Faith Formation - Adults
Adult Forums
Adult forums are held Sunday mornings at about 9:30, between services. These forums last
approximately 45 minutes and consist of presentations with discussion on a variety of topics
such as global warming, spiritual formation, congregational culture, bible studies, and the
Christian response to war.
Centering Prayer
Centering Prayer is offered at the Church on Tuesday mornings at 9:15 am and Tuesday evenings at 6:30 pm. Centering Prayer is a method of prayer that involves silence for 20 minutes as participants 'sit' with God. Although it involves silence, it is an active, intentional mode of being with God. This method of prayer is drawn from ancient prayer practices of the Christian contemplative heritage, notably the Fathers and Mothers of
the desert.
Contact: Rick Hess
Daughters of the King
Organized in 1885, the Daughters of the King is an order for women of the Episcopal Church.
Each participant pledges herself to a lifelong program of prayer, service and personal evangelism, dedicated to the extension of Christ's kingdom and to the strengthening of the spiritual life of her parish. The St Mary Magdalene chapter meets the first Sunday of the month following the 10:30 am service to encourage and pray for one another and the needs of the parish.
Contact: Jeri Chandler
Discernment Committee
The Discernment Committee is a group of people available to anyone in the St. Mary MagdaleneCommunity who is facing a difficult decision or crossroads in life. This is the group to meet with if you feel you have been called to an ordained ministry. A contemplative process is used that people have found helpful and enriching.
Contact: Felicia SmithGraybeal
Education for Ministry (EFM)
Education for Ministry (EFM) is a four-year theological study program encouraging the developmentof lay ministry. It provides participants with the basics of theological education. EFM includes twoyears of biblical studies, a year of church history, and concludes with a study of modern theologians and theological questions. Classes begin in the fall and meet weekly for two hours: Tuesdays at 12:30 pm and Thursdays at 6:30 pm.
Contacts: Jane Carlson or Janet Poley
Faith Matters
Faith Matters is a 10-week course that starts in the fall. Participants commit to coming to the first class and then decide whether or not to continue. There are presentations and conversations on faith, prayer, Jesus, the Bible, the church, and many other related topics. Meetings are weekly, beginning with dinner at 6:30 pm and followed by a presentation and discussion, ending promptly at 8:30 pm.
The course is offered at no charge and childcare is provided. Faith Matters is a great introduction to the Christian faith and a prerequisite for adult confirmation.
Contact: Felicia SmithGraybeal
JustFaith®
JustFaith® is a formation program for those interested in social ministry. The name is a hybrid from the words 'justice' and 'faith'. It is an intensive study of the Christian's call to address the needs of the world. The 30-week program includes weekly meetings, regular reading, retreats, and immersion experiences. Classes begin in the fall and meet weekly for two hours: Thursdays at 6:30 pm.
Contact: Patti Tussey
Labyrinth Walk
The Labyrinth is available to walk during the seasons of Advent and Lent. It is a time to come away from the busyness of life to walk, reflect and pray. The Labyrinth is one of the oldest contemplative and transformational tools known to humankind. The canvas Labyrinth at St Mary’s is a replica of the permanent stone Labyrinth that was set in the floor at Chartres Cathedral in France during the 13th century.
Contact: Felicia SmithGraybeal
Library
The library is one of St Mary Magdalene's best kept secrets. Through the years, the Parish has collected a wide variety of books on the spiritual life including: Hebrew and Christian Scriptures,prayer, spiritual direction, theology, Christian history, and devotional classics. These books have been organized and catalogued and are available for checkout whenever the church is open.
Contact: Gay Waterbury
Retreats for Men and Women
Retreats for men and women are held each year. These retreats provide an opportunity to get away from the busyness of life and spend some intentional time growing in our relationship with God and with one another. The women's retreat is typically offered in the spring and the men's in late summer.
Contacts: David Redfield or Felicia SmithGraybeal
Spiritual Formation Groups
Spiritual Formation Groups are small groups focusing on spiritual growth and discipleship. Between two and seven people meet weekly for 10 weeks to study and learn about various traditions of the Church and ancient Christian disciplines. In between meetings, members practice a classical Christian discipline. During group time, participants share their experiences with the disciplines, encourage one another, hold each other accountable, and pray for one another.
Contacts: Matt Driscoll or Felicia SmithGraybeal
St. Mary’s Men of God (SMMOG)
SMMOG is an excellent opportunity for men to connect with other men as well as to serve God by fostering a men’s community in which to learn, share and grow together. Meetings are monthly.
Contact: David Redfield
