Isaiah is sometimes referred to as the “Fifth Gospel” because early Christian interpreters drew upon it so much as they attempted to show that the Gospel was “promised beforehand” in the Scriptures (Romans 1:2).  With 66 chapters, Isaiah is a sprawling book which culminates in a vision of “new heavens and a new earth” (65:17).  This class will focus on key portions of Isaiah and will involve an attempt to understand his prophecy in its original context and to think about how it is also Christian Scripture. 

This class will allow for youth to have a voice in their learning and select from key words from the bible, research and discuss them. There are so many scriptures that correlate, overlay and relate to each other, why read just one! This class will challenge youth to use their bibles, research the various scriptures, highlight and mark key words within the bible.  Additionally, we know many have been sitting in school all day and we will incorporate a key upbeat worship song selected by the youth that attend the class. This will allow them to stand up, dance it out and just be present in the music before we start diving into scripture.

If you have children or grandchildren, this class is for you!  The class will be using Real Mom Life, a biblically based curriculum taught by Linda Anderson and Theresa Nelson that encourages moms and grandmoms in their everyday mom jobs.  The video series provides perspective on some specific parenting situations such as raising strong-willed children, dealing with infertility, managing screen time, and facing learning challenges.  While being a mom can be exhausting and sometimes frustrating, there is hope for joy on the journey and in these lessons we talk about being a mom in the real world. 

You are invited to participate in a training focused on helping you do ministry as a part of daily life.  Anyone who wants to be equipped for ministry in their own sphere is welcome.  The training features segments such as “Listening”, “Community”, “Drugs and Alcohol”, “Violence and Aggression”, and a live-action Bible study.  The goal of this training is to encourage and to equip.

Human sexuality is a crucial and contested topic these days.  When we talk about it, we are really talking about what it means to be a human being and why we are sexual creatures.  This class is designed to offer participants a Christian understanding of the meaning and purpose of human sexuality as well as a Chrisitan understanding of the meaning and purpose of the body.  The class will be based on Christopher West’s book Our Bodies Tell God’s Story which will be available in St. Peter’s Bookstore. 

This class is an introduction to To Be A Christian: An Anglican Catechism, the official catechism of the ACNA.  The Catechism is a guide to being a disciple of Jesus Christ and is divided into four sections: Beginning With Christ (The Gospel), Believing in Christ (the Apostles’ Creed), Belonging to Christ (The Lord’s Prayer), and Becoming Like Christ (the Ten Commandments).  Over the course of ten weeks, the class explores what it means to believe as a Christian, to pray as a Christian, and to live as a Christian.  The Catechism consists of 368 questions and brief, pithy answers which will be explored in detail.  If you are curious about Christianity, new to Christianity, or thinking about baptism, this class is for you.

Pray & Play (K – 2nd Grade): Children are invited to join us for play and worship on Wednesday nights. Children’s Compline is a child-led worship and prayer service at the high altar. This fall’s focus is book of Psalms. Parents are welcome to join or take a discipleship class.

Bible Explores(3rd, 4th & 5th grade): The girls and guys split up for an inductive bible study. Evening prayer and worship will be together at the High Altar.

Youth Group - Join us as we take a deeper look into the importance of martyrdom in the world of Christianity today. We will watch a video series called Torchlighters and investigate the lives of different martyrs in the Christian church and their stories of how they truly lived a Christ centered life in order to save others both spiritually and physically. We then will discuss what we watched and do some research to really dive deep into the sacrifices that they made so that we could know the real truth!

The Dead Theologians Society meets monthly to discuss the works of theologians who are physically dead but whose influence is still very much alive. By reading and discussing their works, we gain new insights into the Christian faith, acquire wisdom for facing today’s challenges, and deepen our faith. Currently, we are reading John Calvin’s Commentary on Romans. If you are interested, please consider joining us. Copies of Calvin’s commentary can be found in the St. Peter’s Bookstore.

We are continuing our journey through the Bible using the God’s Big Story. * 1st graders participate in the Children’s Catechumenate Course

*Age range classes & locations are:
2yr-3yrs (Toddler Nursery)
Kindergarten & Pre-K (Children’s Chapel)
1st (Room 201) - * Children's Catechumenate Class
2nd & 3rd (Room 102)
4th & 5th  (Room 101) Sunday School together

Join youth leaders John Driscoll and Susan Burton to explore the different "key words" in the bible. We want to take reading scripture and do it in a way that takes our understanding of what we read and look at it with new eyes! This will be a more condensed version of our Wednesday Night class that Susan and Cheryl will be leading.

The Grand Sweep of Scripture is a journey through the whole Bible and is intended to give adults and high school students a basic understanding of the biblical narrative and the faith which the Bible teaches. We will begin the fall semester by completing the Old Testament book of Judges and will then move on to Ruth.  Each Sunday, we will look at two to three chapters of Scripture with the purpose of discovering how God might be speaking to us.  Past sessions of the class can be found on the St. Peter’s website (go to www.stpetersfl.com and click on Livestream).

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 grow in our walk with Christ through discussion, mutual accountability, and encouragement. We study a variety of topics and books that cover a broad scope of the Christian tradition. Meetings are held every Tuesday, from 6:00-7:30 pm in the Youth House. Newcomers are always welcome. For more information, contact Ryan Cecil at RCecil@stpetersfl.com.

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.