Adult Faith Formation
As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, continue to live your lives in him,
rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.
- Colossians 2:6-7
At St. Alban’s, we believe faith formation is a life-long endeavor. We offer the following opportunities for religious education and spiritual growth for adults between Labor Day and Memorial Day, pausing during the summer:
Fall 2022 Sunday Morning Spiritual Formation for Adults
Sunday morning spiritual education programming for adults is typically held from 9:00 a.m. – 10 a.m. Topics and locations are subject to change, so check the weekly email newsletter for the most up-to-date information.
September 4: Poetry Discussion
On first Sundays, we read and discuss a poem with spiritual themes. This month’s poems are “Hymn to Time” by Ursula K. Le Guin and “Learning from Trees” by Grace Butcher. (Downstairs Youth Classroom)
September 11: Formation/Fellowship Ministries Mini-Fair Learn about the various formation and fellowship ministries of St. Alban’s, such as the Ministry of Fun, the youth group, and many more. Ministry tables will be set up from 9:00-10:30 a.m. and following the 10:30 service, ministry leaders will be on hand to share info and answer questions. (Narthex)
September 18: Outreach Ministries Mini-Fair Learn about the various outreach ministries of St. Alban’s, such as FeedNC, La Escuelita Bilingual Preschool, and many more. Ministry tables will be set up from 9:00-10:30 a.m. and following the 10:30 service, representatives from the Outreach Team and other ministries will be on hand to share info and answer questions. (Narthex)
September 25: Worship Ministries Mini-Fair Learn about the various fellowship ministries of St. Alban’s, choir, acolytes, and many more. Ministry tables will be set up from 9:00-10:30 a.m. and following the 10:30 service, ministry leaders will be on hand to share info and answer questions. (Narthex)
October 2: Poetry Discussion
This month’s poem is “A Quiet Life” by Baron Wormser (Downstairs Youth Classroom)
October 9: Galilee Ministries
We welcome Joanne Jenkins, co-chair of the Board of Directors, to share the mission, history, and updates from Galilee Ministries of East Charlotte. (location TBA)
October 16: General Convention & Lambeth
This past summer, two significant gatherings occurred in the Episcopal Church: General Convention, the triennial decision-making body of our denomination, and the Lambeth Conference, a once-a-decade gathering of Anglican bishops from around the word. Come and learn what happened this summer, and why it matters for us. (Downstairs Youth Classroom)
October 30: Parish Hall Update
Members of the Grow, Gather, Serve Committee will share updates on the design process and timeline of the parish hall project, and answer your questions. (location TBA)
November 6: Poetry Discussion
This month’s poem is “Perhaps the World Ends Here” by Joy Harjo (Downstairs Youth Classroom)
November 13: The Legacy of Buechner
We welcome Rob Spach, Chaplain at Davidson College since 1993, who will share his reflections about the legacy of the recently deceased Frederick Buechner, a brilliant theologian and author. (location TBA)
November 20: “Grateful” Book Study
The Thanksgiving holiday always brings to mind the need for gratitude, but how do we learn to cultivate deep gratitude in our hectic lives all year long? A discussion of Diana Butler Bass’s book Grateful: The Subversive Practice of Giving Thanks will offer some guidance. Come if you’ve read the book, or not! (Downstairs Youth Classroom)
November 27: Advent Wreath Workshop
Advent wreaths are a traditional way to observe Advent in the home. Greenery and supplies will be provided for all ages to make their own. (Narthex)
December 4: Poetry Discussion
This month’s poem is “Nativity Suite” by Tania Runyan. (Downstairs Youth Classroom)
December 11 & 18: The Art of Advent
This two-week series will explore various classic and modern artistic depictions of the nativity story. (Downstairs Youth Classroom
Confirmation Class
Periodically, St. Alban’s offers a class for any adult who wishes to be baptized, confirmed, or received into the Episcopal Church, or who simply wants to explore what we believe and the basics of faith. The class explores the basics of Christianity: God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, the sacraments, the Bible, and The Book of Common Prayer. The class also addresses the way the Episcopal Church lives out our faith through worship and outreach. Bishops preside at Confirmation, so the class is scheduled based on the date of the Bishop’s annual visitation. Class dates will be announced in the weekly bulletin and in the weekly e-newsletter.