Sunday morning faith formation classes enable churchgoers to ask the difficult questions and dig deeper into their faith. We take these opportunities to consider scripture from a variety of angles and discuss a range of topics relating to the church and God’s impact in our world.

Faith formation is held from 9:00 to 9:50 am each Sunday and is open to all. We invite you to come engage in these discussions as we grow in faith together.

General Timeline for Sunday morning Formation offerings:

9:00 a.m. Forum and Contemplative Prayer/Meditation both begin
9:45 a.m. Forum and Contemplative Prayer/Meditation both end

Contemplative Prayer/Meditation: 9 a.m. on Sundays (Palmore Room)

We offer contemplative prayer/meditation as a faith formation offering in the Palmore Room on the second floor. Meditation is an ancient spiritual practice where we let go—we quiet our minds to rest in God’s presence. Sunday morning meditation is open to everyone- regardless of one’s experience with this spiritual practice. Led by a facilitator and an assistant, each gathering includes a short reading, a guided chant, and silent group meditation. There is an optional opportunity to share your experience or thoughts. No meditating experience is required; feel free to join us whenever you’d like.

Faith Formation Forum: 9 a.m. on Sundays (Norwood Room)

Sustainability Forum Series: Sundays, January 5th, 12th, and 19th

This January, St. Paul’s is hosting a three-week forum series on sustainability. As a community, we are continuing to honor the importance of creation care by how we live our lives each day. Each week, we will have a new speaker or set of speakers share their unique perspective on what they think sustainability means as they also suggest practical ways that we can be more mindful as individuals and as the church.

JANUARY 5TH— SUSTAINABILITY AND THE UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND

Led by Jamie Lynn Haskins—Chaplain for Spiritual Life at the University of Richmond and Rob Andrejewski—Director of Sustainability at the University of Richmond

We will participate in an activity to co-create a meaningful understanding of what sustainability means to the members of St. Paul’s, discuss our role in stewarding creation and community, and come away with some practical ideas for applying what we discussed. They will cover what sustainability is, the urgency needed to address environmental and social challenges, and how small changes can make a big difference in our own lives and the lives of other people.

About the Facilitators
The Rev. Jamie Lynn Haskins joined the Chaplaincy staff at the University of Richmond in July of 2018. She is an ordained minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Prior to her arrival at the University of Richmond, Jamie Lynn served as the Chaplain at Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri and as the Minister of Faith Formation and Social Justice at University Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Seattle, WA. She is passionate about cultivating, promoting and sustaining an active life of faith that centers on social justice, prophetic witness, and radical hospitality. In addition to her campus and church ministries, she has also served as a community organizer and social activist, working with organizations such as Tennesseans Against the Death Penalty, Jobs with Justice, and Interfaith Worker Justice.

Rob Andrejewski is the Director of Sustainability at the University of Richmond, where he works to bring awareness to today’s biggest issues and connect individuals with their unique ability to respond in a meaningful way. He is a Senior Fellow in the Environmental Leadership Program and recently served as Board President of the International Society of Sustainability Professionals.

JANUARY 12TH—RVAGREEN 2050

Led by Brianne Mullen—Sustainability Coordinator for the City of Richmond, Virginia

Brianne will be continuing our discussion of sustainability, focusing on RVAgreen 2050. In April 2017, Mayor Stoney announced a commitment to reduce community and city government greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2050 while improving public health, equity, resilience and our natural environment. The Sustainability Office is championing RVAgreen 2050, the City’s equity-centered, integrated climate action planning initiative to develop the first five-year roadmap of actions toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions 80% by 2050 and prepare our community for the impacts of climate change. RVAgreen 2050 is equitable climate action for a healthy and resilient Richmond.

About the Facilitator

Brianne Mullen is the Sustainability Coordinator for the City of Richmond, Virginia. Brianne supports efforts related to RVAgreen 2050, the City’s integrated adaptation, mitigation, and equity-centered climate action planning initiative to reduce community greenhouse gas emissions 80% by 2050 and help the community adapt to the impacts of climate change. In previous roles, she has worked for Yale University, the Urban Sustainability Directors Network, and the Partnership for Smarter Growth. Brianne has a Juris Doctor from the University of Richmond School of Law and a Master of Urban and Regional Planning from Virginia Commonwealth University.

JANUARY 19TH—SUSTAINABILITY IN THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH AND AT ST. PAUL’S

Led by Sarah Nolan—Minister for Stewardship at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church

Sarah Nolan, Minister for Stewardship here at St. Paul’s, will provide an update on the work the national Episcopal Church is doing, as well as the Diocese of Virginia, regarding Creation Care and Environmental Sustainability. Following these updates, we will discuss ways St. Paul’s can continue to engage issues of sustainability, drawing from insights and opportunities gained in previous forums.

About the Facilitator
Prior to coming to St. Paul’s, Sarah was the co-founder of The Abundant Table, an Episcopal rooted nonprofit farm and worshiping community. She serves on the Episcopal General Convention’s Task Force on Creation Care and Environmental Racism. Sarah is an Episcopal Church Foundation Fellow (Class of 2013) and was one of two Environmental Stewardship Fellows for The Episcopal Church from 2015-2017. She serves on the board of Richmond’s Birdhouse Farmer’s Market and remains actively engaged in work and conversations around emergent ministries, organizational vitality and the intersection of food, faith and the environment. Sarah is the lead staff person regarding giving, newcomer welcoming and general stewardship.

Previous Advent Forum Series

“Arts and Advent: Meditations Through Scripture, Poetry, Music, and Art”

(December 8th, 15th, and 22nd @ 9:00 a.m. in the Norwood Room)

Advent 2 (December 8): The Peaceable Kingdom, led by Rainey Dankel and Keli Shipley Cooper
The prophet Isaiah describes the natural world at peace, and John the Baptist calls us to repent. How do these messages help us think about peace in our world and especially our role in environmental justice?
To download the presentation, click here.

Advent 3 (December 15): Healing and Renewal, led by Rainey Dankel
The prophet Isaiah predicts the healing ministries that Jesus undertakes. How does Advent help us find healing in our personal and communal relationships?
To download the presentation, click here.

Advent 4 (December 22): Miraculous Birth, led by Charlie Dupree
Angels tell both Mary and Joseph of the birth of a baby, news that is both joyous and upsetting. What do we learn from the experiences of the Holy Family that help us understand our obligations to all kinds of families?

Education for Ministry

The St. Paul’s Education for Ministry Group will be meeting on Tuesdays from 5:30-7:30 p.m. from September through June.

If you have questions or thoughts regarding faith formation, please reach out to Minister for Faith Formation Keli Cooper.