Adult Formation
Adult Formation Learning Time Sundays 9:40 a.m. -All Welcome!
NEW ADVENT ADULT FORMATION BEGINS SUNDAY, NOV. 23-SPECIAL TIME 11 A.M.
Exploring Prayer: Connecting with God in Everyday Ways-Is anyone thirsty?
Come and drink-even if you have no money! Come take your choice of wine or milk-it’s all free! Isaiah 55:1
Are you thirsty for a closer relationship with Jesus, God, the Holy Spirit in simple everyday ways? Advent season is a ripe time for exploring prayer practices as we wait in joyful anticipation of connecting with Jesus anew. We invite you to drop in and learn about various ways to pray, listen to each other’s experiences, and take home ideas for practicing prayer- real ways of connecting with the One who comes afresh into our hearts again and again.
Advent is a shared experience of meditation and prayer that celebrates the hope-filled arrival of Jesus. Let’s join together in this exploration.
We will generally meet in-between Services on Sunday mornings from 9:40 a.m.-10:40 a.m. in the Toppie Bates Lakeside room downstairs with a view of the moving waters. Feel free to bring your coffee and snack down from upstairs.
Note: on Nov 23 we will meet from 11 a.m. -12 p.m. after the fellowship meal.
Come to all or any of these informal sessions-Standard Time 9:40 a.m. – 10:40 a.m.
Nov 23 Simple Conversational/ Listening Prayer
Special Time: 11 a.m-12 p.m.
Nov 30 Tactile Prayer- the Anglican Rosary
with John Gillmeister
Dec 7 Intercessory prayers
Dec 14 Moving outward- Praying as we Serve
For more details: Contact Christina Stavenhagen-Helgren stavenhagent@gmail.com.
Dive Deeper
Table Top Talks New Groups Forming September 2025
New Fellowship Groups are forming in March to meet once a month for the following 3 months. Table Top groups meet outside of church for a meal or a simple get together with the purpose to connect with people you don’t know. Requests to join a group are needed to Nancy Graham 315-317-0138 by March 16th. Groups of 6 will be created and sent to each person the following week letting you know your group. If you can’t commit to 3 months and want to be on a sub list, you can sign up for that as well. Fellowship helps to build our beloved community.
Groups will meet March, April and May, break for the summer and a new mix of people will start again in September for three months. This plan allows new people to join every three months.
WHAT ARE TABLE TOP TALKS (aka Foyer Groups)? Foyer Groups are a fun and easy way for parishioners to gather together on an informal basis to enjoy one another’s company, to strengthen bonds of community, to meet new members and just get to know other people who share a common interest in St. James’ but with whom we might not otherwise interact.
There is no agenda or plan – just casual fellowship and a refreshing meal. Groups are made up of a cross section of the parish. Out of the meetings, friendships develop among people who might not have any other opportunity to meet and get to know each other. Newcomers are especially invited to sign up to join one of the groups.
Each small group will be six to eight people meeting once a month. Your group decides on the day and time, beginning in March and ending in May, meeting in homes or at church in the Lakeside Room. Generally, the host/hostess provides the main entree and each person or couple brings one part of the meal. Some groups may decide to discuss a book or article, while others gather for a purely social experience. The choice of available options is limited only by the group, but the main idea is for the gatherings to simply focus on fellowship, a refreshing meal and relaxed conversation.
In the past we had Foyer Groups for many years and people have been asking if we could start again-new name same Fellowship Fun! It is a wonderful way to get to know more people at church beyond sharing the peace. Sign up by calling the office. If you have any interest or questions, ask Nancy Graham, nancymgraham4@gmail.com or 315.317.0138