Join us for an Advent book study on Light of the World by Jewish scholar Amy-Jill Levine. The book opens conversations around connections of the Gospel stories to the Old Testament, the role of women in first-century Jewish culture, the importance of Mary’s visitation and the revolutionary implications of Mary’s Magnificat, the census and the stable, and the star of Bethlehem and the flight to Egypt.
The book group will meet on Sunday mornings at 11:45am in the Friendship Center, beginning on the first Sunday of Advent, November 27. If you need help purchasing the book or would like to join by Zoom, please connect with Pastor Katie.
November 27 | 6:15 | Hybrid Zoom and Friendship Room
Living Compass in Advent
Consider taking a meaningful Advent journey focused on simplicity. As we live in this busy, chaotic, conflicted world, who among us doesn’t want the simpler, abundant life God intends for us? The Living Compass theme for the Advent season is Practicing Simplicity with All Your Heart, Soul, Strength and Mind. Thought-provoking daily readings and reflection questions to enhance your Advent journey are available once again!
The Living Compass Advent booklets will be available at the church beginning Sunday, November 13. There are multiple ways you can engage with this material through Living Compass. You can:
Sign up to receive a daily email of each reflection
Download a free PDF file of the devotional
Purchase an e-book of the devotional on Amazon for 99 cents
A weekly discussion group facilitated by Lisa Sargent will be offered on Wednesday evenings from 6:30-7:30 on Zoom beginning November 30. Please contact Lisa by e-mail at lisa@2sargents.com to sign up.
Many of St. Michael’s groups and classes are using a hybrid format. We are beginning to meet more and more in person and also have the options for members to participate on zoom. Adult Education courses and groups are great ways to get connected with other members.
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Thursday Morning Bible Study Zoom
We Begin at 10:00 am and end at 11:30 am. We meet in person while serveral members join us by zoom. This very special group of men and women meet to read, study, and struggle with biblical stories in order to find practical application for our lives. We look for God’s Word to help us live more compassionate and God-centered lives. There is no obligation to conform to any one belief. One only has to be open to the complexity and paradox often found in the stories! This is an open bible study and all are welcome!
Growing more Deeply with God: Learning, Experiencing, Reflecting
is a group of members who are exploring a specific process to Grow in love and compassion. We are each picking something that we think if we explore it, we can grow our relationship with God. We begin by looking at ways we can learn about it, experience it, and then reflect on it. By doing so, we hope to grow! Come join us. Anyone can enter the group at any time.
Have you heard people talking about EfM and wondered what it is? Education for Ministry (EfM) is a program of theological education of the School of Theology of the University of the South. Students sign up one year at a time, for this four year program.
The study is done in a seminar class which meets once a week throughout the academic year, about 36 weeks, under the guidance of trained mentors.
EfM is a small “community” of learners studying together. Although the course materials provide substantial academic content, the focus is on life as ministry and understanding what that ministry may be. People who join EfM grow in knowledge, ministry capability, and friendships. The first two years focus on the Old and New Testament, the third year on church history and the fourth year on ethics and philosophy. Graduates say that this program is always worth the time invested.
Deeper Understanding
EfM teaches you how to think theologically, deepens your faith, and your understanding of our Christian heritage. The bonds you will form in this small learning community will be deep and long lasting. The program is non-denominational and St. Michael’s class is open to members of other Christian communities.
Training & Licensing
The process for becoming a licensed minister includes discernment, Safe Church Training and ministry specific trainings provided here at St Michael’s and/or through deanery or diocesan workshops. Additionally, the Bishop of the Diocese of Northern California has included anti-racism training as a requirement for clergy, Licensed lay ministers and lay leaders in our congregations in an attempt to further educate our church on the negative effects of racism in our society and possible solutions to create a more just society. Please contact Rev. Mary for more information about trainings and licensing.
