Adult Education at Old St. Andrew's

Adult Forum - Our Fall program begins Sunday, September 13th at 11.20 (following worship). All are welcome at these exciting programs.

Caryn Stedman leads a series on three historic people who stood for justice.

September 13 - Bartolome de las Casas, 16th century Dominican priest, later the Bishop of Chiapas, who opposed the enslavement, torture and genocide of Native Americans by Spanish colonists.

September 20th ­ William Wilburforce, 18th century member of the British Parliament best known for his long dedication to ending the institution of slavery and the trans­Atlantic slave trade in Britain and the British colonies. This is also the Diocesan Day of Awareness regarding slavery.

September 27th ­ Magda Trocme, wife of a pacifist French parson who opened her home to Jewish refugees escaping from the Nazis under the Vichy regime and inspired a movement which saved thousands of Jews and others.

October 4th ­ John Calvin (The Great Reformer) - Our guest, The Rev’d Douglas Grandgeorge, is a renowned Calvin scholar. We will investigate the complexities of Calvin, his life, theology and his many contributions to humanity. John Calvin’s 500th birthday is being observed around the globe during 2009.

October 11th, 18th, & 25th ­ Parables - Parishioner and UCC minister, Ed Mayeswill help reveal the Parables to us.

November 1 – All Saints Sunday ­ No Adult Education; Baptism celebration

November 8th & 15th ­ Tom Salvini, Junior Warden at Old St. Andrew's, will present "Food Inc.", the award winning film about the food we eat in America, as a two part series. Following each session, we'll discuss what we've seen and how we might change our own eating habits.

November 22 ­ St. Andrew Day - Dedication of the Janet McKernan Theological Library following the 10 o'clock service.

November 29 – Thanksgiving Weekend ­ No Adult Education

We do not have Adult Education during Advent and Christmas as there are so many other activities going on then.

We always appreciate your suggestions for adult education programs. We try to present a diverse and challenging agenda. If you wish to explore a topic, comment on a program or become involved in the committee, please call Puck at the church or Pat Penney at 745­2718 (email: patpenct@cox.net).

Check our Calendar of Events for complete information about what's happening.

Christian Formation at OSA

As Christians, we are on a journey with Christ which continually changes and evolves. Many things form us as Christians: worship and liturgy, outreach and service, education. OSA invites you to join us as a community as we all continue to explore worship, develop programs, and discover opportunities to deepen our relationship with Christ.

Adult Forums

Our Adult Forums, on Sunday mornings after the 10 oclock service, are a hallmark of Old St. Andrew's openness and our passionate curiosity. Because we are committed to questions, not just answers, our Forums are designed for inquiring minds. The topics are wide ranging. For example: Why Islam Matters; Prayer in America; Christianity: A New Paradigm; Ethics in the Workplace; How Buddhist Practice Can Make Us Better Christians; Looking at the Gospels Through Jewish Eyes, to name only a few... If you seek a greater understanding of your own spiritual journey, our Adult Forum offerings will inspire, inform and challenge you.

Wednesday Study, Worship and Lunch

On Wednesday afternoons (12:15 p.m.), we offer Theology Sandwiched In. After an hour of Bible study, reading a book, or watching a film, we discuss the material and then celebrate a Table Eucharist, followed by a brown bag lunch and more conversation. On the first Wednesday of the month, we have a healing service. All are welcome.

Confirmation

An Introduction to the Episcopal Tradition is offered yearly (usually during Lent) for those interested in learning more about the Episcopal Church or in preparation for Confirmation or Reception into the Episcopal Church. Please see the Rector to learn more.

Middlers

Our Middlers (people from their early 20s to mid-50s) are at the center of our parish life. They strive to serve Christ, the church and the community in myriad ways. This group oversee Church School, is increasingly involved at the Vestry level, serve on the altar guild and in the choir. Often, they are parents of young children. In a phrase, they are the future of Old St. Andrew's.

Crêche Carol Sing

The last Sunday of Advent, OSA invites Bloomfield residents to gather for an old fashion Community Crêche Carol Sing at our beautiful out-door crêche. Afterwards, everybody comes inside for hot cocoa, mulled cider, and lots of eats. and the occasional picnic.