How are adults formed as Christians?
Worshiping together is our primary means of adult formation. Through prayers, psalms, and hymns, through scripture and preaching, we are drawn more deeply into the life of faith. But there are many other opportunities in our common life to grow as Christian people.
Adult Forum
Adult Forums are held on Sunday mornings during the education hour throughout the academic year and are considerably varied in character. We’ve offered Living the Questions and Jesus Redux series, poetry readings, discussions about current issues, and guest speakers from local nonprofits, to name just a few. These programs might be led by the pastor, by St. Thomas laity, or by people from the community.
Eliot Smith, who offered a two-part series addressing racism and what we can do to confront and stop it, has made his materials available online:
A list of helpful resources for study about on racism
An outline of the first session – What does racism look like?
An outline of the second session – What can be done about racism?
Women’s Bible Study
A Bible study group for women meets once a month during the education hour. Visitors are welcome!
Spiritual Growth Groups
This small group ministry honors the interests and calls of our members. Those who share a common interest, whether practical or missional, are invited to join with others. Each group spends time on the interest that brought them together, but they also may spend time studying scripture, sharing deeply about their lives and faith, praying together, or choosing a mission project. Spiritual Growth Groups may apply for funds through the St. Thomas Mission Endowment Fund to support their mission work. Read more about the spiritual growth groups.
Book of Faith
Our national church has prepared excellent Bible study resources under the title Book of Faith. Our last pastor led Book of Faith series twice a year using these resources. The sessions were usually on weekday evenings of alternating weeks and were much valued.
Culture of Conversation
For a while, it was the practice of our last pastor to meet with members on the first Sunday of each month between worship services for a time of open conversation. This was intended to keep the channels of communication fully open at St. Thomas. Discussions ranged from questions about the Bible to theological issues, practical matters to current events.
The Parish Library and quiet places for prayer and reflection
There is room here for study and reflection, inner activities that grow the soul. Here’s our parish library, open whenever the building is open. You are welcome to come and read or to bring a project of your own to work on.
The sanctuary is open whenever the building is open. The Prayer Garden is a quiet, lovely place for reflection and prayer.
