Being Formed in Beauty

Led by Clifton Rogge, Charles Simeon Fellow

            This seven-week class examines the Christian life through the concept of beauty.  From God’s redemptive act expressed in Scripture, to our responding to his active work in us, we behold God more completely when we open ourselves to the various forms of beauty within this self-revelation. The requires a sacrifice on our part that conditions our faith to makes us into disciples who reflect not only Christ’s restorative grace, but the beauty drawn from the life of God himself.  This course is designed to conceptualize beauty as that which draws us into God and that which allows us to participate in God’s self-revelation as we are further transformed into his likeness.

Perspectives on Christians and Politics: A Discussion

Led by Cliff Nilson

            Who does God want you to vote for in November? We don’t have the answer to that question, but we will look at what the Scriptures say about being a good citizen. Using the book, “Jesus and the Powers”, by N.T. Wright and Michael F. Bird, this class will discuss the role of Christians in politics. We will consider the historical perspective, the relationship of church and state, the impact of the kingdom of God in this age, whether Christians can oppose laws or rulers, and what kind of government God approves. The book is recommended but not required.

Parenting for Faith

Led by Jason and Frances Merritt

As parents, we are perfectly positioned and perfectly equipped to daily and easily show our children the reality of day-to-day life with God. God has shared with us in the Bible a simple plan for us to encourage our children into a vibrant, two-way relationship with God. This class will help parents to understand this plan and put it into practice. Class topics include finding a spiritual framework to make sense of life, unwinding false views of God, conversational prayer, discipling children in any season of life, prayer ministry for children, and connecting children with the Church.

Kneeling With The Giants: Learning to Pray with History’s Best Teachers

Led by Ben Praamsma, Charles Simeon Fellow

            What can our spiritual mothers and fathers teach us about prayer? Over the course of the summer, we will kneel alongside St. Benedict of Nursia, Theresa of Avila, John of the Cross, Ignatius of Loyola, George Herbert, and John Calvin, learning their unique gifts to the great tradition of prayer. We’ll get to know these friends and their stories, but also spend time praying like they did, with the hope of enriching our private and congregational prayer lives.

Class Title: The Grand Sweep of Scripture
When: Sundays, 10:30-11am | January 14-April 28
Led by: Fr. Michael Petty
Pathway 2: Scripture and Christian Doctrine

Adult Sunday School continues a journey through the whole of Scripture by exploring the book of Joshua.  In Joshua, God’s promise of land to the descendants of Abraham finds a provisional fulfillment as Israel settles in the land of Canaan.  As we explore the narrative of Joshua, we will be looking at its Christian meaning, recognizing that the early church read this book as prefiguring the Messiah.  We will also explore the themes of faith, trust in God, living in a hostile environment, and hope.

Pathway 2: Scripture and Christian Doctrine
Pathway 4: Living Out Our Baptism as Public Witnesses For Christ
Led by: Alice Sanderson

Mom to Mom is a biblically based parenting program designed around the Titus 2:4 concept of older women teaching and encouraging younger women in their relationships with their husbands and children. Our time together will include quality instruction in parenting, small group discussion, and the interaction of more experienced mothers with younger women. In our study this fall, Growing Together, we will explore how growing our children involves us growing as moms. All women are welcome to join in as we seek to become equipped, encouraged, and energized as moms in the most significant job in the world—raising the next generation.

Childcare is typically available during Mom-To-Mom meeting times.

Led by: Deacon Justin Hughes
Pathway 2: Scripture and Christian Doctrine
Pathway 4: Formation Through Living Out Our Baptism as Public Witnesses For Christ

In Mere Christianity, C. S. Lewis lays out the fundamentals of the Christian faith and doctrine in a way that is both accessible to the novice and engaging for the mature.  It is among the 20th Century’s most important contributions to the canon of classic works of Christian thought.  This class will read and discuss Mere Christianity and bring it into conversation with biblical texts and other classic expressions of Christian faith and doctrine.  The issues Lewis addresses are a great read for people new to or interested in the Christian faith.  Participants should purchase a copy of Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis, available in St. Peter’s Bookstore.        

Led by: Fr. Marcus Kaiser, Dean
Pathway 2: Scripture and Christian Doctrine
Pathway 4: Formation Through Living Out Our Baptism as Public Witnesses For Christ

Join Dean Marcus Kaiser for a guided tour of the Letter to the Hebrews.  This class will focus on key passages of Hebrews so as to explore such important issues as the person and work of Christ, the nature of the Christian life, the relationship between the Old and New Testaments, and the calling of Christians to the holiness of life.  The textbook for this class is Hebrews: A 12-Week Study by Matthew Capps.

Class Title: The Anglican Catechism: The Christian Basics
When: Wednesdays, 6:15-7:15pm | January 10-March 20
Led by: Fr. Michael Petty
Pathway 1: Cultivate a life of prayer and worship
Pathway 2: Scripture and Christian Doctrine
Pathway 4: Formation Through Living Out Our Baptism as Public Witnesses For Christ

To Be A Christian: An Anglican Catechism is the official catechism of the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA). It was designed to introduce people to the Christian faith as well as to provide instruction to those who have already been baptized. The Catechism presents teachings on the Apostles’ Creed (what a Christian should believe), the Lord’s Prayer (how a Christian should pray), and the Ten Commandments (how a Christian should live). This class provides an in-depth introduction to the Catechism and an opportunity to discuss its meaning and implications for life. Participants should Purchase a copy of To Be A Christian: An Anglican Catechism (available in St. Peter’s Bookstore).

Pathway 2: Scripture and Christian Doctrine
Pathway 4: Living Out Our Baptism as Public Witnesses For Christ
Led by: Alice Sanderson

Mom to Mom is a biblically based parenting program designed around the Titus 2:4 concept of older women teaching and encouraging younger women in their relationships with their husbands and children. Our time together will include quality instruction in parenting, small group discussion, and the interaction of more experienced mothers with younger women. In our study this fall, Growing Together, we will explore how growing our children involves us growing as moms. All women are welcome to join in as we seek to become equipped, encouraged, and energized as moms in the most significant job in the world—raising the next generation.

Childcare is typically available during Mom-To-Mom meeting times.

Led by: Fr. Marcus Kaiser & Deacon Justin Hughes
Pathway 2: Scripture and Christian Doctrine
Pathway 4: Formation Through Living Out Our Baptism as Public Witnesses For Christ

Life among Christians can be both great and exasperating. The joys of fellowship in Christ can be diminished by division and animosity. This study of 1 Corinthians will focus on the struggles faced by early Christians in Corinth and the wisdom we can gain from Paul’s efforts to address them. As Paul helps us to see, life together is a challenge, but it is the thing to which Christ calls us. Participants should purchase a copy of 1 Corinthians: The Challenges of Life Together by Paul Stevens and Dan Williams (available in St. Peter’s Bookstore).

Class Title: The Anglican Catechism: The Christian Basics
When: Wednesdays, 6:15-7:30pm | September 13 – November 15
Led by: Fr. Michael Petty
Pathway 1: Cultivate a life of prayer and worship
Pathway 2: Scripture and Christian Doctrine
Pathway 4: Formation Through Living Out Our Baptism as Public Witnesses For Christ

To Be A Christian: An Anglican Catechism is the official catechism of the Anglican Church in North America (acna). It was designed to introduce people to the Christian faith as well as to provide instruction to those who have already been baptized. The Catechism presents teachings on the Apostles’ Creed (what a Christian should believe), the Lord’s Prayer (how a Christian should pray), and the Ten Commandments (how a Christian should live). This class provides an in-depth introduction to the Catechism and an opportunity to discuss its meaning and implications for life. Participants should Purchase a copy of To Be A Christian: An Anglican Catechism (available in St. Peter’s Bookstore).

The Dead Theologians Society is for everyone who wants to learn more about the people who have shaped the Christian faith over history.  This group focuses on reading the works of great theologians who are now dead but whose teaching lives on in the Church today.  Previous theologians who have been read include Hans Urs von Balthasar, Karl Barth, John Wesley, St. Gregory of Nyssa, and St. John of Damascus.  All are welcome! To find out what the group is currently reading, contact Fr. Michael Petty by clicking the button below.

Class Title: The Grand Sweep of Scripture
When: Sundays, 10:30-11:05am | 10 September–19 November
Led by: Fr. Michael Petty
Pathway 2: Scripture and Christian Doctrine

For the fall, Adult Sunday School continues a journey through the whole of Scripture by exploring the books of Deuteronomy and Joshua. Deuteronomy is, literally, a “second law” and an address by Moses given to Israel just before the entrance into the promised land. It describes the ways in which Israel is to reflect the character of God.  Joshua provides an account of the settlement of the promised land and witnesses to God’s faithfulness to Israel despite her persistent sin and unfaithfulness. Both books can serve as resources for us as we seek to live holy lives in difficult circumstances.

Praying The Psalms

Led by Alex Exum (Charles Simeon Fellow)

            The Psalter has been referred to as the “Prayer Book of Israel” in that each psalm is a prayer to God under different circumstances and for different reasons.  This class will introduce participants to the practice of praying the psalms as part of their personal prayer life.  The class will operate as a group Bible study with each session focused on a particular psalm.  Each psalm will provide a model for a kind of prayer, including a prayer of dependance, a prayer of trust, a prayer of distress, a prayer of gratitude, a prayer of grief, and a prayer of hope. The resource book for this class is Praying the Psalms by Juanita Ryan (available in St. Peter’s Bookstore).  Note: this class will conclude on July 19.

Praying By the Book: Praying With the Book of Common Prayer

Led by Fr. Michael Petty

            The Book of Common Prayer is designed to help us “pray with the Church” both publicly and privately and, thus, functions as a “school of prayer”.  After presenting a theology of Christian prayer, this class will help participants make use of the Book of Common Prayer to develop a deeper prayer life.  The class will help participants live into the Anglican practice of balancing “common prayer” and private prayer so that they mutually enrich one another. The resource book for this class is Romano Guardini’s The Spirit of the Liturgy and The Lord’s Prayer (available in St. Peter’s Bookstore). 

Led by: Fr. Michael Petty
Pathway 1 & Pathway 2

The week from Palm Sunday to Good Friday has bee described at the most important week of the most important person who ever lived.  Over the course of four sessions, this class will walk participants through Jesus’ final week noting important events as they are presented in the gospels.  Special attention will be given to the events of Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday, and Good Friday.  The resource book for this class is Andreas Kӧstenberger’s The Final Days of Jesus and is available in St. Peter’s Bookstore. 

Class Title: Common Faith: The Anglican Catechism
When: Sundays, 6:15-8:00 pm | 29 January–19 March
Led by: Fr. Michael Petty
Pathway 1: Prayer and Worship
Pathway 2: Scripture and Christian Doctrine

To Be A Christian: An Anglican Catechism presents the official teaching of the Anglican Church in North America and is offered as an essential foundation for discipleship.  The Catechism consists of three parts: Believing in Christ (the Apostles’ Creed), Belonging to Christ (the Lord’s Prayer), and Becoming Like Christ (the Ten Commandments).  This eight-week class provides a complete introduction to the Catechism, emphasizing its foundation in Scripture and Tradition and the guidance it offers for Christian living.

To Be A Christian: An Anglican Catechism can be purchased in St. Peter’s Bookstore.

Led by: Michael Thompson
Pathway 2 & Pathway 4

According to A. W. Tozer, our images of God are critically important to our spiritual well-being.  According to David Seamands, our images of God are formed to a large extent by experiences in our family.  Many have experienced parents or family members as emotionally unavailable or abusive; some parents have abandoned their children.  As a result, some of us may see God through these distorted lenses which interfere with our ability to related honestly with God or to trust him. Our distorted images of God may keep us from fully experiencing his unfailing love for us.  This small group Bible study will help participants identify their distorted images of God and to replace them with images which God has given us of himself in the Bible. 

Led by: Steve Gordon
Pathway 2 & Pathway 3

“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Colossians 3:17).  Discover what the Bible teaches about gratitude and how the application of gratitude to life changes your heart, your relationship with God, and your relationships in this world.  This 10-week Bible study is an easy and fun way to learn God’s Word and put it to work in your life.  The resource book for this class is Gratitude: Giving Thanks in Life’s Ups and Downs by Dale and Sandy Larsen.

Led by: Ken Mayo and Connie Wooding
Pathway 2 & Pathway 4

What does the Bible teach about forgiveness?  Why is forgiveness important to our relationship with God and with other people?  How can forgiveness be practiced? This class will operate as a small group Bible study with each session focused on a biblical passage and one aspect of forgiveness.  Class discussion will be guided through carefully designed questions which will promote conversation and enable participants to work through personal issues and gains insights from others. The resource book for this class is Forgiveness: Making Peace with the Past by Douglas Connelly.

Led by: Archbishop Bob Duncan
Pathway 2 & Pathway 4

Using Safe for a Week—Archbishop Bob’s autobiographical essays—as a guide to discussion, the class will give participants the opportunity to consider the ways in which the Lord intervenes in both personal and ecclesiastical events to rescue believers.  The title is drawn from 2 Timothy 4:17 with a further reference to 1 Peter 5:8. Lots of lively discussion and spiritual application is anticipated.  Copes of Safe for a Week are available in St. Peter’s Bookstore. 

Led by: Fr. Michael Petty
Pathway 2 & Pathway 4

The sacraments are an essential part of our relationship with the risen and living Christ for in each sacrament we encounter Christ and receive some fruit of his redeeming work.  This class will explore the biblical foundation of each of the seven sacraments and how each has come to be understood within Anglicanism.  Additionally, the class will explore the grace which we receive in each sacrament and how each one can draw us closer to Christ and enable us to live holy lives.  As Christians, we are not simply called to live holy lives but also given the grace to become holy and whole. The resource book for this class is Why Sacraments? by Andrew Davison. 

Led by: Catherine Miller and Susan Chase
Pathway 2 & Pathway 4

The primary goal of this course is to help women encounter the character of God as revealed in the Bible and to do so through stories, art, and songs.  This course will also help women to become equipped with spiritual practices that can grow their relationship with God.  Each participant is encouraged to bring a Bible, journal, and a pen. 

Led by: Dr. Pam Valentine and Dr. Tom Smith
Pathway 2 & Pathway 4

This ten-week course presents and examines both a secular and a sacred understanding of marriage.  The course will use Tim and Kathy Keller’s book The Meaning of Marriage.  Each session will begin with a brief overview of one chapter of the book and conclude with a group discussion about its highlights.  This will be interspersed with commentary from Curt Thompson’s book The Soul of Desire and William Harley’s book His Needs, Her Needs.  The plan for the class is as follows: Session 1: Introduction.  Session 2: The Secret of Marriage.  Session 3: The Power of Marriage.  Session 4: The Essence of Marriage.  Session 5: The Mission of Marriage.  Session 6: Loving the Stranger.  Session 7: Embracing the Other.  Session 8: Singleness and Marriage.  Session 9: Sex and Marriage.  Session 10: Decision-Making and Gender Roles.  Copies of the books associated with this class with be in St. Peter’s Bookstore.

The Dead Theologians Society is for everyone who wants to learn more about the people who have shaped the Christian faith over history.  This group focuses on reading the works of great theologians who are now dead but whose teaching lives on in the Church today.  Previous theologians who have been read include Hans Urs von Balthasar, Karl Barth, John Wesley, St. Gregory of Nyssa, and St. John of Damascus.  All are welcome! To find out what the group is currently reading, contact Fr. Michael Petty at MPetty@StPetersFL.com.

Led by: The Rev'd Canon Dr. Michael Petty
Pathway 2: Scripture and Christian Doctrine
Pathway 4: Living Out Our baptism as public witnesses for Christ
When: Wednesdays, 6:15–7:45pm | 30 November–21 December

This class is designed to give participants an introduction to the faith taught by the New Testament writings.  It begins with an overview of Jesus’s teaching and ministry and then moves to an investigation of the faith presented in Paul’s letters.  After this, the unique emphases of each of the four Gospels are surveyed.  The class concludes with an overview of the theological themes of 1 and 2 Peter, Hebrews, and The Revelation to John.  The aim of the class is to provide a coherent portrait of the New Testament teaching on God, the Gospel, and the mission of the Church. 

Led by: The Rev'd Wesley Owens
Pathway 2: Scripture and Christian Doctrine
Pathway 4: Living Out Our baptism as public witnesses for Christ
When: Wednesdays, 6:15–7:45pm | 30 November–21 December

For 1500 years, few Christians have shaped the trajectory of communal discipleship as pervasively as St. Benedict of Nursia, the father of Western Monasticism.  His compendium of instructions, the Rule of Saint Benedict, offers one of the most tested and most compelling practical visions for ordering the spiritual life.  Indeed, throughout the Middle Ages, it was the second most widely read text in the world after the Bible – and for good reason.  Its guidelines are challenging but humane. 

Though originally intended for monks, the Rule continues to inspire Christian disciples of all vocations and backgrounds.  In this class, we will examine it together, attending to its historical context as well as its modern application.  As followers of Jesus, we face many distractions and obstacles on the road of salvation, causing us to neglect intimacy with God and our neighbor.  But, St. Benedict taught that the integration of prayer and work in a stable community of Christ-followers fertilizes the soil of our hearts, helping us listen to the voice of God and respond in loving obedience.  This harmony of our wills with the will of God yields forth its fruit: “the inexpressible delight of love.”