At St. Mary’s we explore new ways for all ages to learn and grow deeper in faith, so that we might follow Jesus more closely.
Current opportunities
During the Season of Creation, September 1 – October 4, learn more how you can care for the Earth by attending forums after the Sunday 10am worship service.
Past Events
On Wednesday nights during August, 2023, our Christian Formation group facilitated a book group and potluck dinner, 6-8pm in Edwards Hall. We read together Brian McLaren’s book Do I Stay Christian: A Guide for the Doubters, the Disappointed, and the Disillusioned. Even for those who didn’t identify as one of those, we had thought-provoking conversations on just what it means to each of us to call ourselves Christian. A 30-minute interview with Brian on the book is available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXNq12qpX4Y
On Sundays in July, 2023, after the Sunday worship service, we met in Edwards Hall for a series on the parables of Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew. “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field” and other enigmatic parables are in our lectionary this July. Join us after church to learn about how Jesus taught with parables and explore a few of them more deeply.
During Lent, Wednesday evenings, March 1 through April 5 we offered a series Feasting on Forgiveness
- 6:00pm Soup Supper
- 6:30pm Discussion of The Book of Forgiving, by Bishop Tutu and the Rev. Mpho Tutu
Journey through the Gospel of Matthew
In early 2023, parishioners were invited to read the book Journey with Matthew by Marek Zabriskie. The book is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, ForwardMovement.org, etc. More info on the discussion series offered January-February is posted here.
Celtic Evening Prayer
St. Mary’s periodically offers a Celtic Evening Prayer service with music shared by members of St. Mary’s Celtic jam group. We use a service from the Iona Abbey in Scotland; the words are beautiful and meaningful and emphasize connection to the Divine through the natural world. Watch the weekly email for announcements of future special services.
Easter Chorales
On May 18, 2022, St. Mary’s Music Program and Christian Formation Team partnered once again for a presentation by Dr. Heather Paisar on the Easter Chorales found in J.S. Bach’s Orgelbüchlein. The event had engaged attendees, and ended with a very thoughtful Q&A session.
A Journey with Luke
In a Christian Formation survey, many St. Mary’s members expressed an interest in studying books of the Bible. With Advent 2021 we began the lectionary cycle “Year C” which uses the book of Luke extensively. Written in an almost journalistic style, to reach as many people as possible, the gospel of Luke is full of human interest stories and compassion. It seemed like a good time to have a Gospel read-along, immersing ourselves in the whole book, exploring it together and encouraging each other in engaging with scripture daily.
For our guide we used A Journey with Luke edited by Marek P. Zabriske, which divides Luke into 50 manageable daily readings.
Race and Social Justice Summer Series – In Summer 2022 we studied the intersection of race and social justice in a month-long Wednesday night series. Each session will meet from 7-8pm on Zoom, and will include clips from selected videos, small and large group discussion, and potential action steps we can take individually and as a congregation to support those who are working for justice for these groups.