
ADULT FORMATION
Practicing Our Faith in a World of Need
Sunday Forum
2022-2023
Life in Community:
Foundations, Challenges,
and Blessings
This year in Sunday Forum, leaders from the theological and academic community will help us trace the meaning and origins of community, look at the challenges communities face, and the blessings they accrue.
Click underlined titles to watch videos.
January 15
Rector’s Forum
—Rob Lamborn
February 12
How Music Makes Community
--Rob Lamborn
February 19
Creativity in Community
—Jennifer Michael, John Gatta, Diane Jones
February 26
Community with the Other
— Sibby Anderson-Thompkins
March 5
Renewal of Community in Civic Life
—Bruce McMillian, John Solomon
March 12
Maintaining Community as We Age
—Linda Lankewicz
March 19
When Religious Community Becomes Toxic
—Amy Lamborn
March 26
How Social Stratification, Inequality, and Polarization Disrupt Community
—Amy Patterson
April 16
Bishop’s Visitation
April 23
Renewal of Community in the Church
—Scott Lee
April 30
The Parish in Beloved Community
— Kate Keese and Nancy Cason
May 7
What We Need To Do and Can Do Looking Ahead
—Karen Meridith
See Fall 2022 videos
Sunday Forum
On Sunday mornings from 9:45 to 10:45, the Sunday Forum offers parishioners the opportunity to learn and grow in their faith together. From outside speakers to guided discussions, the format changes from week to week as do the topics.
As part of the parish's response to the COVID-19 crisis, Sunday Forum is a hybrid offering. You may join us in person or you may watch the presentation livestreamed on FaceBook. Please be aware that some of the classes involve small group interactions, which do not translate well to the livestream option. Most of the sessions have been recorded as well.
Sunday Forum is open to all ages. Some topics may be sensitive or mature.
Coffee Hour
Join us after the service for casual conversation, coffee, lemonade and treats. Coffee Hour is often set up outdoors, particularly when the CDC says Covid spread is high.
Connections for Parents
Connections for Parents: All parents and caregivers are invited to gather for conversation on Sunday mornings while the children have Sunday school. The class meets in Brooks Hall (or on the front porch when the weather is nice) for fellowship, support, and reflection on the hopes we have for our children. On Jan 29, 2023, Connections will begin a 6-week winter book study on Brené Brown's The Gifts of Imperfection. Feel free to invite a friend. The Rev. Giulianna Cappelletti Gray, Priest Associate, is the facilitator for the meetings.
Lectionary Class
At various times during the church year, we offer a Lectionary Class which focuses on the Gospel reading of the day. This is a facilitated discussion class. All ages are welcome to participate.

Episcopal 101
Are you new or fairly new to the Episcopal Church? Have you wondered about some of the hows and whys of the way we practice Christianity? Are you interested in being confirmed, being received from another denomination, or reaffirming your baptismal vows? Are you a longtime Episcopalian looking to refresh your knowledge?
If you answer any of those questions, "Yes," Episcopal 101 is the course for you! Anyone who wishes to explore Episcopal/Anglican understandings of worship, the Bible, prayer and spirituality, ethics, church history, etc., is warmly invited. Please contact Rob Lamborn (rector@stmarkstpaul.org, 931-598-5926) for more information or to register.
Other Formation Opportunities
In addition to Sunday school classes, adult formation at the Episcopal Parish of St. Mark & St. Paul includes many opportunities for learning, growing, and bonding. We enjoy lectures, music, and crafts during summer VB-Us. We take trips to area churches, classes, and museums. We engage in programs designed to dismantle racism, encourage ecumenical cooperation, and move toward economic justice in the area.
