Sunday school classes meet at 9:30 a.m., September through May

Adult classes

Adult Classes are enjoyed on Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings. They have included a variety of topics such as “Parents of Young Children,” “The Apostle Paul,” “The Gospel of Mark,” and “The Christian Apocrypha.”

Sunday mornings

One of the most central questions in theology is the question of knowledge. What can we know and how do we know it? This class will be an investigation into this question. The assumption of the class is that our knowledge is limited and truths provisional, that what we know changes and evolves over time and is bound up with our language and culture. In that context then, what does it mean to be a faithful, loving, servant of Christ? What role does the Holy Scripture and the Eucharist have for us? Where is the church going in the decades to come? How is God revealing truth to us even now? Make a commitment to attend Sunday morning classes, at 9:30 a.m. This class is led by Fr. Dwight. 

The Rector’s Forum

The Rector’s Forum meets as an informal gathering around the Commons fireplace after the Sunday 5 p.m. worship service and meal. It is guided by the book But That I Can’t Believe! by Bishop John A.T. Robinson, and is an opportunity to reflect in open dialog about life, faith and belief.

Once a month, at the Rector’s Forum time, the “Chautauqua Idea” meets, in a partnership of St. John’s and the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Oklahoma. This exciting learning opportunity focuses on topics such as religion, politics, music, and education, engaging participants with OU faculty, in lively discussion.

Bible study groups

In addition to the classes on Mark and the Apocrypha, there are three on-going, lectionary Bible study options through the week. Fr. Dwight leads a Bible study on Tuesday mornings, immediately following the 10 a.m. worship service. The group meets in the church library, and looks at the scripture lessons for the upcoming Sunday. A men’s Bible study group meets at the church at 7 p.m. Thursdays, and a women’s Bible study groups meets in homes on Friday mornings. These groups also follow the lectionary readings.

Other opportunities

Inquirer’s Class is held twice each year and is guided by the needs and inquiring hearts of its participants.  Topics include the Episcopal Church history, liturgy, architecture, and symbolism.

The Wildmen is a book discussion group that has been meeting every two weeks for about the past 10 years. The Wildmen meet in the Commons at 7:30 a.m. every other Tuesday morning, for the purpose of engaging one another in thought provoking discussions while enjoying coffee and donuts.  

7 p.m. – 1st and 3rd Wednesdays – The St. John’s Education for Ministry (EfM) group is taking a break this year, but will resume again in the fall. This year you can experience a taste of EfM, with no fee, and no attendance commitment – just a willingness to engaged in theological reflection. Sessions are facilitated by Anne Harries, EfM mentor, and meet the first and third Wednesdays of each month, at 7 p.m. Participants learn and experience techniques for examining focal points (anecdotes, visual objects, texts, issues, etc.) in a small group setting. Together, the group systematically reflects on the focal point from specific angles. Group discussions are guided through a process of questions, which lead to open discussions of insights and implications gleaned from the various perspectives. Contact Anne Harris for details.