Young woman speaking

Adult Formation

Join with the St. Patrick’s community on Sundays and throughout the week as we walk together as the Body of Christ.  We are offering many opportunities this year to engage both spiritually and socially.  Pick one or pick them all!  We will enjoy being together in these adult formation classes and discussions.

Forum

Come to the Forum as we continue exploring and growing in faith.  The Forum meets  Sundays in a hybrid format (in-person and Zoom) at 9:15AM. The Zoom link is sent through the Sunday Services email. We usually meet in Room 1, but may choose another space when combined with the Caffeinated Conversations group.

Forum - Gun Awareness: September 10 - October 1

September 10: The Police Perspective - Officer Theresa Hernandez, Dunwoody PD 

Officer Hernandez is the Community Outreach Officer for the Dunwoody Police Department.  Theresa will talk with us about gun safety in the home, the best way to advise your children when they are in a home where there is a gun not safely stored away. She will also discuss the impact of how the abundance of guns has affected her as a police officer. Theresa was a social worker before joining the Dunwoody Police Department.  We will hear how that background has influenced her perspective on dealing with guns in our society.

September 17: Guns in Society - Margarita Moldovan, Mom’s Demand Action 

As a member of Mom’s Demand Action, Margarita Moldovan’s presentation will focus on our state, the issues and legislation on gun safety, and what we can do individually to address these issues. 

September 24: Guns at Home - Nancy Bustamante (Middle School Teacher and parishioner), D. Deming and Randee Rustin will facilitate a conversation for youth and adults.

October 1: Gun Plenary

Parishioners involved with St. Patrick’s Neighborhood Faith in Action will present information and resources from governmental databases and the Episcopal Church.

Forum - Those Episkopols!: October 8

Combined class with Caffeinated Conversations, in the Parlor. Come with your questions about the Episcopal Church, God, whatever!

Forum - Meditations for Racial Healing: October 15 - November 26

On October 15, Catherine Meeks will kick-off our 7-week study of her book, The Night Is Long, But Light Comes In The Morning: Meditations for Racial Healing. Each week we will explore Meek's meditations adding art to/with the discussion. 

Forum - Advent: December 3 - 24

For Advent, we will explore the classic text by Marcus Borg and Jonathan Crossan, The First Christmas: What The Gospels Really Teach About Jesus' Birth. Mo. Julia Rusling will return to St. Patrick's to preach and lead our class on December 3 and an Advent Retreat on Saturday, December 2!

Caffeinated Conversations

Drop by the Parlor on Sunday mornings between the services for coffee, fellowship, and lively conversations at the intersection of faith and life. Sometimes we meet with the Forum. We may shift to another space on those days. 

Caffeinated Conversations - Gun Awareness: September 10 - October 1

Combined class with the Forum in the Parish Hall. 

Caffeinated Conversations - Those Episkopols! : October 8

Combined class with the Forum. Come with your questions about the Episcopal Church, God, whatever!

Caffeinated Conversations - Episcopal 101: October 15 - November 12

This is for any adult who is interested in learning more about the Episcopal Church and serves as a preparation for Confirmation, Reception or Reaffirmation of Baptismal Covenants. 

Caffeinated Conversations - Self Organized: November 19 - December 17

Scripture Class

Sunday Afternoons at 3:00PM via Zoom

The Scripture class is devoted to close reading and discussion of the Bible. We explore various interpretations and links to our daily lives. Currently, we are immersed in John's gospel using Barclay's commentary as a guide. All are welcome and encouraged to join us.

Moving Mondays with EfM

EfM stands for Education for Ministry. Here “Ministry” means following Christ in all one does whether one is ordained or not. This four-year program is developed and supervised by the University of the South and is Episcopal in ethos.

The class is facilitated by Wayne Ware and meets on Monday evenings from 6:45-9:15PM via Zoom. Currently, the fall class is full. 

Terrific Tuesdays - First Tuesdays: God At The Movies 10/3, 11/7, 12/5

Come join us at the movies the first Tuesday of each month, starting on October 3, from 6:30PM - 8:30PM. We will provide a light meal of sandwiches and some movie snacks. We will have a conversation about the movie by replaying sections of the film. You don't need to watch the movie beforehand, but it will make the discussion more interesting if you are familiar with the movie being discussed. Our first movie is Blue Miracle which can be found on Netflix. 

Terrific Tuesdays - Second Tuesdays: Covered Dish Conversations 10/10, 11/14, 12/12

You provide the sides, Fr. Dick will prepare the protein. This is our time to gather for fun, fellowship, and conversation, with a short presentation around a topic of parish interest.

Terrific Tuesdays - Third Tuesdays: Innovations in Ministry 9/19, 10/17, 11/21, 12/19

Come join us via Zoom for a time of imagining ministry together. As action springs best from contemplation, we will spend a good bit of time together in contemplative listening. We will also spend time sharing and imagining what new ideas are emerging in us for lay ministry together, especially as it serves the needs of those around us in the community. Interested? Email Wayne Ware at wsquared1@gmail.com and request to be added to the email list for the Zoom meeting.

Terrific Tuesdays - Fourth Tuesdays: Creative Pray and Play 9/26, 10/24, 11/28

Come join us for Creative Pray and Play on the 4th Tuesday of each month, starting September 26, 2023 from 6:30-8:30PM for creative play - paint, mark-making, story-telling, meditating, and engaging your God-given creative juices. No experience necessary! For our first session, we will become present with God, using Zen doodles. This easy meditative art form is open to all. Light snacks and drinks will be provided. We will bring everything you need for Zen doodling, as well as simple instructions to get you going. RSVP to marthamyers@gmail.com so we will have plenty of art supplies and snacks.

Thoughtful Thursdays

Thoughtful Thursdays - Fourth Thursdays: NFA Book Club 10/26, November TBA, 12/28

Neighborhood Faith In Action (NFA) is hosting a social justice book club on the 4th Thursday of the month from 5:30-7:30. The first gathering will be Thursday, October 26, at the home of Sharon McWhorter. A dinner salad, bread, dessert, and coffee/tea/water will be provided. Feel free to bring an adult beverage, if desired. Contact Sharon at sharonkayemcwhorter@gmail.com for information and directions.
The purpose of the NFA Book Club is to provide space for thoughtful conversation of fiction and non-fiction books on issues of social justice. Themes will explore racial, environmental, gender, and economic justice as well as fairness in healthcare, housing, employment, and education. October's book selection is A Place for Us: A Memoir by Brandon J. Wolf. The NFA Book Club is open to anyone who wants to join the discussion.