Adult Formation
Christian formation is a lifelong journey. It is a pursuit that is rooted in the vows of our Baptismal Covenant which encourages us to grow in Christ at every age and in all aspects of our lives.
The Chapel of the Cross offers a robust collection of opportunities to encourage all parishioners in the lifelong process of growing in relationship with God, self, others, and all creation.
Fall Schedule
Sunday, September 16
“Give Them an Inquiring and Discerning Heart”
The Rev. Tammy Lee provides an Introduction to the adult Inquirers program, a course that creates community and explores the breadth and depth of the Episcopal way in preparation for Confirmation. Join us in the Great Hall at 10:20 am.
Third Sunday Spiritual Reading Group
Led by Betsy Champion and Gayle Hartis, this group meets on the 3rd Sunday of each month after the 5:15 service with the first meeting on Sunday, September 16 where the discussion will be on Pastrix, by Nadia Bolz-Weber. The group will decide on future readings, formats, and develop discussion guidelines. To sign up or for more information, please email Barbara Lankford (blcaswell@gmail.com).
Tuesday, September 18
Micah Ministry
A new discussion group inspired by the words of the prophet Micah, meets to discuss relevant issues related to social justice and civil discourse. Interested? Meet in the church library on Tuesday, September 18 at 7:30 pm. To sign up or for more information, please email Barbara Lankford (blcaswell@gmail.com).
Thursday, September 20
Men’s Breakfast
This group gathers the first and third Thursday of each month at 7:30 am in the Great Hall for breakfast and Bible study.
Sunday, September 23
“A Sure Foundation: Sharing our Gifts”
We reflect on how giving reflects our love of Christ in the Great Hall at 10:20 am.
Sunday, September 30
“Faith as a Foundation for Civic Engagement”
Join Alan Yarborough of the Episcopal Public Policy Network, at 10:20 in the Great Hall as he discusses the intersection of civic engagement and faith.
Wednesday, October 3
Spiritual Reading Group in Fearrington
This group will be led by and meet at the home of the Reverend Caroline Smith Parkinson in Fearrington Village on the first Wednesdays in October, November and December from 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm. The group is limited to 12 members. To sign up or for more information, please email Barbara Lankford (blcaswell@gmail.com). The October discussion will be on Marcus Borg’s The Heart of Christianity. November 7: Barbara Brown Taylor’s An Altar in the World. December 5: Madeline L’Engle’s Bright Evening Star.
Sunday, October 7
“A Sure Foundation: Creation”
The Book of Common Prayer urges us to probe the mysteries of creation and in so doing, ‘come to know God more truly and more surely fulfill our role in God’s eternal purpose.’ (BCP, p. 827). Our Creation Care Committee will help deepen our knowledge of natural resources and discuss our role in protecting them at 10:20 in the Great Hall.
Parents’ Book Club (Dates TBA)
The Parents’ Book Club meets monthly after Wednesday potluck, from 6-7 pm. Participants choose books with a spiritual theme, spanning the genres of personal growth, Biblical exploration, autobiography, and parenting. The number of pages to read per meeting is kept short to honor the busy season of parenting! Feel free to join the meeting even if you have not read the book. Childcare is provided. Contact Lindsay Porter at Lindsay.baldwin.porter@gmail.com with questions.
Tuesday, October 9
My Spiritual Awakening Fall Speaker Series
Vince Kopp (Transitional Deacon to the Episcopal Church and Emeritus Prof. of Anesthesiology at UNC-CH)
Meet and receive inspiration from people whose chosen work has been discerned and manifested by the radiance of the spiritual in their lives at 5:30 pm in the chapel.
Sunday, October 14
“One Foundation, Three Faiths: Abrahamic Faiths, Part I”
A three-part series followed by a multi-faith panel discussion
Imam Abdul Waheed, former Muslim Chaplain at Duke, will discuss the common interests Muslims share with other faith traditions (especially Judaism and Christianity), dispel some of misunderstandings and show a more accurate picture of the peace that permeates the religion. He will also describe the growth of Islam in America and what was responsible for the forming of the Muslim-American identity and independent thinking.
Part I will offer an overview of the history of Islam, with a focus on the Qur’an, the life of the Prophet Mohammed, the Pillars (practices) of Islam and the Articles of Faith (beliefs) at 10:20 am in the Great Hall.
Second Sunday Spiritual Book group
This group, led by Jean Greer, meets the second Sunday of each month after the 5:15 service. The first discussion will be on Convictions by Marcus Borg. The group will also consider future readings, as well as develop discussion guidelines. Three spaces available. To sign up or for more information, please email Barbara Lankford (blcaswell@gmail.com)
Tuesday, October 16
Martha’s Circle
This women’s Bible study group meets on the third Tuesday of each month from 9:30 – 11:00 am. This years study will focus on women of the Hebrew Bible. Duke University Professor Emeritus, Dr. Carol Meyers, will host the the first class on Tuesday, October 16 in the Overlook Room. Dr. Meyers is a feminist biblical scholar who is Professor Emeritus of Religious Studies at Duke University. She has been described as “one of today’s leading historians and field archeologists”. Additional study through the year will include the women of the Moses birth narratives, Ruth & Naomi, women judges, Hannah, and Esther. New members are welcome at any time.
Sunday, October 21
One Foundation, Three Faiths, Part II
During Part II, Imam Abdul Waheed will focus on Islam in America, specifically, the experience of African-Americans introduced to the Muslim faith through the Nation of Islam and guided leader Wallace Deen Mohammed at 10:20 in the Great Hall.
Sunday, October 28
One Foundation, Three Faiths, Part III
During Part III, Imam Abdul Waheed will address such controversial topics as Jihad, Shariah and Caliphah at 10:20 am in the Great Hall
Tuesday, October 30
My Spiritual Awakening Fall Speaker Series
Lakethia Jeffries (Director of Student Services, UNC School of Law)
Alan Jeffries (Payroll Manager and HR Consultant for US-EPA’s Chief Financial Office)
Meet and receive inspiration from people whose chosen work has been discerned and manifested by the radiance of the spiritual in their lives at 5:30 pm in the chapel.
Sunday, November 11
What Does it Mean to be part of the Worldwide Anglican Communion? What Does it Mean to Worship in The Episcopal Church? with The Rt. Rev. Peter James Lee at 10:20 am in the Great Hall.
Sunday, November 18
One Foundation, Three Faiths: Panel discussion
A summary discussion of the series “One Foundation: Three Faiths” with Imam Abdul Waheed, the Rabbi John Friedman, Joseph Harvard, and Elroy Lewis, in the Great Hall at 10:20 am.
Sunday, December 2
Advent Wreath Making and Jesse Tree
This is an intergenerational event in the Great Hall at 10:20 am.
Saturday, December 8
Advent Quiet Day at Camp New Hope
Join us in the beautiful setting of Camp New Hope. With the peaceful surroundings, wooded grounds, and the warmth of the fireplace, this retreat is a wonderful way to enter the Advent season. Watch for details regarding registration.
Sunday, December 9
Lessons and Carols Reception
Join us for a reception in the Great Hall at 10:20 am.
Caroling to Homebound Parishioners
We will gather in the Great Hall at 2:30 pm and split into groups to visit our homebound friends. We will finish by 5 pm.
Sunday, December 16
Advent Poetry Gathering
Parishioners are invited to bring their favorite seasonal poems and read them aloud to each other, or simply to come and listen. These may be verses from childhood, recent discoveries or compositions, or any poetry at all that we can savor together in the spirit of this time of year. We will gather in the chapel at 10:20 am.
