Education and Christian Formation
In addition to formal worship, St Barnabas offers additional opportunities for religious studies and contemplation. One of our vestry members (who lives remotely) hosts a weekly Psalm Study via Zoom which is open to St Barnabans as well as anyone who wishes to join.
Centering Prayer
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Psalm Study
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Centering Prayer is a Christian form of silent prayer, time set aside to pray in silence often in community. At St. Barnabas we begin this worship time together with a short reading followed by 20 minutes of silent prayer. We conclude with The Lord’s Prayer. We hold Centering Prayer via Zoom on Thursdays at 8:30 a.m.
This ancient form of Christian Prayer practiced by the early Desert Mothers and Fathers has the effect of deepening our relationship with the Divine Presence strengthening our natural ability to lead a Spirit-led life – a life of increasing calm, equanimity and compassion. Lunch with Michael (Plekon)
Michael Plekon is a priest, professor, author, sociologist and theologian. He has published more than a dozen books, as well as hundreds of journal papers, book chapters and reviews on faith and holiness. He is also a member of St Barnabas.
We are fortunate that Michael chooses to offer his time to provide weekly educational opportunities via Zoom in a series we have unimaginatively titled “Lunch with Michael”. Each week Michael brings a unique perspective as both clergy and sociologist/professor well versed in both Western and Eastern Orthodox Christian tradition. An always interesting discussion followed by interactive question and answer period topics range form early Christian - and even pre-Christian holy figures to more contemporary examples of holy lives. Recent topics have included such chronologically diverse individuals as John the Baptist, Mother Maria Skobtsova, and Thomas Merton. |
Drawing from both Anglican Lectio Divina Worship and Study practices and Quaker Small Group Listening and worship sharing practice, each week we will share our 21st century experiences with these ancient Prayers using a Psalm chosen from the 150 Ancient Hebrew Psalms found in The Old Testament and Book of Common. The idea is to experience at a deep level how our wisdom sharing with one another can bring to life healing and wholeness in today’s tender and transforming times. Together, as we travel together, we hope to find threads which bind our human stories with divine possibilities.
All are welcome!! |
Other Recent Educational/Spiritual Opportunities
Other recent religious education and spiritual growth opportunities have included book club, bible study and various discussion groups. The Congregational Survey responses revealed a desire from the congregation for more such opportunities both in person and on zoom.