Spiritual Formation Programs for Adults

We offer a wide range of faith and spirituality development programs for adults on Sundays during the week. All classes are held in Carroll Hall and the Ministry Development Center off of Carroll Hall.

The Sunday Education Hour at 10 am

Life at St. Mark's

Are you new to St. Mark's and wondering how you get on the same page with everyone else? Join with other guests and visitors in an exploration of life at St. Mark's Church – how it began, our worship and programs, committees and guilds. There will be a brief overview of the Episcopal Church and an introduction to gifts discernment – our approach to using the qualities God has given you. There is no "secret handshake" but we will let you in on some of our strange language like narthex, sacristy, Vestry, and Sexton.

Come, share refreshments from 9:45 am, and at 10 am gather, ask questions, meet other guests and visitors and discover ministries that might be meaningful to you. Life at St. Mark's will be offered throughout the year in 4 week series (each session stands alone, so jump in when you can). Guests and visitors may attend anytime throughout the year. A welcome brunch at the rectory will be held on the 4th Sunday of each segment.
Contact Dennie Bennett for more information (201-836-7275, associate@stmarksteaneck.org).
In the first part of 2006, Life at St. Mark's will be offered February 5, February 12, February 19, February 26 and again April 30, May 7, May 14, May 21.

Adult Forums

Each Sunday topical presentations and discussions are offered on a variety of matters from a Christian perspective. A list of scheduled programs can be found in the church.
Contact Teresa Austin for more information (cctea@msn.com, 201-227-7407).

Sunday Soup and Sandwich
(after 11 am worship): 12:15 – 1:30 pm

Inquirers Group

An opportunity to explore the life of the church in depth.

Via Media

An exciting 8-week education and discussion program.

Asking questions of faith doesn't have to be a game of solitaire. We're shining a light on issues of faith. An exciting 8-week education and discussion program called Via Media is designed to give people a deeper understanding of the Anglican way of being Christian. St. Mark's parishioners are encouraged to bring along friends, neighbors, co-workers and family who have unanswered faith questions. We will share a meal and table conversation; watch a video segment featuring prominent Anglican leaders, clergy, lay people and teachers followed by open discussion. You will find respect for your mind as well as your questions, doubts and experiences.

We'll explore and discuss the varying understandings of each of these topics:

• Via Media: An Anglican Way of Being Christian
• God and Creation: The Abundance of God's Goodness
• God in Jesus: An Incarnational Faith
• God the Holy Spirit: The Breath of New Life
• The Bible: The Word of God for the People of God
• Sin: Roadblocks to an Abundance Life
• Thy Kingdom Come: The Promise of Christian Hope

For more information, see or contact Dennie Bennett (201-836-7275, associate@stmarksteaneck.org).
You may come to any or all of these sessions. Please sign up, either on the sheet in Carroll Hall or call or email the church office at 201-836-7275 or office@stmarksteaneck.org

Weekday Programs

Listening Hearts, Discerning Call in Community:
Thursdays, 7:30 pm – 9 pm

"God loves each one of us, beckoning us into a relationship that is personal, intimate and faithful. God calls out to us. How can we hear that call? What could hearing it mean as we live day to day? How can we help each other hear God's voice and follow where God leads." (Listening Hearts ). You are invited to join in a 8 week program which uses the book Listening Hearts to explore the themes of call, discernment and community.
This series will be facilitated by The Rev. Dennie Bennett (201-836-7275, associate@stmarksteaneck.org) and Jane Bellis (jqpbellis@yahoo.com, 201-843-5288)

Created and Called Gifts Discernment Workshop:
Mondays, 7:30 pm – 9 pm

"Each person is both gifted and called by God to ministry in our homes, neighborhoods, communities, workplaces and the world. Our gifts encompass more than our talents and include our interests, motivations, styles, values, passions, hopes, dreams and life journeys." (Created and Called ) This workshop is a hands-on approach to assist people in discerning their gifts and call to ministry. This series is facilitated by The Rev. Dennie Bennett (201-836-7275, associate@stmarksteaneck.org).

Education for Ministry (EFM):
Wednesdays, 7 pm – 9:30 pm

EFM is a comprehensive, experiential theological educational program in the foundations and message of our Christian faith. Participants commit one year at a time to participate in this program that takes four years to complete. Meets once a week for 9 months each year and includes weekly reading and study between meetings.
Contact Brenda Allen (bjstar@optonline.net, 201-836-8845) or Pam Malone (Pamwings@juno.com, 201-944-7104).

Ecumenical Bible Study and Discussion:
Dates as announced.