CONTOURS OF THE CHRISTIAN LIFE ARCHIVE

Contours of the Christian Life explores what it means to deepen our faith, our practices, and our relationships as Episcopalians and provides further preparation for baptism, confirmation and reception into The Episcopal Church. Below you will find information, video, links, and materials from past iterations of Contours of the Christian Life.

F.A.Q.

How is this class different from the Inquirers’ Class series?

The Inquirers’ Class series is a first step for those who are curious to learn more about Saint Mark’s and The Episcopal Church. Contours of the Christian Life builds on that foundation and provides an opportunity to continue the journey by going deeper into questions of faith. The approach of Contours of the Christian Life is inspired by ancient patterns of Christian formation going back to the early church. We encourage participation in both series if you are interested in further preparation for baptism, confirmation and reception.

How do I learn more?

Email Canon Wendy Barrie (wbarrie@saintmarks.org) if you have any questions.

If you haven’t already, consider participating in the Inquirers’ Class series prior to the series, offered each fall and winter.

Watch the video invitation from Dean Steve Thomason on this page.

Can I participate virtually?

We encourage in-person participation as possible to experience the fullness of the series in opportunities to share in a meal together. However, attending virtually is an option as needed.

What does it mean to be sponsored?

Sponsors accompany someone on their journey and in congregational life as they move toward baptism, confirmation or reception. Learn about others’ experiences in this handout, or watch the video below:

In this video, Dean Thomason introduce Contours of the Christian Life: 

2024 SESSION TOPICS

 

I. Listening for God’s Call in Scripture

A look at how we can read and interpret God’s word. 

Reading, exploring and interpreting stories in scripture can help us listen for how God may be speaking through these human authors even today. Participants will engage in an upcoming lectionary reading for discussion using different interpretations and lenses for reading scripture. Facilitated by Canon Wendy Claire Barrie. Welcome and Introduction by Dean Thomason.

Slides and resources from Canon Barrie

A complete video is now available below: 

III. Celebrate with Reverence 

In corporate worship we unite ourselves with others to acknowledge the holiness of God, to hear God’s Word, to offer prayer, and to celebrate the sacraments.

Dean Steve Thomason will lead an Instructed Eucharist in Bloedel Hall as we consider the meaning and purpose of different parts of the liturgy and its flow that invites sacred engagement and spiritual renewal.

Slides and Instructed Eucharist booklet shared by Dean Thomason.

A video is now available:

V. Saint Mark’s Identity 

What does it mean to be a Cathedral and a Parish?

Saint Mark’s is part of the Episcopal Church, and as a cathedral, serves as the seat of the Bishop of the Diocese of Olympia. What are the unique ways we are called to carry out our mission? Since Saint Mark’s founding in 1889, Saint Mark’s has been a gathering place for the Seattle community. Join Dean Steve Thomason to explore some of the key influences on the building and community, including discussion on Saint Mark’s history, Statement of Lament, and its Mission and Vision.

A complete video is available now available below:

VII. Doing Justice, Loving Mercy 

How can we be truth-tellers and peace-makers in community and the world

As we live with the confidence in newness and fullness of life, how can we participate in the realizing God’s purpose for the world? We’ll explore themes of truth-telling, peacemaking, reconciliation and restoration in the church and in the community. Facilitated by Canon Wendy Claire Barrie and Emily Meeks.

Resources:

II. Made in God’s Image

A look at how we each see God and how that shapes our beliefs and values.

What does it mean to be made in God’s image? Our faith affirms that we are indeed an “imago dei” and that we are made in original blessing (not sin). Where do these ideas come from and what do they say about our true selves and our relationship to God?  Canon Wendy Barrie, The Rev. Canon Linzi Stahlecker and Emily Meeks will guide this discussion as we also consider how the Episcopal tradition nurtures the faith and values of those on the spiritual journey.

Download slides and additional resources from this session:

A complete video is now available below: 

IV. Episcopal Identity 

What does it mean to be Episcopalian? 

Dean Steve Thomason will teach on aspects of Anglican worship, history, theology, church structure and sacraments with an opportunity to ask questions about beliefs and practices.

Download the handout from this session here.

Download a Glossary of Episcopal Terms here.

A complete video is now available below: 

VI. Body, Mind, and Spirit 

Exploring different expressions of prayer. 

Consider how prayer encompasses our personal and communal response to God, by thought and by deeds, with or without words. The Rev. Canon Linzi Stahlecker will facilitate a discussion on the expansive reality of prayer, and will  explore different prayer forms and ways to pray. Participants will have an opportunity to write and share a collect. We’ll end the evening with Compline.

UPDATE: The slides for this presentation can be downloaded here

A complete video is now available below: