Adult Formation
Adult Formation Learning Time
Offered during the Program Year that Begins September 13-Sundays 9 a.m. in the Lakeside Room
Beginning September 13th, our adult forum will focus on the book Surprised by Hope written by the Rt. Rev. N.T. Wright. Wright is a leading Theologian and Bishop in the Anglican Communion, of which the Episcopal Church belongs to. Ordained in the Church of England his writing allows for us to examine scripture, worship, and the life of Jesus from both a contextual lens and through the eyes of our collective inherited orthodox tradition. After so many questions and discussions I have had with all of you about death, dying, and resurrection, we will use this book to examine our beliefs and disentangle what has become a cultural understanding and what the foundations of our Christian hope tell us. As we get closer to September 13th, I will have more information about what to expect and what to read (we won’t read the whole thing), but I encourage you to grab a copy for your participation. You will not need to read the book to participate, but it may be helpful for your own understanding. Please let me (Mother Pilar) know if you need help purchasing a copy. Sessions will be September 13th, 20th, 27th; October 4th, 18th, 25th; November 1st and 8th. We may not need all 8 weeks, but these 8 sessions will also be sprinkled with pausing on the book for any topics that may need more attention as we discuss.
Our Adult Forum will continue through the season of Advent, pivoting to a focus on the Episcopal Church and its teachings on baptism, eucharist, and the creeds. While this will serve as baptism/confirmation prep for anyone interested, it is also a great way to learn more about the tradition we worship in and why we do what we do in the Episcopal Church. Sessions will begin November 29th (Advent 1) and continue December 6th, 13th, and 20th. More information will be provided as we get closer.
Dive Deeper
Table Top Talks New Groups Forming September 2026
New Fellowship Groups are forming in September to meet once a month for the following 3 months. Table Top groups meet outside of church for a meal or a simple get together with the purpose to connect with people you don’t know. Requests to join a group are needed to Nancy Graham 315-317-0138 by September 1. Groups of 6 will be created and sent to each person the following week letting you know your group. If you can’t commit to 3 months and want to be on a sub list, you can sign up for that as well. Fellowship helps to build our beloved community.
Groups will meet September, October, and November, break for the holidays and a new mix of people will start again in March 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