Christian Meditation to be taught on Sunday Mornings

6 week class starting Sunday, April 10 in Manning Hall at 9:00 a.m.

Last fall in the Sunday morning class, “The Mystic Way in the World Today,” we discussed the worldwide hunger for experience of God and the revival of meditation as a way of living in deeper union with God.  This class is the natural follow-up as we move from education to formation, from discussion to action.  This 6 week class is a “how-to” introduction to Christian Meditation.  It comes to us from the Cornerstone Center for Contemplative Prayer.  Come be a part of this and learn how you too can drink from the streams of living water at the center of your soul.

April 10:       What is Meditation?

April 17:         John Main, OSB

April 24:        The Roots of our Christian Tradition

May 1:            The Wheel of Prayer (What is prayer?)

May 8:            Leaving Self Behind (Matthew 7:13)

                   May 15:          Meditation as a Way of Life (Philippians 2:1-11)

The Virtues Project ™ for Parents

Sunday Mornings at 9:00 a.m. + In St. Barbara I & II

Led by Day School Parent, Kathy Beymer, M.S., P.A.

The Five Strategies of the Virtues Project ™  help us to live more reverent, purposeful lives, to raise children of integrity and compassion, develop a culture of character in our schools, and inspire excellence and service in the workplaces.  These strategies build foundations for safe and caring communities.

April 10:    Strategy 1: Speak the Language of the Virtues

April 17:    Strategy 2:  Recognize Teachable Moments

April 24:    Strategy 3:  Set Clear Boundaries

May 1:       Strategy 4: Honor the Spirit

May 8:       Strategy 5: Offer Spiritual Companioning™

Rabbi Plotkin Lecture Series This May

The Jewish Liturgy: Holidays, Festivals & Prayers

4 week lecture series Monday evenings:  May 2, 9, 16, 23

(In Manning Hall all weeks except May 16 will be in St. Barbara I & II)

Our traditional potluck will start at 6:00 p.m. with the Rabbi’s lecture at 7:00 p.m. 
Learn about the Jewish liturgy in which Jesus was raised.  Bring a dish to share and enjoy the insights of our favorite rabbi.

Peace Be With You:  Yoga at All Saints’

Tuesday and Thursday 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.   in St. Barbara I and II

One of the great gifts the West is receiving from the East is the gift of Yoga.  Yoga is an ancient spiritual path in the Hindu tradition.  It contains a method for stilling the mind through the use of the body as a way to opening up the soul.  We invite you to come and refresh your mind, tone your body, and enliven your Spirit with this new offering at All Saints'.  We hope you will find it a source of spiritual well being and a new way to meet God through the ancient disciplines and practices of body prayer.  $5 per session (put in the basket as you sign-in).  Wear comfortable clothes that allow full freedom of movement.  Bring a towel and water.  

Book Discussion Group
The Book Discussion Group welcomes anyone who enjoys challenging reading and spirited discussion. We read mainly nonfiction books, and an occasional novel. The books are selected to help develop spirituality and a greater understanding of our faith. Meetings are held in the Urbano Library from 7:30 – 9:00 p.m. normally on the first Wednesday of the month.  This will be our 20th season!

The 2005  Book Discussion Group readings are:

January 5:         The Pope and the Heretic by Michael White

February 2:       The Return of the Prodigal Son by Henri Nouwen

March 2:           The Sunflower: On the Possibilities and Limits of Forgiveness

                           by Simon Wiesenthal

April 6:             The Gift of Asher Lev by Chaim Potok  

 

Education for Ministry

A new EFM class is starting this fall and enrollment begins on Sunday, April 10.  This is a course designed to equip  ordinary Christians to be more effective ministers as they go about their daily lives.  EFM gives the student a solid foundation of scriptures, history and the theological traditions of the church.  EFM uses a technique called “experiential learning” to guide the students through the course material. EFM also guides the students to an understanding of their own belief and value system. EFM uses a tool called “theological reflection” to help us deal with situations that each of us encounter every day.    

 The School of Theology, The University of the South, Sewanee, TN., offers EFM.  There are no formal prerequisites for this course except the desire to learn and the commitment of time.  EFM meets one night a week throughout the academic year of September through May.  Study time outside of class  requires a minimum of two or three hours per week.  The complete EFM course consists of four academic years. Students make a commitment for one year  at a time. The first year class starting this fall will meet Wednesday evenings.  For more information or enrollment contact Allan Johnson at 602-788-9057, or e-mail allan.johnson@cox.net.  You may also contact All Saints’ at 602-279-5539.

 
Adult Bible Study
Morning Adult Bible Study meets for one hour every Monday morning at 9:30 a.m. from September through May, with a few holidays. Our current topic is the Letter of James.