an opportunity to discuss its meaning and implications for life. Participants should Purchase a copy of To Be A Christian: An Anglican Catechism (available in St. Peter’s Bookstore).

The Dead Theologians Society is for everyone who wants to learn more about the people who have shaped the Christian faith over history.  This group focuses on reading the works of great theologians who are now dead but whose teaching lives on in the Church today.  Previous theologians who have been read include Hans Urs von Balthasar, Karl Barth, John Wesley, St. Gregory of Nyssa, and St. John of Damascus.  All are welcome! To find out what the group is currently reading, contact Fr. Michael Petty by clicking the button below.