Adult Education

Adult Forums 

Meet weekly September – May  9:30 a.m.  in  the Parish Hall On Sunday mornings from 9:30-10:15 Grace offers adults an opportunity to learn together. The format for the Adult Forums is variable – from outside speakers to guided discussions and opportunities to share experiences and reflection.   Some of the topics this year include: recognizing God in our everyday lives,  forms of prayer, stewardship living, Advent Spirituality, Diversity Dialogues,  Current Issues of  Faith,  and the Clergy’s Favorite Books of the Bible.

Bible Study

Every Wednesday morning (September – May)  at 10:00 in the conference room at Grace House, there is adult Bible Study. We may not all be bible  scholars but all are curious and prepared to go deeper in our study of Scripture. This fall we will start with an eight-week course called Listening to Scripture: Strategies for Interpreting the Bible. Topics are group-directed and current plans also include a closer look at one (or more) of the books of the prophets from the Old Testament.

Introduction to Faith (Inquirers’ Class):

Introduction to Faith is a class based on questions: What do I  have to believe to be a Christian? What does it mean to be “saved”? What about people who are from different religious traditions or who are atheists? What do Episcopalians believe about the Bible? Do I have to believe everything in the creeds? Was Jesus really God, or was he just a great and inspired teacher? Do Episcopalians believe that Christ is really present in Communion, or is Communion just a symbol? How does prayer work? Does it really make sense to ask God for things to happen a certain way? Why do some people cross themselves, and  when do they do it? Why do the ministers wear the robes they do during services? Is all of that fuss really in the spirit of  Christ?  These are just some of the questions that make for fascinating discussion. Any question is fair game, and dealing with our real questions is an important part of arriving at a real faith. The history behind some of the answers will surprise you, and your own capacity to handle these questions with integrity and faith might well inspire you. Join Rev. Lael this fall for an introduction to Christian theology and the richness of our Anglican faith.

Foundations in Faith (Confirmation Preparation for Adults)

In January and February our rector offers this class for adults to refresh and enrich our experience of the faith.  It builds on Introduction to the Faith but can be taken independently.  Foundations in Faith also prepares adults for Confirmation, Reception into the Episcopal Church or for  making a Reaffirmation of Baptismal Vows at the Washington National Cathedral in May.

Issues of Faith (Rector’s Forum)

From time to time Rev. Andrew invites adults of the parish to join him in reviewing some of the more controversial issues of our time to consider the ways Christians might question, profitably reflect and grow in faith as they find their way through life’s “hot button” topics.