Ongoing Opportunities for Growth & Community

Wednesday Evenings

Bible Study - Meeting Room
Wednesdays, beginning September 17, 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m., Library
Facilitator: The Rev. Wm McCord Thigpen

Much of the recent turmoil in the Anglican Communion centers on the authority of the Holy Scriptures, what we mean by that and how we read and interpret the Bible. In the Catechism of the Book of Common Prayer (p. 853), we say “God still speaks to us through the Bible.” If we believe that God can and does still speak to us through the Bible, how do we understand its meaning? The rector, Mac Thigpen, facilitates this lively discussion group. The group works its way through books of the Bible. Newcomers to the class are always welcome. Recommended reading for newcomers: Reading the Bible Again for the First Time, Marcus Borg (available at the Cathedral Bookstore). Contact Mac Thigpen for further details, mac@stbartsatlanta.org.

*during Advent and Lent this study may be replaced by a special Advent or Lenten Study.

Via Media: An Anglican Way of Being Christian
Facilitators: Beverley Elliott, Debra Johnson, Lee Thompson
New Wednesday evening series: October 1, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Beginning with a meal, each session in this 8 week series helps participants grapple with important questions of faith by practicing the via media, a Latin phrase meaning ‘middle way’. This manner of holding in tension conflicting views will be used as we explore:

· Via Media as an approach to faith
· God and Creation
· God in Jesus
· God the Holy Spirit
· Interpreting scripture
· Defining sin
· The nature of Christian hope

Each session involves experimenting with different methods of prayer, watching a DVD presentation on the topic for the evening, and a small group discussion. Those who have experienced this program find it to be a powerful stimulator to thinking through what they believe, as well as a great way to experience the potential of church community. Dinner is $5. Please register through phone 404-634-3336.

Contemplative Prayer - Brooks Room
The practice of resting in God in silent prayer.
Weekly, 6:00 p.m. Beginner and long-term practitioners are welcome. This method of prayer focuses on resting in God without words or images. Each group meeting includes either a video presentation or Lectio Divina experience, discussion and 20 minutes of silent prayer.

Wednesdays, 6:00 p.m. – 7:15 p.m., Amerson House
Contact Lalor Cadley at lalorcadley @comcast.net or 404-320-3253 for further details.

Thursdays, 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., Amerson House
11^th step for 12-step programs. Contact Roberta Oster at robertaoster@bellsouth.net for further details.

Contact Beverley Elliott 404.634.3336 if you need further information.
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Other Opportunities

Education for Ministry Classes
In this four-year program preparing the laity for ministry in the Church and in the world, participants commit for one year at a time. The course covers Old Testament, new Testament, Church History and Contemporary Philosophy and Theology. A text is provided for each year, and group members read and share ideas and insights each week. Theological Reflection is practiced, applying learning, observations, experience and beliefs to issues which appear in the readings and in our lives. Implications arise for each of us about how we want to be Christians in the world. Preparation reading for each seminar is required. Contact Ken Lockerman, 404-292-6669, Rob Anderson, 404-327-9669 or Mike Slater, 404-728-0208 for details and cost. We currently have three groups doing EfM, meeting Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings.

BEING with God, Brooks Room
Facilitator Eleanor Pritchett
1^st & 3^rd Thursday mornings of each month, beginning September 18, 10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

If you are someone who struggles to meet the demands of daily "Doing" in your life, would you like to set aside time for the joy of "Being." Just Being quietly with God as we explore ways of praying, and eventually move into Group Spiritual Direction. We will begin with the experience of Lectio Divina which has both silent reflection and sharing of experiences. After a few sessions we will assess the interest of participants and see if we want to develop into a mutually supportive Group Spiritual Direction process. In such groups, God is always the "Director" but God calls us to help one another deepen our spiritual attention . Eleanor is an experienced EfM mentor and has natural gifts and training in the area of spiritual direction.

Word in Words Book Group - Brooks Room
2nd Monday of each month, 7:30 p.m.
Facilitator: Molly Mitchell
All the fun of the easy back-to-school assignments and none of the quizzes or tests! Our next novel is Take This Bread, by Sara Miles. Read the book and join us in the Brooks Room at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, October 13, for a lively discussion of the work. We’re a relaxed group, no reservations required.

Women's Spirituality Book Group - Brooks Room
Women's Spirituality Book Group - Brooks Room Women's Spirituality Book Group - Brooks Room Women's Spirituality Book Group - Brooks Room Mondays (except 2nd Mondays), September-May, 7:00-8:30 p.m. All women of St. Bart's and the community are welcome.

Using many sources of readings, this group holds wide-ranging conversations on such subjects as relationships, spirituality, history, culture, politics, personality, gender, and the impact of institutional religions and their doctrines and beliefs on the lives of women.

The September 29 meeting is CANCELLED to conserve fuel. On October 6 the group will complete discussion of SMALL WONDER, essays by Barbara Kingsolver. There is no meeting on October 13.

On October 20 we begin consideration of COMPOSING A LIFE by Mary Catherine Bateson.

Contact Marian Gordin for more details.

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NATURAL SPIRITUALITY DREAM GROUP
First and third Sundays of each month. 2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Library
This group explores what God is saying to you in your dreams. If you are an experienced dream worker, bring your journal. If you are just starting, bring yourself. Contact Howison Hollenberg at 404-248-0640 for further details.

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Benedictine Spirituality Group
First Saturdays of the month, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., Amerson House
Leader :The Rev. Paul Elliott, Th.D., OSB oblate
(except for September when the group will meet on Saturday the 20)

For all those in the parish and beyond who want to explore Benedictine spirituality, or who are currently living under the Rule of Benedict. Each month the program includes prayer, study of the Rule of Benedict and Benedictine spirituality, instruction and practice of Lectio Divina and an introduction to Benedictine authors of note. Paul is the rector of St. Michael and All Angels in Stone Mountain. Contact Fr. Paul at rector@stmichael.cc if you are planning to attend.

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