Rector's Bible Study
Learn at Emmanuel
Rector's Forum
Sundays | 9:30 - 10:15 a.m.
About Our Time Together
Every Sunday during the program year from 9:30 to 10:15, adults gather for the Rector's Forum.
The Rector’s Forum explores the Christian Life in its many aspects e.g. spiritual practices, reading and discussing books about the church seasons such as Advent and Lent, or reading and discussing a recent book by leading authors on Christianity such as Being Christian by Rowan Williams.
Previous offering have included a study of Mark, The Screwtape Letters, a history of the Bible, parables of Jesus through Jewish eyes, and spiritual practices for daily life.
Our Current Study
Seekers
Tuesdays | 9:00 - 10:00 a.m.
Seekers at Emmanuel are a community of people who read, watch and listen … to stimulate thinking and provide a basis for conversation to explore and exchange ideas. We meet every Tuesday morning from 8:00 to 9:00 a.m. in Emmanuel’s Parish House. Our broad objective is to explore what it means to be human, and within that to improve our knowledge, appreciation and respect of the religions, cultures and tribes that we share the planet with. We also explore the distinctions within and between Christianity and other religions. Books and readings selected by the group often form the basis for discussion on a wide range of topics. A recurring subject is the intersection of religion and science.
All who share an interest in the human condition and are able to engage in conversation at 8:00 am are welcome to attend. For more information, please email the church office or:
Betsy Manierre elizabeth.roessel.manierre@gmail.com
Knowledge and understanding from science; Insight and vision from poetry, Joy and ecstasy from music, Love and warmth from relationships, Laughter and mirth from humor, Inner peace and spiritual fulfillment from religion—All because we are conscious beings. We receive a little of each during a slice of temporal eternity in the patch of space wherein we live and die. For this, I am grateful to the Unfathomable Mystery to whose existence, evolution and cultural upbringing have made me sensitive.
A prayer by V. V. Ramen
Education for Ministry
Tuesdays | 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
"Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same spirit, there are a variety of services, but the same Lord, there are variety of activities, but the same God activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit
for the common good." — 1 Corinthians 12:4-7
Education for Ministry, popularly known as EfM, is a program of theological education for lay people. Students enroll one year at a time for this four-year program. We follow the academic calendar, meeting every Tuesday from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. EfM covers the basics of a theological education in the Old and New Testaments, church history, liturgy, and theology. We debate the text, when necessary, and we are not deterred by doubt.
The seminar group is the nucleus of the Education for Ministry program. A group consists of six to twelve participants and a trained mentor. Through study, prayer, reflection, and vigorous dialogue EfM groups move toward a new understanding of the fullness of God's kingdom.
The program is open to all committed seekers of insight into how we came to be the church we are. Participants need not be members of Emmanuel Middleburg nor even Episcopalians. What is required is a healthy interest in deepening one's understanding of the life of Christ and the Church. The reward is enriched ministry to others.
For more information, please email or call the church office (540) 687-6297.