Weekly Bible study groups

All of the St. John’s Bible study groups welcome new members throughout the year. For more information on the groups, contact the church by e-mail or call 321-3020.

Following the Tuesday morning service of the Holy Eucharist, at about 10:30 a.m., a group meets to study the weekly lectionary readings, looking at the lessons for the upcoming Sunday.

A men’s Bible study group meets at 7 p.m. Thursdays. They study books of the Bible, trying to answer the not-so-simple question, “What is the story telling us?” Members of the group see things in different ways and that brings out answers to the question, helping participants see things differently and get to know each other a little deeper. The discussion flows to issues of our time, as the men look for ways of implement the Gospel in every day life.

On Friday mornings, a group of women meet in homes for Bible study, following the week’s lectionary readings.

 

Education for Ministry

Education for Ministry is a four-year program of theological education-at-a-distance of the School of Theology at the University of the South. EfM teaches its members how to think theologically, and deepens faith and understanding of our Christian heritage.

Up to 12 members meet weekly under the guidance of a trained mentor. EfM covers the basics of a theological education in the Old and New Testaments, church history, liturgy and theology. Participants are given weekly assignments to study. In the group setting, members have opportunities to share their insights and discoveries, as well as to discuss questions that the study materials raise for them. Through discussion and guided reflection, EfM offers an opportunity to deepen understanding of the reading materials. By examining their own beliefs and their relationship to our culture and the tradition of our Christian faith, participants can learn what it means to be an effective minister in the world. The EfM group is supported by a life of prayer and regular worship.

EfM involves a commitment of time, with weekly reading assignments and class participation. Cost of the program is $350 per year. The group meets 6:30-9 p.m. Tuesdays, at the church, September through May.