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 September 18th – May 14th
You can view recordings of most past Adult Forums on the St. Paul's YouTube channel. Click the link below to access.
Click Here to Visit the St. Paul's YouTube Channel
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.
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.
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.
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
Lenten Quiet Day – February 25th, 8:30 am – 12:30 pm
Gather at St. Paul’s for a morning of reflection, prayer, and gentle conversation based on the Book of Forgiving: The Fourfold Path for Healing Ourselves and Our World by Desmond Tutu and Mpho Tutu. Facilitated by the Rev. Jenni Ovenstone. Please contact Jenni at [email protected] to sign up or find out more.
Book description: Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Nobel Peace Prize winner, Chair of The Elders, and Chair of South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission, along with his daughter, the Reverend Mpho Tutu, offer a manual on the art of forgiveness—helping us to realize that we are all capable of healing and transformation.
For nursery requests, please sign up by February 16th. Otherwise, please sign up by February 23rd. There is a $10 registration fee to offset costs.
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.
Inquirers and Newcomers Classes:
“Deepening Discipleship” Dinner Discussion Course
Wednesday evenings in Lent
March 1st, 8th, 15th,* 29th, and April 5th (*Please note there will be no class, Compline only, on 3/22)
6:00 pm–7:15 pm in Upper Norton Hall.
This course is designed especially for people who are:
- new to exploring Christian faith, particularly in the Episcopal tradition
- seeking to re-engage 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.
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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