Adult Formation
Spiritual formation at St. Paul’s encourages, develops, and supports disciples for ministry in the world. Below are opportunities to deepen your faith, explore God’s Word, and engage in enlightening discussions with fellow parishioners.
Adult Forum – Sunday mornings at 10 am in Norton Hall
Grab a cup of coffee and gather with others as we hear from
notable speakers on range of engaging topics at the intersection of faith and
daily life. Come listen, learn, and ask questions. Forums are also recorded and
posted to St. Paul’s YouTube channel for later viewing.
Sunday Morning Forum Schedule 2022 - 23
Annual Lecture Series
Each year, we welcome celebrated speakers to honor the legacy of three important figures in St. Paul’s history.
This annual lecture was established by the Vestry of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in 2017, to remember and honor the life and witness of Bishop Mark Dyer. Bishop Dyer was the Bishop of the Diocese of Bethlehem, leader in the worldwide Anglican Communion, professor of theology at VTS, and parish associate at St. Paul's.
October 2, 2022 10 am
Dr. Ellen Davis - “The Eros of Faith: Reading the Song of Songs”
Ellen F. Davis is Amos Ragan Kearns Distinguished Professor of Bible and Practical Theology at Duke Divinity School. The author of eleven books and many articles, her research interests focus on how biblical interpretation bears on the life of faith communities and their response to urgent public issues, particularly the ecological crisis and interfaith relations. While serving on the faculty of Virginia Theological Seminary, Dr. Davis and Bishop Mark Dyer co-taught a course on Song of Songs.
Bishop Mark Dyer Lecture
Each year, St. Paul’s hosts a lecture honoring the legacy of architect Benjamin H. Latrobe. Latrobe played a significant role in the design of St. Paul’s Church, which was completed in 1818. Since that time it has been modified, expanded, and renovated, always preserving the basic integrity of Latrobe’s design. The annual lecture typically features an acclaimed church architect and takes place in mid-winter.
October 30, 2022 10 am
John Peters "Cemeteries for the Living, Not Just the Dead."
John O. Peters has written extensively about courts, judges, and lawyers over a period of more than 40 years. He has written or done the photography for eight books, including the award-winning Virginia’s Historic Courthouses (University Press of Virginia 1995) written with his wife Margaret. That book, considered a classic on historic courthouses and their architecture, established his reputation as an architectural photographer as well. A graduate of VMI and the University of Virginia School of Law, John practiced law in Richmond for thirty years as a commercial litigator, involved with cases throughout Virginia and in a number of federal jurisdictions.
Benjamin H. Latrobe Lecture
The Martha J. Horne Lectures were established to recognize and celebrate the significant contributions that Dean Horne has made to the education and formation of many women and men for service in the Church. Her efforts to prepare students have been significant and far-reaching. These lectures strive to honor the commitment she made to the Virginia Theological Seminary during her 13 years as Dean and President and to St. Paul’s through her long-standing ministry as a Parish Associate. The lecture typically takes place in late winter.
February 12, 2023 10 am
The Rev. Judy Fentress-Williams, Ph.D.
The Rev. Judy Fentress-Williams, Ph.D.,
is Professor of Old Testament. Her fields of expertise include Hebrew Bible,
dialogic interpretation, religious studies, Afro-American studies, and literary
criticism.
Martha J. Horne Lecture
Pious Pint
This group meets the third Sunday of every month (during the program year) following the 5 p.m. service for conversation about the intersections of faith and daily life.
Questions? Contact the Rev. Alyse Viggiano – 703-549-3312 x19
Special Formation Events
Talking Peace: An Evening Exploring a Way of Reconciliation – Friday, October 7th, 6:30 pm
Gather over dinner with Canon Sarah Snyder and the Rose Castle Foundation team to explore cultivating habits that help us re-engage, rehumanize, and restore relationships in a world full of polarization and misunderstanding. Begin a journey with others from St. Paul’s to be formed as a people of peace.
Advent Quiet Day – December 10th, 8:30 am -12:30 pm
The festive preparations and events of the season have a way of taking on – and taking over! – a life of their own. In considering “Preparing the House for the Lord” and other poems by Mary Oliver, we will carve out some time and space for reflection and gentle conversation to re-center ourselves, that our preparations may become the very acts of holy anticipation and incarnation in which we welcome Christ. Facilitated by the Rev. Jenni Ovenstone.
Lenten Quiet Day – February 25th, 8:30 am – 12:30 pm
Gather for a day of meditation, reflection, and gentle conversation guided by the “Book of Forgiving” by Desmond Tutu and Mpho Tutu. Facilitated by the Rev. Jenni Ovenstone.
Small Groups, Classes, and Studies
Breath and Body: Fundamentals of Yoga Tuesdays beginning September 13th, 12:30 – 1:30 pm in the Johnston Room
Each session will open with a brief meditative reflection by the Rev. Jenni Ovenstone followed by a 50 minute active yoga class led by parishioner and certified yoga instructor Julianne Belevetz. This class is open to anyone who wants to have fun, learn a bit more about yoga and/or refine their current practice. Class size is maximum of 12 students. Pre-registration is appreciated. Drop-ins welcome if space is available. A suggested donation of $10- $20 may be given to support "Friends of Guest House.
Click here for more information and to register.
Video and Discussion Group: Bi-weekly Thursday mornings @ 10am in the Wilmer Hall 3rd floor library starting September 15th.
An Exploration of the Early Church: From Jesus to the Imperial Church Under Constantine and the Rise of Distinctive Roman and Byzantine Versions of the Church and Society
This course will be facilitated by The Rev. Dr. Thomas Hummel. Participants watch videos through a Wondrium subscription in preparation for the discussion gatherings. For questions, contact Jenni at [email protected]
Click here for more information and to register.
Inquirers and Newcomers Classes:
Owning our Faith: Sundays at 10 am October 16, October 23, November 6, November 13, November 20 in Norton Hall.
This 5-week Sunday forum series will explore the foundations of our Christian faith and practice, designed for those new to St. Paul's and for long-time parishioners wanting to reengage their faith and learn more about what it means to be Episcopalian.
Deepening Discipleship: Wednesday evenings in Lent, March 1st-April 5th; 6:00 pm – 7:15 in Upper Norton Hall*
This six-week course is designed especially for people who are:
+ new to exploring Christian faith, particularly in the Episcopal tradition
+ seeking to reengage or deepen their spiritual life in community
+ looking for connection and conversation around questions of faith
+considering making a renewed affirmation or commitment in faith through the sacramental step of Confirmation or Reception in the Episcopal Church.
Each week participants will be asked to view a video in advance from the “Owning our Faith” series taught by the clergy of St. Paul’s. We will gather in person on Wednesday evenings over a light, vegetarian meal for fellowship, reflection, and guided conversation about each week’s theme in light of our intentions to explore and deepen discipleship.
* Participants are encouraged to stay after discussion for Compline by Candlelight worship at 7:30 pm in the church.
Center for Spiritual Direction
St. Paul’s Center for Spiritual Direction, established in September 2016, serves as an extension of our pastoral ministry and as a resource for spiritual guidance to the parish and to the larger community. To be paired with a spiritual director, contact any of the directors directly or complete the form below. We recommend three sessions with a director to discern if it is the ri…
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