Adults: Theological, Spiritual & Small Group Programs
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The Alban Course (Adult Catechesis) and Confirmation
In the fall of 2007, we began offering a recurring series of adult catechesis in the Christian Faith. There are two series: one on the Christian Narrative and the other on Christian Practices. Each Sunday, one runs from 9:15 am to 10:30 am and the other from 10:30 am to 11:45 am. After each 8-week cycle, they switch times so participants do not have to change their worship preference in order to participate in all the sessions. People should also feel free to attend any particular session without attending a complete series. These classes are not just for new people. They are for all those who desire to deepen their understanding and practice of the Christian Faith.
These two series of classes will also serve as our way of incorporating new members into the Episcopal Church and St. Alban’s. We will no longer have a traditional Inquirer’s Class on Sunday evenings twice each year. Those who wish to be confirmed or received into the Episcopal Church will participate in these two series of classes and then also participate in a Saturday retreat the week before the Cathedral Confirmation service. This process allows people to make their way at their own pace and when it fits their schedules, and to be responsible for their own spiritual journeys. Contact: Eric Gustafson, 202-363-8286 or ericg@st-albans-parish.org (Click here for course handouts.)
Benedictine Study Group
Although the Rule of St. Benedict was written in the 6th century, it continues to exert a wide appeal, not only to those who take religious vows, but also to lay persons who are seeking a balanced and practical rule of life. The St. Alban’s Benedictine Study Group is one of hundreds throughout the world that meets regularly to reflect upon the Rule’s precepts and its applicability to 21st century life. We meet monthly to reflect upon the Rule and to engage in lectio divina. Contact: Diana Smith, 202-338-2138 or dianas@mindspring.com
Bible Study
| 10:30–11:10 am Sundays |
Come to the Satterlee Hall Library for a discussion of the readings and Gospel assigned for the day from the Episcopal Lectionary. This is a participant-led Bible Study. |
| 10–11 am Wednesdays |
We read through an entire book of the Bible without skipping any of the challenging parts. Our focus is elucidation of theological content within its historical context. Nothing required in the way of attendance, reading, or knowledge. Questions, comments, and laughter welcomed. Taught by Claudia Upper and Diana Smith. Contacts: Claudia 703-838-9604, Reenau@verizon.net, or Diana 202-338-2138, dianas@mindspring.com |
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11 am–12 pm or 7–8 pm |
“The Bible for Brunch” (repeated Thursday eve) No previous experience in Bible study is necessary, but it is expected that participants will attend regularly for each book that is studied. The first class was a study of the Gospel of Luke (September 13/14–November 14/15, 2007). Books to study are selected by class participants. Led by our Rector, the Reverend Scott Benhase, location Nourse Hall. |
Catechumenal Group
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Education for Ministry
St. Alban’s is host to three Education for Ministry (EfM) groups providing lay persons with a comprehensive theological education. A program of The School of Theology of the University of the South, EfM offers theological reflection and college-level instruction in the core curriculum of the seminary in four academic years: Old Testament, New Testament, Church History, and Contemporary Philosophers and Theologians. Students sign up for EfM one year at time with summers off. They earn 18 CEUs per year, and discover a firm foundation for belief. Enrollment in each group is limited to the “Biblical 12,” and spouses/partners are encouraged to take the course separately. Contacts: The Reverend Scott Benhase, 202-363-8286 x201 or scottb@st-albans-parish.org; Professor Pat Bleicher, 703-532-9156 or PBleicher@aol.com
Faith and Everyday Leadership Ministry
St. Alban’s parishioners are invited to participate in an exciting ministry at the parish: Faith and Everyday Leadership, for which the Transformation Fund awarded a $12,000 grant in 2007. This three-year undertaking is for all who want to commit more fully to living their faith in their daily lives within their families, workplaces, and communities. It is based on the premise that we can all benefit from prayer, from self assessment, and from doing what our Rector calls “gospel works” in our lives every day. Those who join will be asked to do three things: 1) pray on a daily basis, 2) attend quarterly meetings to learn and reflect about their faith, and 3) make annual (confidential) self assessments of their personal transformation progress.
Working with us to shape and guide this ministry will be The Alban Institute, a highly-regarded Christian education, publishing, and consulting organization, which will provide guidance to our ministry and measure its impact on our parish life as a whole.
Twenty-two parishioners have agreed to serve as a Steering Committee, the members of which are listed on the Ministry Outline (PDF) for your information.
We will meet approximately quarterly to share our experiences, learn from each other and assess our progress. Give prayerful thought to joining Faith and Everyday Leadership. To do so, you can sign up online; open the reply card (PDF) to print, fill out and return; or call the church office at 202-363-8286 to register. Contact: Tim Coughlin, timc@st-albans-parish.org
On Beads of Prayer
For many centuries, prayer beads have been used to deepen our relationship with God. Used as part of Contemplative Prayer, meditation, or a focused discipline, praying with beads leads us closer to the Divine.
Learn how to pray while using the beads, alone and in groups, and then lead others to do so as well. This is an activity open to all ages (the Youth Group designed and assembled prayer beads for their use on the pilgrimage to Greece in the summer of 2005) in the parish and the Diocese. Contact: Didi Smith, 703-734-1978, didiandbob@aol.com or www.onbeadsofprayer.com
Readers’ Forum
Second Saturday each month · 12 pm
If you love to read and want to share that passion with others, the Readers’ Forum is for you. The Forum, which meets monthly, encourages members to read an interesting and worthwhile book, and provides an opportunity to share insights about that book. The group chooses books ranging from classic literature to contemporary fiction and nonfiction. Watch the Sunday Announcments for specific dates. Contact: Lynn Freeburger, 410-745-4332 (h) or lsfrebgr@verizon.net
Spiritual Direction
Small-group spiritual direction is offered at St. Alban’s by certified Spiritual Director Sally Craig. These groups offer a chance for individuals to deepen their prayer life and share their spiritual journey with others while growing in community. Contact: Sally Craig, 202-362-7192 or sallybcraig@aol.com
Sunday Parish Forum
Way of Life Community
Way of Life is a covenant community of two groups, Alpha and Omega, that provide sustenance, support and encouragement for the spiritual life and growth of its members. The groups seek to help each member be open to and able to discern God at work in everyday life. Members commit to be faithful to the spiritual disciplines agreed upon by the community. Alphas focus their practice on meditation with some simple preparatory yoga-based stretching, followed by shared experience and prayer. Omegas seek a balance of meditation, scripture sharing, prayer, and joyful work. Daily prayer and frequent conversation strengthen the group’s bonds. Contacts: Alphas / Diana Smith, 202-338-2138 (h) or dianas@mindspring.com; Omegas / Nancy Williams, 301-654-2447 (h) or n.u.williams@verizon.net
Wednesday Theological Book Group (WTBG)
Wednesdays · 6:30–8:30 pm · Warner Memorial Rectory
This long-standing St. Alban’s tradition of thoughtful reading and active discussion of theological writing is open to all parishioners. You are encouraged to come and be part of the fun. With a fresh start this Fall 2007, which includes a potluck supper, WTBG could become an important part of your week. Our current book is the new Oxford Guide to the Book of Common Prayer: A Worldwide Survey. Published Spring 2007 by Oxford University Press, this guide is a contemporary look at our Anglican roots and the centrality of our prayer book. Writings by dozens of contemporary writers have been edited into an elegant reflection on the BCP in modern life. If you plan to attend, please bring a dish to share. Questions? Contact: Assistant Rector Tim Boggs, timb@st-albans-parish.org