Table of Contents Introduction Children Youth Adult Sunday Adult Study Special Programs Baptism Commission Members	ADULT SUNDAY MORNING PROGRAMS Task Group Chair: Larry Gaissert Back to St. Mark's Home Introduction Children Youth Adult Sunday Adult Study Special Programs Baptism Commission Members

Adult Sunday Morning Classes “At-Glance”

Coffee & The News Each Sunday Morning during Sunday School

If it is your custom to pick up coffee & a newspaper at a local coffee shop, bring them back to St. Mark’s and take advantage of our gardens when weather permits or the library (E-2). Then gather the kids at 10:25 and join us for Worship Service.

Episcopal Church 101 September 13, 20 & 27

This three-week conversation is a great way to get one's feet wet in the Episcopal Church. We'll talk about faith and worship as we experience it here at St. Mark's. We hope participants bring their ques­tions and ideas – no one is allowed to check their brain at the door! We'll unpack some of the church's in-house language, talk about how we're organized, and even touch on how we can approach Christianity as a three-or-four-legged stool! Come and be part of this fun experience. Facilitator: St. Mark's Clergy

Back to the Future: Parables Now & Then September 13, December 20 & May 16

Using videos from the "Modern Parables Series" as a jumping off point, this series will explore some of Jesus' best known and loved parables. We will discuss the imagery and cultural context familiar to those originally listening to Jesus, our "usual" ways of understanding the parables, alternative ways of reading them, and what they have to say to us in today's world, on both personal and societal levels. Different parables will be featured in each of the three sessions. Facilitators: Members of the Monday Night Bible Study Group

AmeriCorps (Getting Things Done for the Community) September 13

This class is here to offer an opportunity for people to serve their community, and the American commu­nity at large.  The AmeriCorps program, similar to the PeaceCorps, is a great way for people young and old to give back in a very large way, by devoting time of service (typically 1-2 years) to many needs of society today (including affordable housing, disaster response, mentoring youth, improving health services, fighting illiteracy, and building organizational capacities).  There are many benefits to this service, and we hope that you will come learn more about them! Facilitator: Brad McHugh

Southern Sudan Agricultural Skills Training September 20

A volunteer opportunity arose through Winrock International to travel to Southern Sudan and help Sudanese who had been displaced during the war and were returning to their homeland to almost noth­ing. The assignment was to provide basic agricultural skills training to enable families and communities to become self-sufficient in food. The quickest and most logical starting point was training them to grow food and especially vegetables. As part of the reconciliation and healing process, entry through Christian-based community was the best approach. Therefore, 14 pastor-trainees were trained in establishing a community vegetable garden and sent away, after one week of training, with vegetable production skills, messages of hope and packets of seeds to share with their congregations wherever they went. The idea was to develop the total person, body, mind and spirit. Presentation will show how and what training was given. Facilitator: Dr. Oneas Mufandaedza

Young Adults & Spiritual Formation September 27

In our area one of the places young adults gather on the spiritual journey is through the Episcopal Campus Ministry (ECM). Our special guests, the student Leadership Team of ECM, who normally meet at the Cheshire House located near the NC State campus, will lead a discussion on spiritual formation. ECM is a community that prays, plays and serves God and people together. Hospitality to students and the stranger is the focus of their ministry. Student activities include retreats, Bible study, spirituality groups, serving as lay leaders in the Sunday Eucharist, outreach ministry, social justice and pastoral care. Come and hear why this ministry is so important to young adults in general and to our area in particular. Facilitators: Students from ECM and the Rev. Deborah Fox, Chaplain

Ubuntu: General Convention 2009 October 4

The theme for this past summer's General Convention of the Episcopal Church was ubuntu, which describes an African way of thinking that is rooted in our interdependence as human beings and with the created order. We will gather to examine how the General Convention lived into this theme. We will also examine certain resolutions adopted by Convention and discern their possible meaning for us at St. Mark's, for us as part of the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina, and for us as we identify ourselves as part of the larger Body of Christ. Facilitator: The Rev. Lorraine Ljunggren

A Faithful Response to Pandemic & Seasonal Flu October 4

The Church is called to “minister to the sick, the friendless and the needy”— both within and outside of congregations. This fall presents particular challenges for this ministry with the expected occurrence of both seasonal flu and H1N1 (swine or pandemic) flu. The just completed 76^th General Convention con­sidered a resolution to “encourage congregations to seek information on readiness for and instructions regarding pandemic disease.” The good news is that there is much we can do to prepare for and prevent both types of flu. Marlyn Wells and Mike Newton-Ward, both with the North Carolina Division of Public Health, will review flu facts, and what individuals, families and the parish can do to minimize the effects of the flu on ourselves and others. Facilitators: Mike Newton-Ward & Marlyn Wells

Sacraments October 11, 18, 25; November 1, 8, 15 & 22

The Latin word sacramentum orginally meant a pledge or oath of loyalty. Sacraments are something we as a faith community “do” that uses outward and visible elements and actions to express God's love for us. This seven-part series combines background information on Sacraments as embraced in the Episco­pal Church with lively questions and answers about living the sacramental life. This year's conversation on Baptism and Eucharist will contain a special surprise. Facilitators: St. Mark's Clergy

October 10 Sacraments: What are they? An Overview

October 18 Baptism

October 25 Holy Eucharist (Communion, The Lord’s Supper)

November 1 Confirmation

November 8 Ordination

November 15 Matrimony

November 22 Healing & Reconciliation (Confession/Forgiveness)

Mystics October 11 & 18; March 14, 21 & 28

This five-part series on women mystics is sprinkled throughout the program year. We welcome back Sister Mary Margaret Weber of “A Place for Women to Gather” here in Raleigh. Sr. Mary Margaret is back by popular demand to lead us in exploring the lives of the following amazing women.

October 11 Hildegard of Bingen

Artist musician, composer, healer, prophet, advisor. Known especially these days for her ecological perspective

October 18 Julian of Norwich

Advisor. Revealed new aspects of the Divine which she experienced in her revelations, among them: Christ our Mother.

March 14 Catherine of Siena

Involved in church politics usually reserved for men. Challenged the Pope "to get his act together"!

March 21 Theresa of Lisieux

Her spirituality of the "little way" attracted many to her writings. She lived only 28 years, most of them as a cloistered Carmelite but influenced millions.

March 28 Dorothy Day

Friend of and advocate for the poor. Saw the suffering of people during the Great Depression and did something to alleviate that suffering.

Facilitator Sr. Mary Margaret Weber, CSC

Marriage Equality - What Is All the Fuss About? October 11

This class will explore what is new in the area of marriage equality. We will examine definitions of civil marriage, domestic partnerships, civil unions, and hear the latest about where states are in this debate. We will discuss topics such as: Why do “they” insist on the word marriage, can’t “they” just be happy with domestic partner benefits? Why is this a fight that needs the support of all in the community? How can St. Mark’s be involved in this issue? Facilitator: Emi Wyble

Justice Begins with Listening October 18

Join us for a panel discussion of the issues currently facing the LGBT community and their advocates. Justice for one person or one group of people leads to justice for all persons. Come, listen, and learn how to help. Facilitators: Members of St. Mark’s NCRC4ME Group.

Gospel of Luke October 25, November 1 & 8

The Gospel of Luke is the focus for the Lectionary year beginning in Advent 2009. In this three-week session, we will explore some of the unique features of the Gospel of Luke as an aid to understanding the times in which he was living, his audience, and the message Luke brings to us. Topics are starting points for each week – who knows where the discussion will take us! Facilitator: Liz Maull

October 25 Good News / Bad News: An Introduction to Luke

November 1 What Does It Take to be a Disciple?

November 8 Luke’s Message to the Marginalized

Mindfulness October 25, November 1 & 8

“Deliver all your inner confusion to the earth, and resting quietly, leave your mind undisturbed” (Lao-tzu). In this three-part series, we will explore living in the present. Discussions will pull from sources such as Buddhist practices, the Tao Te Ching, author Eckhart Tolle, and our personal practices. Leadership will be provided by guest speakers and in-house persons. Facilitator: Alan Shuping

The Shack November 15 & 22

The typewritten note read: “Mackenzie, It's been a while. I've missed you. I'll be at the shack next weekend if you want to get together. – Papa.” So begins Mackenzie (Mack) Allen Phillip’s journey out of the Great Sadness that had enveloped him ever since the murder of his youngest child, Missy. William Paul Young's book, The Shack, isn't meant to be a theological treatise on the doctrine of God or of human suffering, but rather one person's attempt to figure out where God is in the midst of a world filled with incredible pain. While The Shack will never be confused with classic literature, it does offer a view of God as one who creates out of love and who embraces relationship over hierarchy and rules. The book is a quick read and can be found in many places for less than $10. It is recommended that partici­pants read the book ahead of time and bring your thoughts and questions. Facilitator: The Rev. Jim Melnyk

Prevent Domestic Violence November 15

This session will be include a presentation on domestic violence, basics of domestic violence and infor­mation about the NC Coalition Against Domestic Violence, what they do, who they are and how folks can get involved. Facilitator: Camilla Eubanks, Development Coordinator, NC Coalition Against Domestic Violence

North Carolina Immigrant & Refugee Farmer Training November 22

Following the introduction of Federally Funded Refugee Agricultural Partnership Program (RAPP) and dis­cussions among the North Carolina Office of Refugee Resettlement and United States Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI), the Eastern Region Education and Training Trust (ERETT) has taken the lead to establish a center to facilitate training refugees and immigrants in farming in the USA, navi­gate their way into mainstream agricultural industry and, most of all, to grow the food they like and are used to eating. Using leased land, small lots of land are being made available to refugee and immigrants as individuals and/or families. Some limited resources, technical assistance and training will be made available as resources become available. Other organizations are encouraged to join in, participate and/or contribute to the program. Presentation will show progress to date. Facilitator: Dr. Oneas Mufandaedza

The 3rd Annual Great Post-Thanksgiving Intergenerational Turkey Carcass Treasure Hunt Nov. 29

It’s time once again for the Great Post-Thanksgiving Intergenerational Turkey Carcass Treasure Hunt! Join us as intergenerational teams of children, youth and adults race around the St. Mark’s grounds in search of treasure, solving clues and testing their knowledge of all things Episcopalian along the way. Since this is the first Sunday of Advent, be sure to study up on the season as well. Members of the teams that place first, second and third will have their names specially engraved upon the prestigious “Golden Bone” trophies. Coordinators: The Late Jennie O. and Bud R. Baugh

Clothed in Glory December 6

As with all life, we are in a state of constant change. As individuals, as a parish community, and as part of the larger Anglican Communion, we are a different creation today than we were yesterday, last week, or last year. Yet it is very easy to become set in our ways, to do as we've done in the past simply because it's the path of least resistance. As part of our parish envisioning process for the future, this session will present some of the basic theological principles of worship spaces and the art within them. We will discuss the difference between Vesting a space for worship and decorating a church. We will look at how a space can draw us into prayer and community and how it might distract us. We will ask if our space, and that which is in it, still reflects who we are today. To assist our Parish Visual Arts Task Group, we will ask what any future art might say about who we are at this point in our parish life. Facilitator: Allen Herther

After I Got Out of Prison December 6, 13 & 20

To paraphrase a Jewish prophet, “I was coming out of prison and you welcomed me.” This 3-part series focuses on the challenges of ministering to ex-offenders and what we learn from the powerful stories of those who have made a success of their lives after prison. With contributions from Passage Home staff, volunteers, and program participants, as well as from others involved in post-prison ministry, we will examine what it means to minister to and be ministered to by those who have recently been released. Facilitators: St. Mark's Members and Guest Speakers

Understanding Grieving, or Why Is Everyone Acting So Weird? December 13

Grief is a very individual experience. No wonder you don't understand your own feelings, or perhaps the actions of others. We will try to make this very difficult phase of life bearable for those on the inside, or for those on the outside looking in. Our guest facilitator has many years of experience in speaking of and writing about grief. Facilitator: Debe Czerwiec

Christmas & New Year’s Break December 27 & January 3

See you in church! No classes December 27 and January 3.

Church “Hardware” January 10

Vessels, vestments, and other symbols of faith support our worship of God in the Episcopal Church. We'll spend the hour examining up-close the church's “hardware.” Chalices & Chasubles! Patens & Piscinas! Albs & Altars! Join us in the Centrum (our Worship space) for this special show & tell program and find out what goes on “behind the scenes” in preparing for worship. Great for newcomers and long-timers alike. Facilitator: St. Mark's Altar Guild

Hidden Rules of Poverty January 10

Ever wonder why it is that some programs designed to help people in poverty just don’t succeed? Come and learn about the hidden rules of poverty. You may ask, don’t we have enough rules and now you are hiding some of them? Yes, some of the rules or norms we are accustomed to following are hidden depending on the lens by which we view things, but these will be revealed. Participants will explore some of the research from Dr. Ruby Payne in her book: A Framework for Understanding Poverty. Let’s learn together and see how this information might help St. Mark's make a bigger impact in the area of social justice. This class will be very interactive and participatory. Facilitator: Emi Wyble

“We Believe in one God”: The Nicene Creed January 17 & 24

We recite the Nicene Creed each week as part of our common worship. Its words are familiar, so we may well say them without much reflection about what we are saying. Yet when we recite the Creed we say any number of things the meaning of which is not all that obvious. We proclaim, for example, our belief in a God who is “Very God of Very God,” who is “begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father, by whom all things are made.” And so forth. This class will look at the words of the Nicene Creed to see what it is that we are saying when we say these things. We will look at the history of the Creed to recover what problems the writers of this Creed were trying to solve. We will consider the role of the Creed as a statement of our common faith and ask whether that is different from our individual beliefs, and whether differences are OK. We will inevitably consider how well -- and to what extent -- the Nicene Creed continues to be the defining statement of our common faith. Facilitator: The Rev. John N. Wall

Soul Making January 17, 24 & 31 & February 7

This offering is a four-week book study and guided conversation. We will be reading and discussing Alan Jones’ Soul Making: The Desert Way of Spirituality. Jones, former Dean of the Episcopal Grace Cathedral in San Francisco, explores and integrates desert spirituality as experienced by our early Christian desert fathers and mothers with principles from modern psychoanalysis. Through exploring contemplative spirituality and psychology, Jones offers a lens through which we can experience spiritual growth and formation, even in the midst of the desert. He writes: “As we have seen, the desert provides the environment for soul making. It is there we learn the lessons of the gift of tears…they teach us that love requires freedom, spontaneity, and the grace to stand back and allow another simply to be. The desert teaches us that love can often mean the willingness to stand guard over another’s solitude. Here is the basic paradox of soul making: in order for me to be myself, I need to be able to be alone; in order to be myself, I need to be with others.” Come join our conversations as we consider the wisdom offered by the tradition of our early desert mothers and fathers. Facilitator: Julie Lee

Habitat For Humanity January 17

This class will give some more information about a great opportunity for volunteerism in our local com­munity, as part of a much larger international fabric of this non-profit organization that helps to eliminate sub-standard housing.  Habitat For Humanity of Wake County serves our local community in ways to help this effort by building homes for qualified new homeowners that need an extra "hand up, not a hand out" in finding safe, decent housing for their families.  We also strive to make important community partner­ships to help us accomplish this goal, involving people from the faith community as well as the corporate, school/university, civic groups, as well as individuals who wish to volunteer their efforts for the cause.  Please come and find out more ways you can become involved. Facilitator: Brad McHugh

Environmental Advocacy January 24 &31

From every corner we are learning about the perils and promises of how we live in our environment. In this 2-part series we will look at the spiritual dimension of living in the Creation as children of God rather than as masters of the universe. Facilitators: Members or guests of our Environmental Advocacy Group

Rwanda Christian Youth Development February 7

After the 1994 Genocide in Rwanda, there is substantial peace in that country BUT there is clear evidence that the atrocities, pain and losses that occurred in 1994 and earlier will not be forgotten easily. Recognition of these bare facts by visitors, volunteers, business people and other organizations is very important and every effort needs to be made to promote reconciliation and healing. The youths are at greatest risk as there is constant mingling and working together of youth from the different ethnic groups. In 2008, a Christian-based Youth Group was formed to explore and encourage peace building, reconciliation and development. The youth group is called Christian Youth Alive Rwanda – an Anglican Church Affiliate. Our facilitator helped establish this group. Presentation will explore how the group came into being. Facilitator: Dr. Oneas Mufandaedza

Looking Through the Eyes of God: An Introduction to the World of Icons February 14

We will spend our time together doing a brief survey of the different traditions and schools of icons through the ages. Did you know icons are 'written' not 'painted?' Come and explore this ancient medium of spiritual expression. Facilitator: Allen Herther

The Politics of Jesus February 14, 21 & 28; March 7

Do you struggle with being a relevant witness in today’s culture of confusion? Do you often wonder how Jesus would respond in a politically-effective way in our violent world? This series, based on The Politics of Jesus by Anabaptist theologian John Howard Yoder, will provide a portrait of Jesus’ life that is a radical departure from politics as usual, both in His time and today. This politically-engaged, yet radically peaceful Jesus is encountered mainly through examination of the Gospel of Luke, where one is con­fronted with the argument that following Jesus is a political stance, and a calling that ought not be ignored. Though reading the book is not required, doing so will undoubtedly provide additional insights. Facilitator: Linda Martin

Addiction & Recovery 101 February 21 & 28

The Episcopal Church's Standing Commission on Health encourages dioceses, congregations and clergy to provide educational opportunities in the area of addiction and recovery, recognizing this as an important health issue in our day.  Acknowledging that all of us are, in one way or another, impacted by substance addiction, whether in our own lives or families, or among friends, co-workers, or neighbors, this two-part series will provide an overview of the effects of addiction, how to recognize it, and where to find resources to help.  Please bring your questions.  Class leadership is provided by Southlight, “a non-profit organization whose mission is to eliminate addiction, abuse and misuse of drugs, including alcohol, in our communities.”  Facilitator:  Tad Clodfelter, Director of Southlight

Where the Rubber Meets the Road: Baptism Means What?! Feb. 21, 28; March 7, 14 & 21

You've heard the old adage that 'where the rubber meets the road' is where we get a grip and is what keeps us from sliding off course – a most important concept in driving vehicles. The same concept can apply to our lives as people on a journey of faith, as one seeking to be baptized, or as one already bap­tized. In the Episcopal Church we grapple with what Baptism means just as those in other denominations do. We are fortunate that we have some guiding principles that help us get a grip on our faith journeys and to help us keep on course. They are five promises that can be found in our worship book, The Book of Common Prayer. In this five-part series we'll sit in a circle and talk about the five promises: the what, why, and how of each. Questions, doubts, and ideas are all welcome. We also recommend this series for those being baptized or having a household member baptized. Facilitator: St. Mark's Clergy

February 21 Teaching, Fellowship, Breaking of Bread, Prayers

February 28 Responding to Temptation and Failure

March 7 Finding and Sharing the Good News of Christ

March 14 Serving Others, Loving Our Neighbors

March 21 Justice, Peace and Respect for All, Including the Earth

Intentional Christian Community March 7

It is in community that we truly come to know and serve Christ. In the summer of 2009 the Episcopal Campus Ministry at Raleigh universities and colleges, NC State/Peace/Meredith/Shaw, began a new and exciting program for young adults. Four students/interns, share a house in an intentionally Christian residential community having felt called to share their daily lives together in prayer, fun, companionship, and service. These four residents will share the joys and frustrations of serving Christ in each other and the larger community and the world. Come and hear about this innovative program built on an ancient model of sharing space and sharing faith. Facilitators: Residents of the Intentional Community and the Rev. Deborah Fox, Chaplain.

Mental Health Issues March 14 & 21

Session 1: An update on mental health services in North Carolina. "North Carolina's Mental Health System" (or lack thereof), including a review of the various changes in public sector mental health in NC since the passage of the Mental Health Reform of 2001, and how this effects church members.

Session 2: "Suicide Awareness and Prevention" A discussion of signs of suicidal thinking and interventions anyone can do. Facilitator: Dr. Margie Sved

Fear of Dying: Finding Comfort in “The Valley of the Shadow of Death” March 28

Let's look at this phrase from the beloved 23^rd Psalm and find solace there. Letting go of our fears frees us to live. Our guest facilitator is well-versed and well-spoken in the realities which surround our human thoughts and attitudes about dying. Facilitator: Debe Czerwiec

Easter Day April 4

Classes will not meet on Easter Day. Let’s sing “Alleluia” as we celebrate Easter in worship and song at the Festival Eucharist.

Peculiarly Episcopal: Words & Faith April 11

Behind our words are ideas. What does our church's vocabulary say about our beliefs and our heritage? Has St. Mark's put its own interpretation on some of these terms? We know about Paschal candles, for example, but do we engage with the "Paschal Mystery?" What does a lych gate mean in St. Mark's lexi­con? But let's not stop here. Bring your own words or faith-phrases to tease us or submit them to Doris early in the year. Maybe we can even construct a crossword puzzle with them! Facilitator: Doris Jacobs

The Awesome Writings of Second Isaiah April 11, 18 & 25

This three-part series will engage the biblical writings of Second Isaiah drawing on the musings of author Stephen L. Cook in his book Conversations with Scripture: 2 Isaiah. The following quotation from that text sets the tone and the stage for our time together: “The 'Holy One of Israel,' the God of 2 Isaiah, is increasingly foreign to modern Anglicans. We balk at the uncanny, fiery side of God. Unfortunately, this leaves us frustrated both with God's 'non-rational' ways and with our morality-centered Christianity. To find any real peace of mind and spirit, today's church needs to reacquaint itself with the awesome writings [in 2 Isaiah] that give us a direct entrée into the idea of the Holy, the idea of the radical mystery and otherness of divinity." While reading Conversations with Scripture: 2 Isaiah would be helpful, it is not required. Please bring your Bible and join in this lively conversation. Facilitator: John Dellinger

An Hour of Fun & Recreation April 18

Re-creation is one of God’s gifts to us to lighten our spirits and recharge our batteries.  Join us for an enjoyable hour, and who knows?  Maybe we’ll learn something about the theology of fun.

Facilitators: St. Mark’s Ministers of Sports & Recreation

FUNDAL April 25

Serving children and youth with deaf-blindness and multiple disabilities in Guatemala, FUNDAL is a non­profit NGO that embodies many of the Millennium Development Goals. Members of St. Mark's and others started Friends of FUNDAL, Inc., a nonprofit organization to support and benefit the schools and pro­grams of FUNDAL. This presentation will include discussion of barriers to education and special education in Guatemala, FUNDAL's programs, how the MDGs relate to FUNDAL's efforts, and what Friends of FUNDAL is doing and how people can get involved. A brief DVD will bring clarity and visual life to our purpose. Facilitators: Grace Sved and other members of Friends of FUNDAL, Inc.

Prayer: What, Why, How May 2 & 9

This class will explore some of the following: What is prayer? Why do we pray? What is the best way to pray? The class will also explore several types of prayer, from contemplative prayer to work as prayer. Facilitator: Mike Newton-Ward

Sacred Architecture: Spaces to Encounter the Divine May 2, 9 & 16

What makes the worship experience for us?  Is it the space?  The service with its rituals?  The music?  The worship leaders?  How does space affect our perception of God?  What contribution is made by the place of worship?  In a presentation on sacred architecture, guest speaker John Ramsay will introduce participants to the concepts of how space affects the worship experience.  His work focuses on how houses of worship, or sanctuaries, have evolved with the worship experience of congregations over centuries.  In this three-part series, Mr. Ramsay will lead us on a journey into the ways in which architecture communicates the relationship between creature and Creator.  Facilitator:  Virginia Cleary

Feedback & Brainstorming Session May 23

What adult classes did you truly like? What religious topics would you like to know more about? For what kinds of knowledge or experience do you hunger? What was disappointing this year? What area of expertise might you offer to others? Come give us your feedback and ideas. Sow some seeds, stir the pot of creativity for next year’s Adult Sunday Morning Christian Education/Formation. Facilitators: The Adult Christian Ed Task Group