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Past ADULT FORUMS
January 2007 "Who Wrote the New Testament" will be shown on DVD over the first three Sundays in January. Each segment discusses the political, social and religious background of the time and places in which the books were written. Theories as to who actually authored the books are also presented. The Gospels, Letters and Apocrypha will be presented at successive meetings. The video-photography is well done and the authorities interviewed are engaging. Overall, the series is clear, concise and entertaining. Please note that we will be starting the DVDs approximately 5 minutes early in order to finish in time for the second service.
February 4 and 11 Reverend Chris Webber has written a book about the history of marriage through the scriptures. He will visit with us for two Sundays.
February 18 "Gathering Shells: A Dramatic Project" with Crystal Brian, Professor of Drama at Quinnipiac University, who co-wrote "Gathering Shells" with Viet Nam veteran Alan Garry. Loosely based upon Stephen Crane's "The Red Badge of Courage", the play explores the trauma that war inflicts on soldiers and their loved ones long after the battle. The acting roles are shared among Q.U. drama students and combat veterans who are members of the Homefront Theater, a drama therapy group at the West Haven V.A. Hospital. She will describe her experiences writing the play as well as working with the students and veterans together to produce the play. "Gathering Shells" will be performed at Long Wharf Theater on February 28 and March 4.
February 25 Discussion of spiritual lessons extracted from "Les Choristes". While helpful, it will not be necessary to have seen the movie. Clips from the film will be used to enhance discussion.
March 4 and 11 Gospel Stories in Everyday Life led by
Rev. David Stayner
March 18 Walking the Labyrinth led by Jean Morris
March 15 - 21Labyrinth at St. Peter's - Click here for more details!
March 25 Spiritual jounaling led by Kim Blake
Lenten Series: Gospel Stories in Everyday Life.
Each of us has personal stories. These stories may be one developed over years or be mere snippet which while brief is equally important. They are stories about why we believe in Christ, when we have been aware of God, or of a lesson finally understood. When we recall our stories, our own faith is bolstered. When we tell our stories we encourage those in our community.
Rev. David Stayner will help us to recognize the events of our lives which have given our faith form, to unravel the meaning of those events and to use those stories in exhorting others.
After Easter, parishioners will be invited to write their stories (a half page in length) to be published in the Sunday Bulletins. Last year, the stories of "Compassion" were enthusiastically received. I encourage anyone of any age to start considering their own contribution now.
April 1 Gospel Stories in Everyday Life led by
Rev. David Stayner
April 15 What is so funny about faith?
lead by Ana Dunlop
April 22
"The Laity - Taking Our Faith Into the Workplace and the World"
led by Susan Pinkerton, Seminarian
The workshop will focus on the laity's call as ministers of the Word and
identify ways we can serve the Body of Christ, integrating our faith and our
everyday lives.
Book Discussion
April 15 and 22
Chris Tall, Joan Hodgson and Mary Ellen Kania will be offering a book discussion in April. Karen Armstrong entered the convent as a teenager in the 1960's. Broken down by a difficult match between her personality and community expectations, she left several years later. The Spiral Staircase tells her story of her struggle to redefine her understanding of faith through many twists and turns. Karen Armstrong is perhaps better known for her sympathetic works written to help laypersons understand other religions. Such books include A History of God: the 4,000-year Quest of Judaism, Christianity and Islam, and Muhammad: A Prophet of Our Time.
April 29
Bishop Smith will lead the forum. There will be an opportunity for discussion and questions.
Integrity
What foundation rules and criteria do we as Christians use to discern what is right and just? Do these guidelines vary with the situation whether it be interpersonal, financial, or political relationships? Is there more than the Golden Rule to lead us? What do we do if there is a valid conflict of goals or interests? Thom, Kristin and Ross will direct discussion on these and other issues using scripture and case studies.
May 6: Integrity: A Christian Perspective - Thom and Kristin Peters
May 13: Integrity in the World of Business - Ross Belson
May 20: Integrity in Politics . Thom Peters
May 27: Intergenerational Pentecost Celebration
What is Pentecost and why is it important to our Christian community? Sandy, Kristin, Martha and Kim will join forces to facilitate and understanding of the event while we all celebrate with joy and creativity!
June 3: St. Peter's Town Meeting
In the time that Sandy Stayner has been leading the St. Peter's community, the goals initially set before her and the vestry have been nearly met! Please meet on June 3rd with the vestry to voice ideas and concerns for the next stage of growth here at St. Peter's Church.
June 10: Parish Picnic
Our annual Sunday of worship and fun will again be at Mixville Park. Come join the fun!
| September | 9 | Open House/ Ministry Fair |
| 16 | "Hospitality as a Spiritual Gift: What Hospitality Is" - Rev. Sandra Stayner |
| 23 | "Hospitality as a Spiritual Gift: How Do We Live Out Hospitality" - Rev. Sandra Stayner |
| 30 | "The New Testament and Interfaith Dialogue" - Guest Speaker:
The Rev. Harold W. Attridge, Dean of Yale Divinity School and Lillian Claus Professor of New Testament
He has authored several books including Hebrews: A Commentary on the Epistle tot he Hebrews and Eusebius, Early Christianity and Judaism. The New Testament presents the new covenant of God with humans and instructs us how to be Christian followers of Christ. Jesus, in the New Testament, clearly directs us to be hospitable, treating those different from us with respect and reverence. In our world, it has become increasingly important for those of different faiths and cultures to learn about each other in order to discuss honestly and respectfully our similarities and differences. The Rev. Attridge will address this difficulty in "the New Testament and Interfaith Dialogue" during the Sunday Adult Forum. He will then preach at the second service.
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World Peace Village - Oct 4-7, 2007
Six booths had information to compare and contrast Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism and Native American beliefs. Participants "walked the path of peace" using interactive materials while evaluating the variations of the Golden Rule found in the sacred teachings of each tradition.
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| October | 14 | "Islam Illuminated" - Thom Peters and Don Tall |
| 21 | Stewardship - Guest Speaker Al Tisdale |
| 28 | "Islam Illuminated" - Thom Peters and Don Tall |
| November | 4 | "Islam Illuminated" - Thom Peters and Don Tall |
| 11 | "Islam Illuminated" - Thom Peters and Don Tall |
| 18 | "A Personal Side to Islam" - Guest Speaker Arshe Ahmed |
| 25 | Intergenerational Event: Advent Wreaths |
| December | 2 | Advent Series - Rev. David Stayner |
| 9 | Advent Series - Rev. David Stayner |
| 16 | Advent Series - Rev. David Stayner |
| 23 | Advent Series - Rev. David Stayner |
| 30 | No Forum |
2006 Forums
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