Adult Christian Formation
At St. Francis, we understand discipleship as a lifelong journey traveled in the context of a loving community. To that end, St. Francis boasts a rich variety of adult education and formation opportunities, both in large- and small-group settings.
We offer several adult formation opportunities throughout the week, which are detailed below. Between our two Sunday morning services, 9:15am–10:15am, offerings pertinent to the liturgical season (Advent, Epiphany, Lent, and Easter) are available. If you have any questions about our Adult Formation programs, please contact Fr. Drew.
Advent Book Study
Light of the World: A Beginner's Guide to Advent by Amy-Jill Levine
Led by The Rev. Paul Crowell
Sundays from 9:15am–10:15am
Come and join with others seeking to learn more or renew their experience of the Advent and Christmas Seasons. We will explore the biblical texts both Old and New surrounding the Gospel stories of Jesus’ birth. Our author is Amy-Jill Levine a professor of New Testament and Jewish Studies at Vanderbilt Divinity School and College of Arts and Sciences. Her Jewish cultural background offers a rich and deep understanding of the context of Jesus and his family as well as the political context at the time of his birth. She provides good measures of insight, wit, and gentle prodding to go deeper into the birth narratives that shape much of our culture and celebrations at this time of the year.
Books and a discussion guide are available now--a donation of $15 is requested to offset the cost. Sign up using the form below to secure your place and book. Meetings will be December 8, 15 and 22, the second, third and fourth Sundays in Advent.
YES, SIGN ME UP FOR THE ADVENT BOOK STUDY!!
Formation Offerings During the Week
Jewish & Christian Explorations: The Da Vinci Code
Tuesdays in the Parish Hall from 7:00pm–8:30pm. Led by Samuel Moss.
Jesus, Mary Magdalene, the Holy Grail, the ‘sacred feminine’, and the ‘Last Supper’. These and other topics of religion are touched upon in Dan Brown’s phenomenal best-seller (2003). But how can one distinguish between what is ‘fact’ and what is ‘fiction’? What did Dan Brown get ‘right’? And what did he get ‘wrong’? In this six-week installment of Explorations, each participant has the opportunity to examine the available evidence directly! As a special bonus, we will enjoy our own theater experience for an Explorations ‘movie premier’ evening.
*Contact Samuel Moss to RSVP by November 3 or with any questions. This course will begin in November 5, 2019.
Lectionary at Lunch
Thursdays in the Gold Room from 12:00pm–1:00pm. Led by Fr. Drew.
Our Lectionary at Lunch study will reconvene this Fall, though on Thursdays rather than Wednesdays. The group begins with noonday prayer and continues with bible study, conversation, and fellowship. All are welcome! No prior attendance or preparation required.
Men's Bible Study
Fridays at A Special Blend Coffee Shop (3900 W. Market St.) from 7:00am–8:00am
An informal time of fellowship, prayer, and bible study at the conclusion of your week. We are currently working our way through the book of Acts.
Diocesan and Area Formation Opportunities
Living Well All Your Heart, Soul, Strength, and Mind with the Rev. Dr. Scott Stoner
Saturday, January 11, 2020 from 9:00am–12:30pm at Christ Church, Charlotte
A morning retreat focused on wellness and spirituality, borne out of The Living Compass program.
Montgomery & Selma, Alabama Justice Pilgrimage
Wednesday, March 18 to Saturday, March 21, 2020
From police shootings to incarceration statistics, from school accessibility to poverty rates, racism is a present reality that plagues our city and our country. Our faith calls us to confront and confess our failures and fears in order that we may be reconciled one with another. As Desmond Tutu has written, “There is no future without forgiveness.”
The Diocese of North Carolina is living into Becoming Beloved Community and embarking on a radical journey to confront the truths about race, slavery and mass incarceration on this impactful four-day pilgrimage to Montgomery and Selma, Alabama. Click here for more information and to register.
*For these and other diocesan and area formation opportunities, contact Fr. Drew for details.