Adult Education
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Forum Hours
Forum Hour discussions and/or activities are held most Sundays during the program year (September – May) beginning around 10:30 a.m. Church activities such as the Annual Meeting, Parish Ministries Fair, the Sunday School Heifer Project and Christmas Families preparations take place during this time. On other Sundays, guest speakers lead various discussions on a variety of issues ranging from spiritually related topics to community concerns. The vestry steward for education coordinates the Program Schedule. |
Inquirers' Class
A new group forms each year in preparation for the bishop's annual visit. Some participants are preparing for confirmation or reception; some are cradle Episcopalians seeking to refresh their memories on some of the basics. Contact the office for details on the next group forming.
Advent and Lenten Programs
Developed in consultation between clergy and vestry stewards, sometimes with the help of the seminarian or other interested parties.
School for the Spirit
Meets on Wednesday evenings from 7-9:30 in the Spring (April - June) in the Parish Hall. Participants register for their choice of classes, which are led by volunteers or clergy with some expertise/interest in each topic. Sessions begin with dinner and a meditation shared by the entire group before adjourning to classes. Registration forms are sent out in The Almond Tree, available at services, and sent to local parishes and former students. All are welcome! The School is FREE of charge. Donations are welcome to defray the cost of dinner.
Early Christians
Spring…Summer…Fall…Winter…52 weeks a year…year in and year out…Sometimes the sun is rising…sometimes the moon and stars are the only lights in the sky…but Immanuel’s Early Christians are arriving in the Fairchild Room, Wednesday mornings at 6:30! They are there to read, discuss, share and pray. Initiated by former Rector Bill Dols, over the years some 70 books have been read. Books are chosen from suggestions by members. Each person reads a paragraph or two and passes to the next person in our “Early Christian Circle.” Discussion of the readings is informal, often with individual insight not necessarily apparent to others. Following the readings, all of us gather in a standing circle, holding hands, to offer prayers for others, ending with the Lord’s Prayer and a “Peace.” Friendship and humor are expressed not only in the Fairchild Room but also at our “bagels and coffee” gathering which takes place immediately following the meeting. (Panera on Duke Street near Quaker Lane.) Come join us!
Education for Ministry (EFM)
The EFM program seeks to help Christians discern and prepare for the personal ministries arising from our baptismal vows. To do so we study our tradition, from the Old and New Testaments to 21st century theological issues. We also learn to integrate this study with our lives and the culture we live in by learning how to reflect theologically in a group of 6-12 people and a mentor. Groups meet weekly, 9 months a year, using a 4-year program developed and administered by the Episcopal Seminary at Sewanee.
The Circle of Quiet
The Circle of Quiet provides a time of prayer so participants may listen to God, gather strength for the week, and share their spiritual journeys. Anyone interested in meditation or silent prayer is welcome to attend. Each Sunday the volunteer leader of The Circle of Quiet gives a brief explanation of the prayer form being offered, so those attending need no previous experience with meditation. The meeting is at 10:15 am when we have three services and at 9:15 am when we have two services.
Contact: Mary Ann Rehnke
VTS Education Schedule
As the "parish church" of the Virginia Theological Seminary, Immanuel Church-on-the-Hill has ready access to an extraordinarily rich resource of scholarship. Below is the schedule of upcoming VTS offerings:
A new group forms each year in preparation for the bishop's annual visit. Some participants are preparing for confirmation or reception; some are cradle Episcopalians seeking to refresh their memories on some of the basics. Contact the office for details on the next group forming.
Advent and Lenten Programs
Developed in consultation between clergy and vestry stewards, sometimes with the help of the seminarian or other interested parties.
School for the Spirit
Meets on Wednesday evenings from 7-9:30 in the Spring (April - June) in the Parish Hall. Participants register for their choice of classes, which are led by volunteers or clergy with some expertise/interest in each topic. Sessions begin with dinner and a meditation shared by the entire group before adjourning to classes. Registration forms are sent out in The Almond Tree, available at services, and sent to local parishes and former students. All are welcome! The School is FREE of charge. Donations are welcome to defray the cost of dinner.
Early Christians
Spring…Summer…Fall…Winter…52 weeks a year…year in and year out…Sometimes the sun is rising…sometimes the moon and stars are the only lights in the sky…but Immanuel’s Early Christians are arriving in the Fairchild Room, Wednesday mornings at 6:30! They are there to read, discuss, share and pray. Initiated by former Rector Bill Dols, over the years some 70 books have been read. Books are chosen from suggestions by members. Each person reads a paragraph or two and passes to the next person in our “Early Christian Circle.” Discussion of the readings is informal, often with individual insight not necessarily apparent to others. Following the readings, all of us gather in a standing circle, holding hands, to offer prayers for others, ending with the Lord’s Prayer and a “Peace.” Friendship and humor are expressed not only in the Fairchild Room but also at our “bagels and coffee” gathering which takes place immediately following the meeting. (Panera on Duke Street near Quaker Lane.) Come join us!
Education for Ministry (EFM)
The EFM program seeks to help Christians discern and prepare for the personal ministries arising from our baptismal vows. To do so we study our tradition, from the Old and New Testaments to 21st century theological issues. We also learn to integrate this study with our lives and the culture we live in by learning how to reflect theologically in a group of 6-12 people and a mentor. Groups meet weekly, 9 months a year, using a 4-year program developed and administered by the Episcopal Seminary at Sewanee.
The Circle of Quiet
The Circle of Quiet provides a time of prayer so participants may listen to God, gather strength for the week, and share their spiritual journeys. Anyone interested in meditation or silent prayer is welcome to attend. Each Sunday the volunteer leader of The Circle of Quiet gives a brief explanation of the prayer form being offered, so those attending need no previous experience with meditation. The meeting is at 10:15 am when we have three services and at 9:15 am when we have two services.
Contact: Mary Ann Rehnke
VTS Education Schedule
As the "parish church" of the Virginia Theological Seminary, Immanuel Church-on-the-Hill has ready access to an extraordinarily rich resource of scholarship. Below is the schedule of upcoming VTS offerings: