St. Mary’s has a number of educational and spiritual offerings. We hope you will join us for one or many!

Women’s Book Studies

Throughout the year, there are several different offerings for the Women’s Book Study Group. Please check out the upcoming options below. If you are interested in signing up, please contact Amelia McDaniel at amcdaniel@stmarysgoochland.org.

Fridays, September 23 and 30, October 7, 14, and 21 at 10:30 a.m. – The Bible With and Without Jesus: How Jews and Christians Read the Same Stories Differently written by Amy Jill Levine and Marc Zvi Brettler – This reading is in preparation for AJ Levine’s visit to University of Richmond on October 27 to honor the legacy of Frank Eakin, professor and beloved member of the St. Mary’s community. The book sheds light on the most popular Hebrew Bible passages quoted in the New Testament – their original context and how they have come to be understood over time by both Jews and Christians. More details about AJ Levine’s visit provided soon. Please use this link to sign up for the study. All are welcome.

Tuesdays, October 25, November 1, 8, and 15 at 1:30 p.m. – The Gravity of Joy: A Story of Being Lost and Found by Angela Williams Gorrell – Angela Williams Gorrell is assistant professor of practical theology at Baylor University’s George W. Truett Theological Seminary and an ordained pastor in the Mennonite Church USA. Williams was hired by Yale to study joy then suddenly she experienced a series of tragedies. The memoir tells the journey of how she managed to teach, learn and heal in the process. Williams discovers an authentic, grounded Christian joy and offers tremendous insights to others. “The Gravity of Joy is a unique exercise in vulnerable theology. Weaving memoir and journalism, theology and testimony, Gorrell invites us into the unthinkable to discover the possibility of a joy that surpasses understanding. Written with eyes wide open, this book is a reminder that the cracks in a broken heart can be openings for grace.” James K. A. Smith, Byker Professor of Applied Reformed Theology & Worldview at Calvin University. Please use this link to sign up for the study. All are welcome.

Weekly Virtual Offerings

Women’s Spiritual Practice

What are you longing for? A bit of quiet in the chaos? A way to draw closer to God? Each Thursday at 8 a.m., the women (of all ages) of St. Mary’s are invited to come together for a time of prayer through the meditative reading of scripture (Lectio Divina), silence, and sharing. Each woman will have the opportunity to voice her thoughts on a meaningful word in the Gospel reading and also how the passage itself speaks to her. Led by Fran Jones and St. Mary’s seminarian Denise Bennett, the group will meet via Zoom. To join, email Fran Jones for the Zoom information.

Lectionary Bible Study

The Lectionary Bible Study still meets every Wednesday at 10 a.m. via Zoom. Led by the Rev. Eleanor Wellford and parishioner Bill Huffman, each session focuses on the Lectionary readings assigned for the following Sunday. It’s a wonderful space to learn, dive deeper into the scriptures, and ask questions. Anyone who is interested is invited to attend and participate in this vibrant discussion. Email Eleanor for the Zoom invitation information or call the church office at (804) 784-5678.

Men’s Spiritual Practice

This gathering is an opportunity to deepen faith and is open to men of all ages. The men’s spiritual practice group meets weekly on Tuesday mornings at 8 a.m. via Zoom. Please email Wayne Dementi to learn more and receive the Zoom invitation information.