Learning ❖ Faith Formation
Sunday Forum
Sunday Adult Forum meets weekly at 9:15AM in Rooms 104/105.
In our baptismal vows, we promise to “continue in the apostles teaching and fellowhship.” Adult Sunday school (Adult Faith Formation) is wonderful opportunity to do so! We invite you to join us on Sunday mornings at 9:15 AM in the Vestry Room (room numbers 104 & 105) on the ground floor of the church. Topics include study of scripture, special series, and discussions of current events as they relate to our christian faith. For those unable to join us in person, an online group is also available.
Wednesday Bible Study
Wednesday Bible Study meets Wednesdays from 7:00PM to 8:00PM in the Coffee Shop.
Inquirers’ Class
- Are you new to St. John’s or to the Episcopal Church?
- Would you like to know more about the teachings, worship, prayers and practices of the Episcopal Church?
- Would you like to explore and deepen you journey of faith in company with others in a small group?
- Are you interested in being confirmed or received in to the Episcopal Church or in reaffirming your baptismal vows?
This class is especially for newcomers to St. John’s and the Episcopal Church, but is open to anyone who wants to learn more about our church and the Christian journey of faith. The class also prepares those who desire to be confirmed or received into the Episcopal Church at the Bishop Brian Cole’s annual visitation.
Education For Ministry
What EfM is: A 4-year program produced by the School of Theology at Sewanee: The University of the South. It is designed to help laypersons grow spiritually through study, theological reflection, and worship. Participants sign up for one year at a time.
Why EfM? If you love reading, learning, and thoughtful conversations about faith, you will enjoy being part of this group.
Our group meets at St. John’s on Sundays from 4:00PM to 6:30PM. The next program year begins in January of 2025, and runs for 34 weeks (January through December with an extended summer break.) We are meeting in a hybrid format (some of us attend in person, and some Zoom in).
As EfM is based on small-group study and practice, enrollment is limited to twelve participants. The deadline for enrollment is December 31, 2024. Tuition/Material Fee is $350 plus cost of the books, payable at registration.
If you’d like to learn more about EfM at St. John’s, please contact Lee Phillips at lee@wordmatters.com or 423-676-7902.
Program website: efm.sewanee.edu
Bellamy Library
This space has been dedicated as a memorial to Dr. Nelle Bellamy who was a strong leader in the national Episcopal Church and a valued member of St. John’s. In addition to housing a sizeable collection of Dr. Bellamy’s personal library, the room also serves as a meeting space for EFM, Education for Ministry, Diocesan Education training, and other small group meetings. When visiting the library if you would like to sit and read, there is a reading nook with a comfortable chair and a light. The collection contains both religious and secular materials. Some are scholarly works for the reader wanting to know more on theological topics. There are histories, mysteries, and humorous selections.
Youth Program
The youth ministry of St. John’s Episcopal church is committed to creating a community of youth engaged in formative education, active service and intentional fellowship as we strive to be better adherents to our Batismal Covenant.
- Education – Weekly classes providing formation in Scripture, Tradition, and Reason.
- Social Justice – Opportunities to serve Christ in the community.
- Fellowship – Participatipon in local and Diocesan retreats, lock-ins, and other fun activities.
Youth minstry at St. John’s Provide formation for pre-tens and teenagers as they grow in understaning their Baptism into the Christain faith. This formation is conducted through Church school, weekly meetings, service projects, Diocesan events, local ecumenical events and other various fun/educational acitvities.
Pre-K & Children’s Sunday School
The children’s program at St. John’s serves elementary-age students (kindergarten through sixth grade). The core of the program is Sunday School class, held weekly at 9:15 AM in the large classroom on the first floor of the church.
Our class follows the Episcopal Children’s Curriculum developed by Virginia Theological Seminary, with frequent use of Godly Play lessons within the sequence of the ECC. Children gather to hear a story from Scripture followed by discussion, singing from the Hymnal, and an art project related to the day’s lesson. Students leave class with a question for fellow parishioners to ask them as a way of bringing our fellowship into the wider church community.
The Sunday School year has a sequential curriculum, but each class is a stand-alone lesson, so any child can join us anytime!
Children’s Chapel
Children’s Chapel meets weekly during the 10:30AM service in the chapel.
Contemplative Practices
Lectio Divina
Lectio divina is Latin for “sacred reading,” and the modern practice derives from the monastic tradition of reading Bible passages for meditation and prayer, rather than for scholarly study. This practice helps you reflect on the text and then explore what word, phrase, or image God wants you to ponder at length. Often the practice invites reflection on how God is speaking to you through this word, phrase, or image, and what God is asking you to do differently in your
life.
Labyrinth
We are all on a spiritual journey. A labyrinth is a medieval pattern used for meditation and spiritual growth, which can serve as a symbol for that journey. Unlike a maze, a labyrinth has no wrong turns; it is one winding path leading to the center.
The St. John’s labyrinth, modeled after the original labyrinth at Chartres Cathedral outside Paris, is beautifully hand-painted on canvas and measures 30’ in diameter. It was created for the church as part of a Girl Scout Gold Award project in 2012.
Contact the church office, 423-926-8141, to find out availability or to schedule time with the labyrinth
Centering Prayer
Centering Prayer is a method of silent prayer which leads to a deeper relationship with God. It consists of responding to the Spirit of Christ by consenting to God’s presence and action within. It is not a technique but a way of cultivating a deeper relationship with God. It is based on the wisdom saying of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount: “But when you pray, go to your inner room, close the door and pray to your Father in secret and your Father, who sees in secret, will reward you”. Centering Prayer currently meets online on Zoom Tuesday evenings at 6:00 pm. For more information about Centering Prayer or to receive the weekly links, contact the church office at office@stjohnstn.org or Frances Jackson at jxn621@gmail.com