Christian Education for Adults at St. John's

From September through May, our Sunday School begins with our all-ages Gathering Time in the Parish Hall at 9:00 AM: music, prayer, breakfast fare, and an intergenerational lesson. At 9:15, adults and youth go to their classes.

CLASSES IN LENT

Clairty: for a faithful future

Led by Fr. Houk
Meets at 9:00 a.m. in the Parish Hall

"What is the future of our diocese and our parish, given the trajectories of the Episcopal Church?" That was the Big Question parishioners were asking this past summer as we met after General Convention. With all of the theological, liturgical, and canonical changes in The Episcopal Church (TEC), what do we say? For what do we hope? 

The aim of this class is for us, together, to answer the Big Question. Do we feel called by God to resist TEC as the "loyal opposition"? Do we feel called to reform TEC and turn back the changes of recent years? Are we looking for a realignment in the Anglican Communion that would eventually call the Diocese of Dallas out of its affiliation with TEC? We will discuss such options in light of Scripture and Church history, and there will be ample time for parishioners to share how they personally feel called to be faithful in the years ahead.

Ukrainian Egg Class

Taught by Jeanne Webber
Meets Sundays from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the Undercroft 

Learn the ancient art of creating Ukrainian eggs! Pysanka is derived from the Ukrainian word pysaty, meaning “to
write”. The designs are written or drawn on an egg with melted beeswax using an instrument known as a kystka. The symbolism of pysanka design blends ancient rituals with Christian traditions. With the acceptance of Christianity in Ukraine about 988 A.D., the pysanka became part of the tradition and ritual of Easter. In traditional pysanky, each color and symbol points to Christ’s passion and resurrection.

We will gather on the five Sundays of Lent, February 17, 24, March 3, 10 and 17, 2013, from 3:30-6:30 p.m. in the Common Area of the Undercroft (the basement of the church). You will take home at least one completed egg.

We work with raw eggs, wax, permanent dyes and an open flame. Please wear clothing that you don’t mind getting soiled and long hair needs to be pulled back. Elementary age children are welcome, but an adult must attend and supervise the child(ren). Class size limited to twenty. Please RSVP to Jeanne Webber at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 214-321-6451 x444.

Women's Bible Study: Stepping up

Led by Meg Houk
Meets Tuesdays at 9:00 a.m. in the Parish Hall

Stepping Up: A Journey Through the Psalms of Ascent by Beth Moore, examines Psalms 120-134 and how these 15 psalms model your ability to voice your petitions and praises to God. Your intimacy with God will grow from studying these treasured Psalms while also exploring the major feasts of Israel.

Meg Houk will facilitate this Beth Moore study of Psalms 120-134.  Class dates are Tuesday, February 12, 19, 26,  March 5, 12, 19 and 26, 2013.  Our first class will begin at 7 p.m. the night of the Shrove Tuesday dinner. We will meet in the Common Area of the Undercroft (the basement of the church). Participant's guide will be available at the first class session for $15.00.  For questions or to RSVP, please contact Jeanne Webber at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  

CLASSES IN EASTERTIDE

BEGINNING SUNDAY, APRIL 7

Women's Bible Study: The Gospel of St. Matthew

Led by Lea France
 Meets at 9:00 a.m. in the Parish Hall Classroom

The Women’s Bible Study continues their Genesis to Revelation overview of the Bible. This fall they will continue on their journey through Matthew’s gospel. The book of Matthew ties what follows in the New Testaments to what came before in the Old Testament. Written for a primarily Jewish audience, Matthew uses numerous Old Testament references to show that Jesus is the promised Messiah. Join this welcoming group of women as they continue learning more about scripture through fellowship, discussion and prayer. Lea France leads this group.

Mere Christinity

Taught by Michael Brown
Meets in the Parish Hall Library

What does it mean to be a Christan? For that matter, what is Christianity? Is it simply going to Church, reading your Bible and praying? Is it following a bunch of rules and regulations created by a cosmic killjoy intent on spoiling our fun and turning us into a bunch of guilt-ridden, self-flagellating mourners? Who was Christ? Was Jesus a teacher, a philosopher, just a good man, or was he the Son of God? Is there any real difference between Christianity and other religions? Don’t they all say the same thing? Are any of these questions even worth asking let alone answering?

These are only a few of the many questions posed and answered by C.S. Lewis in his magnificent book Mere Christianity. Join us this fall as together we explore the flawless reason and beautiful prose of Lewis’ exposition of the specific doctrines and beliefs that form the core of Christianity. These are the essentials of the faith, the things that all Christians espouse no matter what their denomination or tradition. Please bring a copy of the book, your Bible, a pencil, highlighter, paper, and most important, your own questions while we delve into one of the greatest apologetic works of the 20th century.

Evangelism as a way of Life

Led by Amy Wooten and Mike Harrell
Meets in the Bride's Room off of the Church Narthex

Does the word “evangelism” scare you?  If so, join Mike Harrell and members of the Evangelism Committee as they look at evangelism as a way of life.  Using Rebecca Manley Pippert's book, Out of the Salt Shaker and Into the World as a guide, we will cultivate a view of what effective, engaging evangelism looks like for individuals and churches.  You will learn about Becky's approach to sharing the Gospel through being ourselves and bringing God’s message of love and salvation to our family, friends, co-workers and neighbors.  Join us as we take the fear out of sharing our personal stories of faith and become living witnesses of our Risen Lord.