Sunday Morning Forums
Adult Forums, held in the Parish Hall, offer speakers and discussions on current issues in the life of our community and the world, questions of theology, scripture, and history, and other topics relevant to our faith and our lives.
Parish Hall Adult Forum
- September 21 and 28, 2008: St. John's Christian Education Programs for Children and Youth — We spring Nancy Derr, our Church School Director, free from her class-time responsibilities to talk about the goals, programs and strategies of Church School for children and youth. So that adults can know about the class room experience, Nancy will also provide a brief learning example as well as time for conversation, reflection and something to think about. This is a joint Parenting and Parish Hall Forum offering.
- October 5, 2008: An Adult look at the Lord's Prayer — Prayer - prayers remembered and those offered spontaneously from the heart, are a focus of the Church School this year. This Parish Hall Forum will focus on the Prayer Jesus taught his friends, looking at its various forms and what this beloved prayer means for us. Do you remember how you first learned the Lord's Prayer?
- October 12 and 19, 2008: Ten Years of Ministry with St. John's Church — Susan Flanders reflects on her ten years as the Rector of Norwood Parish - the challenges and the opportunities, things both routine and surprising, causes for sorrow and rejoicing. In recalling the course of her own ministry, Susan will offer her perspective on the parish's ministries over these years and her encouragement for the years to come. (Susan will spend the Forum hour on her last Sunday, October 26, saying goodbye to the Church School classes.)
- October 26, 2008: The Way Forward: A Vestry Town Meeting — The Wardens and Vestry will talk with the Parish about the coming period of transition for St. John's Church in the first of three forums on "The Way Forward." On this Sunday, there will be opportunities for conversation with the leaders of the Vestry's Committees about their perspectives for the year ahead - the year of our Lord 2009.
- November 2, 2008: The Way Forward: Transitions in Ministry — The Rev. Canon Mary Sulerud, will talk with the Parish about the journey of spiritual discernment we will have just begun. Although St. John's is well-prepared for this journey, it will be a time to attend to God's call to us as we prepare for the eventual call of the Parish's next rector. Canon Sulerud is the Deployment and Vocational Ministry Officer for the Diocese of Washington.
- November 9, 2008: The Way Forward: Welcoming our Interim Rector — This Forum will provide an opportunity to meet the Rev. Stephen Hayward, our Interim Rector, and to talk with him about his role in our transition journey. Perhaps Steve will have stories to tell from his tenure as Rector of St. Peter's Church, in Poolesville, and more recently as Interim Rector of the Church of the Ascension, Gaithersburg.
- November 16 and 23, 2008: The Ministry of Music at St. John's Church — For most of us, most of the time, we simply appreciate it: the way music lifts our spirits in worship, the fun of special events, and the thrill of concerts. For Anne Timpane, directing our Music Ministries includes coordination, practice, encouragement, and a great deal of creative thought. We will talk - and perhaps sing a bit -- with Anne about the thinking that shapes our ministry of music.
- November 30, 2008: Advent Wreath-Making Workshop — Following a combined 10 AM worship service, we will gather in the Parish Hall on this, the First Sunday of Advent, to prepare wreathes to mark this season of preparation in our homes.
- December 7 and 14, 2008: St. John's Outreach Partnerships — During a season when our hearts turn to those in need, we will talk about St. John's partnerships with four special ministries - Interfaith Works, Samaritan Ministry, Shepherd's Table, and Transitional Housing Corporation. These partnerships receive the greatest share of St. John's Outreach giving and parishioner hands-on involvement.
- December 21, 2008: Christmas Pageant Preview — Although it is still Advent, we will get to enjoy the pageant that the pre-kindergarten through second grade classes have been preparing for the 5 PM service on Christmas Eve
- December 28, 2008: Christmas Reception — Following a combined 10 AM service of Christmas Lessons and Carols, the celebrating will continue over Christmas refreshments in the Parish Hall.
Faithful Parenting
Join us in the Lounge at 10 AM to discuss the joys and challenges of raising children in our complicated world.
- September 21 and 28, 2008: Joint Parenting Forum and Adult Education — Nancy Derr and Harrison West on Church School-related issues
- October 26, 2008: In the Midst of Chaos, Child Rearing as a Spiritual Practice — Come share your thoughts and hear others regarding this oxymoron. Join Elizabeth Spencer, MSW, therapist, parent, and long-time St. John's member for a lively discussion.
- November 16, 2008: Food Fights — Are you tired of waging battles over what your children eat, or are you worried that your child is developing unhealthy attitudes about food? Join Elizabeth Spencer, MSW, therapist, parent, and long-time St. John's member for a lively discussion these timely issues.
Bible Study
At St. John's, we explore Scripture as God's light for our pathway through this complex and bewildering world, seeking to live and serve God as faithful Christians.
- On Wednesdays, Weekly Bible Study is held at 10:30 AM (September - June) in the Lounge and is led by the Rector.
- On Sundays, Bible Study is held at 10 AM in the Library
All are invited to join either or both groups on a one time, occasional, or regular basis.
