Adult Formation
St. John's Church - Growing in Faith Together
Ongoing Programs
Men’s Bible Study
Led by: Pete Goodwin
Wednesdays, 7:00–8:30 AM
📍 Thompson Room
Unpacking the Gospel
Bible Study
Led by: The Rev. Marya DeCarlen
Wednesdays, 12:00–1:30 PM
📍 Thompson Room
Each week we gather to dive deeply into the gospel appointed for the upcoming Sunday. We apply the gospel passage to daily life by preparing our hearts and minds for worship and community reflection, exploring the historical, theological and spiritual depths of the text. We each bring one Question/Reflection which:
Puzzles us: A detail, word, or cultural context that feels confusing.
Challenges us: A teaching or demand that stretches our comfort zones or lifestyles.
Fills us with hope: A promise or action that brings us comfort and peace.
Makes us wonder: A moment that sparks awe or curiosity about the character of God or Jesus.
Transforms our spiritual life: A realization that shifts or deepens our personal faith in/with the Holy Spirit or our callings in relationship to the passage.
Intercessory Prayer Group
Led by: Rotating Leadership
Wednesdays, 2:00–3:00 PM
📍 Thompson Room
📅 Resumes September 16, 2026
Book Studies
Jesus and the Disinherited (Howard Thurman)
Led by: Newt Fink
Sundays, 11:45 AM
📍 Thompson Room, Post Coffee Hour
📅 January 10, 17, and 24, 2027
The Bee Keeper of Aleppo (Christy Lefarti)
Led by: The Rev. Marya DeCarlen
Sundays, 11:45 AM
📍 Thompson Room, Post Coffee Hour
📅 March 7, 14, 2027
Teaching Series
Still Trinitarian After All These Years
Led by: Peter Anders
Sundays, 11:45–1:00 PM
📍 Thompson Room
📅 Oct 25, Nov 1, 8, 15, 2026
The Path Ahead: Spirituality & Purpose in Later Life
Led by: Sarah Larson
Thursdays, 11:30–1:30 PM (simple lunch)
📍 Thompson Room
📅 April 8, 15, 22, 29 and May 6, 13, 2027
A six-part series designed for seniors, retirees, and empty nesters, providing space and structure for exploring the challenges and rewards of aging in a spiritual context.
Each session employs contemplative practices, prayer exercises, and directed discussions.
Session 1: Coming to Terms with Our Terms — “Spirituality” and “Aging”
Session 2: Naming Our Spiritual Needs
Session 3: Gratitude and Resilience
Session 4: Shifting the Lens — From Doing to Being
Session 5: Passion and Purpose
Session 6: God’s Continuing Call — Discerning the Path Ahead
Epiphany Retreat Day
Writing Your Own Rule of Life
Led by: The Rev. Marya DeCarlen and Sarah Larson
Saturday, 10:00 AM–2:00 PM
📍 Great Hall
📅 January 23, 2027 (snow status January 30)
Workshop focused on the season of Epiphany.
Includes guided meditation to help participants discern a personal rule of life.
Lunch included.
Preparation for Confirmation
Adult Inquirers
Led by: The Rev. Marya DeCarlen
Sundays, 11:45 AM
📍 Thompson Room
📅 Feb 7, 14, 21, 28, 2027