New 2012 Christian Formation Adult Classes on Sunday Mornings at 10:15 a.m.:

Scripture
A Study of the Parables of Jesus – (Jan. 8 – Mar. 25) – Meets in Roper Hall – Join Richard and Roy as they explore Jesus’ most commonly known and misunderstood parables from the New Testament. This 12 week series will challenge you to know more deeply what parables are and how Jesus used them in his ministry. Led by Richard Harmon and Roy Heller

Bigger Picture
Sacred Music – Bach and the Lutheran Legacy – (Jan. 8 – Feb. 12) – Meets in the Staff Room – The Sacred Music series concludes with a study of the life and music of Johann Sebastian Bach. In this part, we will study the art, architecture, culture, and philosophies of Baroque Germany. There will be a particular focus on the influence of Martin Luther and the Protestant Reformation. Led by Mat Thekkil

Spirituality
Benedictine Spirituality – Wisdom Distilled from the Daily: by Joan Chittister, OSB – (Jan. 8 – Feb. 12) – Meets in the Parlor – Join Amy Heller in a discussion of Joan Chittister, OSB’s book “Wisdom Distilled from the Daily: Living the Rule of St. Benedicts Today”. Published in 1990, this book has been both an invitation and a companion to many seeking to deepen in their walk with Christ. Books can be purchased at the Bookstore but no need to have one for the class. Led by Amy Heller

GPS (Giving Parents Support) – more info
This class is designed for parents of kids in upper elementary through high school. Navigate with fellow travelers in the uncharted and often confusing time through the tween and teen years. The weekly format alternates between topics to facilitate our children and ourselves through the emotional, physical and spiritual development changes of youth. Special guest speakers will include clergy, professionals with an expertise in youth development issues, and every month we will take time to get to know each other better and enhance our own spiritual growth.

iParent – more info
Connect with a community of traditional and non-traditional parents in the midst of raising young kids in today’s information age. Worship, learn, share and grow together as we navigate and understand our roles as parents. Weekly Sunday morning format includes a rotation of small group discussions on spirituality and parenting topics, informal chat and game time, and a series of guest speakers discussing a wide variety of topics. In addition, several social gatherings and kid-friendly community service projects are planned throughout the year. Contact Michele Ward for more information.

New 2012 Afternoon, Weekday & Evening Adult Classes:

Tuesday Morning Women’s Book Group
Join us at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, January 10, 2012 in the Vestry room. We will read Katharine Jefferts Schori’s book, The Heartbeat of God. Copies are available in the bookstore @ $15.00, including tax. The first session will cover through page 24. Any questions, please contact Mother Joy or Deacon Liz.

Falling Upward, by Richard Rohr
Most of us tend to think of the second half of life as letting go of life, but the thesis of this book is exactly the opposite. What looks like falling down can largely be experienced as “falling upward.” Join us. Meets in Room S204 (second floor), 7:00 – 8:30 p.m., starts Tuesday, January 10 through February 7 (5 weeks). Led by Joy Daley.

Women’s Brown Bag Bible Study
Wednesday, January 11th – February 15th (6 weeks), 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. in the Vestry Room. Facilitated by Amy Heller. Bring your lunch and join in on a study and discussion of Paul’s Letter to the Philippians. From his appeal for unity to his understanding of joy and gratitude, this letter invites you to consider what it means to be a Christian community. If you need childcare, please contact Amy Heller at aheller@transfiguration.net or 972-233-1898 ext. 228.

Living the Questions
an expanded version of the very popular series on progressive Christianity that we used on Sunday mornings last year, will begin a six week series on January 11th. It will meet in the Gathering Space, East end of the second floor (use stairs or elevator), from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Bring a bit of food and drink (there will be coffee and tea). This is done so that we may more deeply explore the exciting revelations from a wide spectrum of Christian thinkers. Led by Michael Merriman and Amy Heller.

M.O.M.S. (Ministry of Mothers Sharing)
Bring the companionship of other women into your busy life as a mother! Enjoy this opportunity to develop your self-esteem and enhance your relationship skills in the company of other mothers. Take a few hours each week to develop a greater awareness of your own spirituality as a mother, and to appreciate the ministry of your motherhood! Groups are formed throughout the year.

Other opportunities throughout the year include:

Rector’s Lenten Series
On Wednesday nights during Lent, join us for the Holy Eucharist at 6:00 p.m. in the Church, followed by a light supper and program (topic to be determined) in Roper Hall.

The Way
(The Catechumenate Program for Adult Baptism and Confirmation)
Are you in one of these categories?

• Adults who have not been baptized
• Baptized adults who have not been confirmed or received into the Episcopal Church
• Confirmed adults who wish to deepen their commitment to Christian believing and practice

If so, then this series is for you.

Stage One: Inquiry. Seven weeks in a program called “Connect? What it means to be part of a Eucharistic Community.” It explores how Episcopalians approach the Bible, Worship, Prayer, Ministry and Church membership.

Stage Two: Formation. Twelve weeks learning how Episcopalians are called to live into their commitment to God and God’s Church. We will use a program called “Commit? What it would mean to live more deeply into my Baptismal Covenant.”

Stage Three: Preparation. Prepare for the Rites of Christian Initiation (Baptism) and of Confirmation/Reception. This takes place along with the rest of the parish in the Lenten Wednesday night programs.

If you are interested in joining the next group, contact Michael Merriman.

Women’s Book Club
This group meets on the first Thursday of each month and reads a wide selection of books chosen by the members. During the weeks of Lent, the group meets weekly to do an in-depth study of a book as a Lenten discipline.