Opportunities for Adults
Sunday School: It’s not just for kids anymore!
What St. John’s call “Sunday School” is nothing like what your grandmother would have called “Sunday School.” Adults come together week-by-week to learn, to challenge each other, and to have stimulating conversations about the Bible, theology, church history, and contemporary society. We have explored the Old Testament narrative; we have looked for spiritual meaning in film and music; we have discussed the once-dangerous heresies; we have read C. S. Lewis; and we have plumbed the depths of our faith. We come together to learn, to challenge each other, and to have stimulating conversations in which divergent views can be respectfully shared and heard. We walk together the journeys of life and faith by talking about the things that matter. Be a part of the conversation!
SUNDAY OPPORTUNITIES for ADULT CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
Saints & Sinners:Bold Characters in the History of the Faith
St. John’s Summer Adult Sunday School
Sundays at 9:00 a.m.
(Parish Hall)
We look at the lives of bold characters in the history of the faith, both the famous and the infamous! We’ll consider biblical heroes, whose faithful decisions paved the way for our own lives of faith. We’ll meet saints who performed miracles and took the Gospel to faraway places. And, we’ll “boo and hiss” at the notorious characters from Scripture and the history of the church, who connived and schemed to hinder God’s grace. We’ll learn a lot, and we’ll hear some of the most inspiring, interesting, and cautionary stories ever told. Please come!
The Rector’s Forum
Sundays during the program year, 10:15 a.m. – 10:50 a.m.
(Parish Hall)
A thoughtful opportunity for learning in between our morning services. Topics vary from week to week. Click here to see this semester's classes.
The Gathering Adult Classes
Sundays during the program year, 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
(Parish Hall)
Whether you come for a single session or an entire multi-week course, you are sure to enjoy being a part of our “communiversity.” Lay and ordained leaders within our congregation prepare classes on topics that are relevant to life and faith in the twenty-first century. Most weeks, two different classes are offered. Click here to see this semester's classes on Sunday nights!
WEEKDAY OPPORTUNITIES for ADULT CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
Just can’t get enough Christian Education on Sunday? Not available for our Sunday classes? No problem! St. John’s has weekday Christian Education opportunities to fit every schedule.
Companions in Christ
Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m.
During the summer, Companions will meet monthly instead of weekly.
(Parish Library – Fourth Floor)
A small group for women, Companions in Christ meets in the library for bible study, book study, and companionship in life. For more information, contact the Rev. Erin Hensley at ehensley@stjohnsroanoke.org.
Education for Ministry
Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m.
Education for Ministry has finished for this program year and will resume in September.
(Conference Room – Fourth Floor)
Participants sign up one year at a time for a four-year program of lay theological education developed by the School of Theology at the University of the South, Sewanee. Participants meet regularly to discuss assigned readings under the guidance of trained mentors. For more information, contact the Rev. Erin Hensley at ehensley@stjohnsroanoke.org.
Lectionary Bible Study
Thursdays, 7:15 a.m. – 8:15 a.m.
(Parish Library – Fourth Floor)
Early birds and working professionals gather for an hour of Bible study on the readings that are appointed for use in church the following Sunday. Get a jump on the sermon by studying the lessons in advance! For more information, contact the Rev. Erin Hensley at ehensley@stjohnsroanoke.org.
Book Club
First Thursdays, 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
(Conference Room – Fourth Floor)
The Rev. Mary Mackin facilitates a monthly discussion of books, which include both works of fiction and non-fiction. Whether you come once or once a month, you will enjoy this opportunity for literary conversation in the context of faith. Refreshments are always provided. For information, contact the Rev. Mary Mackin at mmackin@stjohnsroanoke.org.
Men’s Prayer and Accountability Group
Second and Fourth Fridays, 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.
(Parish Library – Fourth Floor)
A group of faithful men commits to meeting twice monthly for prayer, shared stories, and book studies that inform both life and faith. For information, contact the Rev. Sandy Webb at swebb@stjohnsroanoke.org.
THE PARISH LIBRARY
Still can’t get enough Christian Education? Commend thyself to the stacks in the parish library, which is open during office hours on working days. Books are available for Bible study, personal devotion, theology, Christianity, the Episcopal Church, and more. If you would like, any member of the clergy would be pleased to recommend titles that would suit your interests.
