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Rector's Bible Study

Learn at Emmanuel

Rector's Forum

Sundays  |  9:30 - 10:15 a.m.

The Serviceberry.jpeg

The Rector's Forum will explore The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World. The Serviceberry is a widely acclaimed book by Robin Wall Kimmerer, author of "Braiding Sweetgrass." The Serviceberry, as the subtitle notes, is about how the serviceberry tree (of which there are two at the Parish House) stands in the center of an ecosystem that feeds birds and humans while being sustained by insects and small animals. The goal is to help us understand how living a life focused on abundance instead of scarcity can be lifegiving to us and the world we live in. Her message may not be Christian per se, but it echoes the teachings of Jesus who said, "I came that [you] may have life and have it abundantly." John 10:10. It has been on the New York Times bestseller list for 21 weeks.

 

Copies of the book are available at Middleburg Books. Their price is $20. Tell them you are taking my class and get a 10% discount. It is also available online.

About Our Time Together

 

Every Sunday during the program year from 9:30 to 10:15, adults gather for the Rector's Forum. ​

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The  Rector’s Forum is a teaching and discussion time led by Father Gene that gives parishioners an opportunity to explore aspects of the Christian faith in greater depth.

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In the Rector's Forum, a book is selected, generally, a book that is scripture-related, theology, history, biography, or even a novel or memoir that raises moral, spiritual, or faith-related questions. Participants read the assigned material (sometimes in advance, sometimes in sections week by week), and then come together to:

  • Analyze the text through a Christian lens – considering how themes, characters, or arguments relate to biblical teachings, Christian tradition, or contemporary faith practice.

  • Draw connections to scripture and theology – the rector may link passages from the book to Bible readings, doctrines, or the church’s liturgical life.

  • Encourage spiritual reflection – participants are invited to reflect on how the material resonates with their own faith journey, challenges their assumptions, or offers new insights.

  • Foster community dialogue – it creates space for parishioners to share perspectives, ask questions, and learn from one another in a thoughtful, faith-centered environment.

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