Centering Prayer
Beginning Sept. 8
Sundays, 10 am in Fr. Travis's office
Craving some peace and quiet? This historic, contemplative prayer style has been at the heart of Christian Formation for centuries. The class is open to everyone including newcomers and experienced contemplatives alike. Centering Prayer lasts for about 30 minutes. Contact Rick Wood for more info at rwood@ssr-inc.com.
Opening the Bible
Hosted by LifeBuilders
Sept. 8 - Oct. 27
Sundays at 10 am in Wallace Hall
The Anglican Communion is an international family of communities gathered around the Bible. Archbishop Cranmer, in the preface to the first Book of Common Prayer (1549), ordained nothing to be read [in the Church’s worship], but the very pure word of God, the holy Scriptures, or that which is evidently grounded upon the same. If the Bible is our primary authority, then how are we to read it as a community today? This class surveys the Bible’s development and function, and explores a particularly Anglican way of reading Holy Scripture and is taught by Fr. Sammy, Fr. Travis, and Manuel Cruz.
We Are St. B's
Sundays at 10 am
Sept. 27 - Oct. 8
Have you ever wondered what exactly it means to be part of the St. B’s family? Or what’s the vestry and the Sr. Warden? How do I become a member? How do I find community and get plugged in? Who is the Bishop and why does he come? What’s up with all the parties and the sign ups? Bring your questions and join Sally Chambers (and friends) for this 8 week exploration of who we are, what we do, and how you can be a part of this beautiful, weird family known as St. Bartholomew’s.
Guests will include Bev. Mahan, Head Verger, and David Madeira, Director of Music. This class is a precursor to Introduction to Anglicanism with Fr. Sammy and is great for newcomers and old timers alike.
Why the Mystics Matter Now: Contemplative Practices that Form Contemporary Life
September 8 - Oct. 27
Sundays, 10 - 10:50
What is a Christian Mystic? Who are these Christian Mystical writers and how might their wisdom, gleaned from a life of deep union with God through contemplative prayer, speak to us today? "Why the Mystics Matter Now" will introduce the Christian Mystical tradition, such as Meister Eckhart, Catherine of Sienna, Julian of Norwich, and Thomas Merton, and how the questions and wisdom of these mystics intersect with our contemporary Christian discipleship in surprising and powerful ways.
Life Groups
Life Groups are small groups of 6-12 people cultivating the values of hospitality, trust, connection, and worship. Life Groups will meet weekly for 10 weeks, using a simple format that creates space for food, prayer, conversation, and worship. Sign-ups for the next session begin on September 8
Women's Bible Study
Thursdays, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
The Thursday morning women’s Bible study picks back up on August 29! This multigenerational group gathers most Thursdays during the school year from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. for fellowship, prayer, studying scripture, and walking through life together. It is open to all women of any walk of life and at any point of the faith journey. Childcare is available for kids not yet in kindergarten.
This year we’ll be studying an overview of the Old Testament with Sandra Richter’s The Epic of Eden. It’s a meaty study to help us grasp the good, the bad, and the ugly of the Old Testament and how it relates to God’s activity in the present. Contact Gretchen Abernathy for more information, and if you would like a book.
Men's Study
Year Round, Thursdays, 7 - 8 a.m.
Come and gather with other men for fellowship, prayer, and study. This group has been going for twenty-one years at St. B’s. All ages are welcome and encouraged. The group is committed to supporting each other in a multitude of ways as well as laughing and enjoying time together. Currently the group is watching “The Spiritual Brain: Science and Religious Experience.” Facilitated by Tim Villager and others. For more information, please contact Tim at timv@realtracs.com.
