Adult CHRISTIAN FORMATION Programs
Sunday Bible Study
Every Sunday, 9:30 a.m.
Kyle House
A close reading and discussion of books of the Bible led by members of St. John’s. After studying all New Testament books except Revelation, the class is now studying of the Book of Isaiah.
In Jewish scriptural tradition the “Hebrew Bible” (referred to at the “Old Testament” by
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| Michaelangelo's Isaiah from the Sistine Chapel |
Christians) is known as the “Tanakh,” an acronym for “Torah” (the five books of Moses, or “the Law”), “Nevi’im” (the Prophets) and the “Ketuvin” (the Writings). When Jesus says of the two great commandments (Love God; Love your neighbor) “on these depend the Law and the Prophets” (Matt. 22:40) he is saying “on these hang the Torah and the Nevi’im.”
Our study of the Nevi’im now focuses on one its most celebrated texts, the Book Isaiah. Recent classes have focused on chapter 5, which comprises some of the prophet’s most poetic language in an impressive range of literary forms. The first seven verses take the form of a love poem using the metaphor of a vineyard: this section is also a parable (a rare form in the prophetic books). The song's romantic and metaphorical language evokes the literary forms of the book immediately preceding Isaiah, the Song of Songs.
The remaining two sections of the chapter include a litany of laments and accusations, presented in the form of legal advocacy: some commentators see the accusations against Judah and Jerusalem in chapters 1–3 and 5 as a lawsuit in which God is both plaintiff and judge. The list of woes in verses 8–23 constitute an indictment, while verses 26–30 present an announcement of judgment.
The study progresses on June 21 to chapters 6 and 7. Chapter 7 relates Isaiah’s vision in the year of King Uzziah’s death (ca. 740 BCE: the Old Testament lesson on Trinity Sunday). Isaiah hears the seraphim intone the “Trisagion” (“thrice holy”), the sole source in the Hebrew Bible for our liturgy’s “Sanctus.” His lips purified by the seraph’s burning coal, Isaiah is paradoxically commanded to exhort the people to incomprehension: “‘Listen continually, but do not understand! / Look continually, but do not perceive!” (6:9).
In chapter 7, the Lord commands King Ahaz to ask him for a sign against threats to the Kingdom of Judah from Syria and others: Ahaz is reluctant to “test the Lord,” but Isaiah nevertheless prophesies one of the most famous signs in sacred scripture: “Behold, a young woman shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”
If you are interested, just join the group any Sunday or contact Henry Holt at hholthsd@embarqmail.com. Copies of the Bible are available for your use, and no advance preparation is required. Bring a friend.
Nooma
A discussion group considering issues of faith, including forgiveness, discipleship and unconditional love, making biblical truths vivid and relevant for contemporary living, using the “Nooma” video series (from the Greek pneuma, meaning spirit or breath). This class is led by Judy Klinck.
Cursillo
Episcopal Cursillo (Spanish for “short course” — from “Cursillo de Cristiandad”: “Short
Course in Christianity”) is part of a movement that began in Spain in the 1940s, spreading in later decades to several Christian denominations throughout the world. Its purpose is to help those in the church understand their individual callings to be Christian Leaders. The leadership may be exercised in work situations, in the family, in social life, in leisure activities, and within the Church environment. Leadership, in Cursillo, does not mean power over others, but influence on others: all of us need to be aware that we can, with God’s help, exert a positive influence on those around us.
A focus of Cursillo is the three-day weekend, which brings together a diverse group of Episcopalians to share the richness of many modes of worship and to broaden each one’s relationship with Jesus Christ. Lay people conduct the weekend with members of the clergy serving as spiritual advisors. Cursillo presumes that those who attend weekends are already well grounded in the faith. It is intended to be an enriching and deepening of what is already there, not a conversion experience. It often provides new insights into our faith as well as fostering ministry among lay people.
The next Cursillo weekend is November 4–8 at Trinity Center. Many St. John’s parishioners are active in Cursillo and would be happy to share more information with anyone interested. The website for Cursillo in the Diocese of East Carolina is at http://www.geocities.com/cursillo_ec/ .
Daughters of the King
The Daughters of the King is a religious order for women who are communicants of the Episcopal Church, churches in communion with it, or churches in the historic Episcopate. The order was founded in 1885, and there are over 18,000 women members worldwide. See Lydia Chapter. Officers are Judy Klinck, president/vice president, and Jean Moore, secretary/treasurer.
Education for Ministry
Education for Ministry (EFM) provides a comprehensive, experiential education in the foundations and message of our Christian faith. The Program, sponsored by the School of Theology of the University of the South in Sewanee, TN, is for the laity of the church. Participants commit one year at a time to meet regularly in seminars led by a trained mentor. We are currently exploring the possibility of forming a group of interested members of St. John’s and Holy Trinity to meet locally and work through the online EFM.
For additional information or to join any of the Christian Education classes, please contact the Church Office.
