Adult Formation
Dive Deeper
Back by popular demand-Episcopal 101 at St. James’ Wednesdays at 5pm beginning May 1. Father Joe will be discussing a wide range of topics listed below. If you have something that you have always wanted to learn, reach out to Father Joe and he will see if he can work it into this session.
Drop in for any 1 class or all of them! No pressure and these classes are open to anyone and everyone!
May 8 – The Luminous Gospels: What Didn’t Make the Cut?
15 – Anglican Theology: What Do We Actually Believe?
22 – Book of Common Prayer Deep Dive: What’s Changed Over the Years?
29 – Book of Common Prayer Deep Dive: The Daily Office
June 5 – Book of Common Prayer Deep Dive: Holy Eucharist
June 12 – Book of Common Prayer Deep Dive: The Lectionary
Table Top Talks Re-shuffle in September!
We have 7 Groups! Some groups need a sub-contact the Parish Office if interested!
Well, the Table Top Talk Groups are off and running! We have 7 full groups with room to add a sub person here or there. New groups will be formed in September so if you want to join, let the parish office know and we can put you on the list.
Groups will meet March, April and May, break for the summer and a new mix of people will start again in September for three months. This plan allows new people to join every three months.
WHAT ARE TABLE TOP TALKS (aka Foyer Groups)? Foyer Groups are a fun and easy way for parishioners to gather together on an informal basis to enjoy one another’s company, to strengthen bonds of community, to meet new members and just get to know other people who share a common interest in St. James’ but with whom we might not otherwise interact.
There is no agenda or plan – just casual fellowship and a refreshing meal. Groups are made up of a cross section of the parish. Out of the meetings, friendships develop among people who might not have any other opportunity to meet and get to know each other. Newcomers are especially invited to sign up to join one of the groups.
Each small group will be six to eight people meeting once a month. Your group decides on the day and time, beginning in March and ending in May, meeting in homes or at church in the Lakeside Room. Generally, the host/hostess provides the main entree and each person or couple brings one part of the meal. Some groups may decide to discuss a book or article, while others gather for a purely social experience. The choice of available options is limited only by the group, but the main idea is for the gatherings to simply focus on fellowship, a refreshing meal and relaxed conversation.
In the past we had Foyer Groups for many years and people have been asking if we could start again-new name same Fellowship Fun! It is a wonderful way to get to know more people at church beyond sharing the peace. Sign up by calling the office. If you have any interest or questions, ask Nancy Graham, nancymgraham4@gmail.com or 315.317.0138
Mindfulness Training Saturdays-April 20 & 27 mornings from 9:00-10:30AM in the Parish Hall.
What is Mindfulness? It is living in the present moment. Essentially, it means being (intentionally) more aware and awake to each moment and being fully engaged in what is happening in one’s surroundings – with acceptance and without judgment. This awareness can be of life as it is, yourself as you are, and other people as they are.
It is awareness of one’s internal states and surroundings. Mindfulness can help people avoid destructive or automatic habits and responses by learning to observe their thoughts, emotions, and other present-moment experiences without judging or reacting to them.
Our pastoral care team received training from Mary McGrath in the fall and everyone thought it was very helpful. Others have asked if we might offer it to our church community so we are offering it to anyone interested in becoming more ‘mindful’ in your everyday life.
The trainer is Mary McGrath, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a practitioner of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). She has extensive training in the skills to increase mindfulness and practices it in her everyday life.
The class is limited to 20 people so please sign up by calling the office or let Mary McGrath or Nancy Graham know you are interested.