Adult Christian Formation

At St. Paul’s, we understand that “walking the walk” is a lifelong journey of exploration and discovery. Worship lies at the core of feeding and supporting us in that journey. Additionally, the opportunity to learn and share in a supportive, prayerful environment with the companionship and guidance of one another is a critical component.

Give yourself the gift of one another – and give others the gift of yourself – in one of our small group offerings this year.

For further information on any of the classes listed here, please contact Mother Cindy Stravers (203.847.2806 x16)

SUNDAY FORUMS – 10:10AM – ST. HILDA’S ROOM

February 10: Faith informing our Life Everyday: A Radical Approach to Lent.- Anne Watkins

“God created you, so listen to your life and let it speak…” So writes Christian educator, author, and spiritual leader Parker Palmer. This brief, engaging and highly read-able collection from 5 essays / talks by Palmer forms a rich Sunday Forum discussion as we anticipate Lent. For is not the vocation of us as Christians to “let our lives speak” and learn to see our lives as extensions of God’s work in the world? Join us for shared discussion, perspectives and insights; the book is available at St. Paul’s Central on Sunday mornings for $20.

February 17: The Value of Failure - Ed Moran

Watching our kids fail can be wrenching, and we sometimes react with protective zeal. But every time we intercede with teachers, coaches and others to affect a better outcome, we miss an opportunity to help them learn valuable coping skills which will serve them well in their adult lives. Help your children learn from and cope with the inevitable failures of everyday life.

February 24: The other parent trap: coping with our parents in an aging society – Dr. Mark Edinberg

As our elders age, we find ourselves in many dilemmas about how to provide increasing amounts of support, be it financial, physical or emotional, without feeling we are taking away others’ sense of dignity or independence. Our family history as children or nephews and nieces also can make this difficult. Dr. Mark Edinberg, author of “Talking with your aging parents” will explore some of the ways we can go about this without having to be overly “parental”.

March 3: Pastoral Care – Mother Cindy Stravers

March 10: Bishop Mano Rumalshah from the Church of Pakistan, Diocese of Peshawar

A discussion on religion, identity, Christianity, Islam, terrorism and the prospects of inter-religious dialogue.

March 17: Understanding End-of-Life Issues For Ourselves, For Our Loved Ones – Cindy Vail

A brief overview of the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual concerns of the last phase of life.

WEEKDAY SERIES

Looking for the Good News — Tuesday from 9 – 10 am – The Guild Room

Resuming October 2: Spirited conversation about the next Sunday’s Scriptures and what the preacher might have to say about them in the sermon. All welcome.

Book Club

Resuming September 25th • The Tuesday morning book group meets every other Tuesday in the Warner Center at 10:30 a.m. for about one hour. We have found a common interest in reading autobiographical and historical fiction books based on the interests of the group. Our first discussion will begin with the book Benjamin Franklin: An American Life by Walter Isaacson. We welcome new members who would like to join us for these discussions.

The Tuesday morning book group began during Lent in 2010 as a way to enhance the Lenten experience by reading about how other people live their faith-based lives. Each author we read wrote about how they grew deeper into their faith. Some of them had an “ah-ha” moment when they knew they were where they should be, and others took years of reading and studying to accomplish this. But in every case these authors knew they had to give back to their church and community.

QUIET-DAYS & RETREATS

ANNUAL LENOX, MA RETREAT

at The Village Inn & Trinity Church – November 9 – 11, 2012

A weekend gathering at the Village Inn and Trinity Chruch in Lenox, MA. This popular week-end offers the opportunity to know one another better as we build community, enjoy God’s creation, and explore our faith. The theme for this year’s Lenox Retreat is 275 Years of Saints: New Saints, Old Saints, Your Saints – Fredrica Harris Thompsett and Charlene Higbe, Presenters. Our parish retreat is not the stereo-typical retreat but rather is a provocative, exciting weekend of prayer, discussion, worship, music, reflection, fun and fellowship. Speak with Father Nicholas if you’d like to learn more. Advance reservations are a must!