Bible Study
The a-ha! Approach: no lectures, no veiled moral catechism.
We consider the scripture that will be read in church this coming Sunday and respond to whatever concerns you may want to bring to the group. You set the agenda—it’s not laid down from “on high.” Fine fellowship, free coffee—and fun. Serious study as well as a personal approach, laughter along with the learning. Everyone is involved; all are invited. We meet in the library on Wednesdays from 10:00 a.m. until 11:20.
Education for Ministry Courses
Designed by the University of the South
Sometimes called “the layman’s version of a seminary education.” Since 1997, we have offered two or three classes every year—the maximum number of students allowed in each section is 12 (ages 29 to 84). A study of the Hebrew Bible, the New Testament gospels and kerygma, a history of the church and its doctrines, theology and ethics, theological reflection.
EFM is a four-year course, but we ask student commitment for only one year at a time, meeting two and a half hours one day each week (morning or evening) except during the summer and the month of December. A mentored approach to education, no canned lectures; students teach each other and take the initiative in homework and classroom studies.
A promise: your life will be changed (as well as enriched) if you complete this course. Intense, enlightening, energetic, argumentative and enlarging.
Inquirers’ Class
The rector teaches an annual Inquirers’ Class for those who are interested in becoming members of the Episcopal Church. Most years, the class meets on a series of Wednesday evenings prior to the Bishop’s pastoral visit. The class schedule is posted in the parish Newsletter and on the Website. Curriculum for the class includes study of The Book of Common Prayer, Anglican history and theology, church government, and the story of St. Mary’s Church, Dover Parish, in the Diocese of Virginia.
Seasonal Offerings
During the season of Lent St. Mary’s offers a supper series on Wednesday nights. After dinner a keynote speaker addresses a series topic in weekly installments. The topics have ranged from biblical themes to world religions. Time for questions and discussion is always scheduled, and child care during the addresses is provided.
Occasional book or film studies are part of our observance of the season of Epiphany. In recent years, the rector has led discussions of William Golding’s Lord of the Flies, Hermann Hesse’s Siddartha, and Barbara Brown Taylor’s Speaking of Sin, among other selections. These offerings are scheduled on weekday evenings and are open to members and friends of St. Mary’s. Watch for details about future classes in the parish Newsletter and on the Website.
Special Classes
From time to time special classes are presented on Sunday mornings between the worship services. Included in these adult education options have been such things as units of Bible study, a series on poverty, and a program on outreach mission initiatives. The classes usually meet in the Education building from 10:00-11:00 A.M. They are always posted in the Newsletter and on the Website.
