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

Monday Night Bible Study  Conversations with Scripture: 2 Isaiah, Hebrews & John
Mondays, 7:00-9:15 PM; CLC-4

Fall Term (September 14 - December 14, 2009): Second Isaiah. Text: Conversations with Scripture: 2 Isaiah, Stephen L. Cook, Morehouse Publishing, 2008. “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” (Introduction, p. xv).

Mid Term (January 4 - February 15, 2010): Hebrews. Text: To be determined in the fall. Hebrews is a vastly different type of text from the other New Testament books. It is not a letter, nor is it a Gospel. It is more like a sermon preached to a tired, struggling congregation trying to hold the center of their faith. Beginning with a rather cosmic understanding of Jesus as the Christ of God, it includes theological and ethical advice as well. Our hope is to experience Hebrews as an intriguing bridge between 2 Isaiah and the Gospel of John.

Spring Term (February 22 - April 26, 2010): The Gospel of John. Text: Conversations with Scripture: The Gospel of John, Cynthia Briggs Kittredge, Morehouse Publishing, 2007. “For contemporary Christians, John's Gospel is a paradox. On the one hand, it stresses boundaries: 'No one comes to the Father except through me.' But on the other hand, it's all about community: 'I have no longer called you servants, but friends.' Conversations with Scripture: John encourages readers to draw out the tensions between these two perspectives for an open, inclusive reading of this difficult Gospel – and to find in it rich meaning for their lives.” (Jacket cover)

Books should be ordered individually ahead of class. Also recommended: a good Study Bible (e.g. Oxford Annotated, Harper-Collins, New Interpreter's Study Bible). Other resources to be recommended for more in-depth work.

Facilitators: Mary Mainwaring & The Rev. Jim Melnyk

Alternative Book Study Group
Mondays, 7:00-8:30 PM

Books on spirituality will be chosen by the group throughout the year. Currently we are studying God is a Verb by Rabbi David A. Cooper. Everyone is welcome to join us at the home of Barbara O'Neal, 1112 Wimbleton Drive, Raleigh, 571-9299.

Spirituality Book Group (new!)
Second Wednesday each month, 10:00 – 11:30 AM

Our September book is Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Stroud. Possible future selections are: Entering the Castle by Caroline Myss, The History of Love by Nicole Krauss, Bel Canto by Ann Patchett, and Story of a Marriage by Andrew Sean Greer. All are welcome to join us at the home of Barbara O'Neal at 1112 Wimbleton Drive, 571-9299.

St. Mark’s Fiction Discussion Group
Last Sunday of the month, 12:00 – 1:00 PM, CLC

This is an informal gathering of persons who like to discuss current fiction. Anyone is free to drop in at anytime. A different book is chosen for discussion by the group each month. We try to find books that relate in some way to our faith journey. Titles are announced in The Messenger. Facilitators: Betty Jo Jacobs & Eve Vitaglione

Spirituals & Jazz
Friday, October 2, 7:30 – 9:00 PM, Centrum (Worship Space)

We'll gather with Bobby Moody, Director of St. Ambrose Jazz Combo, for this fun and informative event.  Bobby will lead us in an experience of spirituals and jazz.  He will show us how jazz can transform traditional music from the Episcopal Hymnal and other resources thus enriching our lives.  Music will include traditional, blues, bossa and contemporary forms.  There will be time for questions and answers.  This event is jointly sponsored by the St. Ambrose / St. Mark's Companions in Mission Committee.  An opportunity for fellowship for our two congregations will be the highlight of a dessert reception following the program.

Saturday, November 14, 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM

We will welcome facilitators from the Bishop's Committee on Racial Justice and Reconciliation to St. Mark's for this important seminar.  They will lead us utilizing interactive communication exercises, videos, and small group discussion topics to explore how institutional and systemic racism impede our ability to create an inclusive community.  This will be a wonderful opportunity to broaden and strengthen our commitment to embracing our differences and celebrating our uniqueness as we build Christ's inclusive community based on justice, peace, and loving respect for the dignity of us all.  This seminar is appropriate for anyone seeking to develop their own awareness and leadership skills in the arena of racial justice.  Members from our Companion in Mission sister parish, St. Ambrose Episcopal Church, will join us as participants.  The seminar will begin at 8:30, include a lunch break, and adjourn by 4:00 p.m.  Watch for details on registration as the date approaches.  Space will be limited.

Advent Quiet Day
Saturday, December 5, 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM

Come experience a time of calm and reflection before the hustle of the holiday season. Facilitators:  Stacey Hodges & Tracy McKimmon

“Isn’t It Time We Talk?”
Saturday, January 31, 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM

A workshop on how to plan for our care at the end of life – for ourselves and for our aging parents. Some topics will be: Housing choices (nursing homes, assisted living, adult care homes); Medicaid rules; resources for caregivers (adult day programs, total life centers, support groups, respite volunteers); and planning for health care. Health Care Power-of-Attorney and Advance Directive for a Natural Death (Living Will) forms will be available and can be witnessed and notarized at the time. Outside speakers will be announced later. Bring your questions and concerns and a bag lunch. Facilitators: Betty Jo Jacobs and Lynne Poole

Lenten Suppers & Study Groups
Wednesdays, Feb. 24, March 3, 10, 17 & 24

Soup suppers followed by separate activities and programs for adults and children. Please see SPECIAL PROGRAMS & EVENTS for more information.

Opportunities for Spiritual Growth:

MEDITATION GROUP meets on the 3^rd Monday each month, 6:30 to 8:00 PM, at the home of Jane Sullivan. Sessions are comprised of both guided and silent meditations. All are welcome.

SPIRITUAL QUEST meets Thursdays, 9:30–11:30 AM, at Margaret Thurston’s home.
Each morning includes one of several original orders of morning prayer with intercessions and thanksgivings and a program to nourish our spiritual growth. Leadership is shared.

CENTERING PRAYER meets on 1^st & 3^rd Mondays, 10–11:30 AM, at Barbara O’Neal’s home or in the Education Building (E-7). After a 20-minute period of Centering Prayer and viewing a portion of a teaching video by Father Thomas Keating, those gathered discuss various topics introduced by members of the group. Contact: Barbara O’Neal.