Wherever you are on your spiritual journey, consider attending this four-class series, facilitated by clergy and staff, where we explore the basics of the Christian faith through an Episcopal lens. Whether you are new to Saint Mark’s, or simply interested in sharing and learning more, you are welcome.
NEXT SERIES: FOUR SUNDAYS, SEPTEMBER 22–OCTOBER 13, 2024, 12:30–2 P.M., Leffler Living Room.
In person only. A hybrid option will be offered in Winter 2025. Registration required.
- WEEK 1: How We Read Scripture | September 22, 2024
- WEEK 2: Images of God | September 29, 2024
- WEEK 3: The Way We Worship | October 6, 2024
- WEEK 4: Prayer & Spiritual Practices | October 13, 2024
Register to participate by submitting this form. Please contact Canon Wendy Claire Barrie with questions: wbarrie@saintmarks.org
2024/25 Dates for Baptism, Confirmation, Reception and Reaffirmation
2024/25 Baptism Dates
- Sunday, November 3, 2024 - All Saints' Sunday
- Sunday, January 12, 2025 - The Feast of the Baptism of Our Lord (also confirmations etc. with Bp. LaBelle)
- Saturday, April 19, 2025 - The Great Vigil of Easter
- Sunday, June 8, 2025 - The Feast of Pentecost
Confirmation, Reception, Reaffirmation 2025
- Sunday, January 12, 2025 - The Feast of the Baptism of Our Lord
- Cathedral Day: Saturday, May 3, 2025
Forms
- Baptism Form (online version)
- Confirmation/Reception/Reaffirmation Form (online version)
Questions about these forms may be directed to Canon Wendy Claire Barrie: wbarrie@saintmarks.org.
Class Resources
Notes, links, and other resources will be posted here as they become available.
WEEK 1: How We Read Scripture | September 22, 2024
- Download Dean Thomason's notes for Week 1 here.
- This helpful article tells how to choose a study bible and provides insights on translations.
- The second-ever episode of the excellent podcast The Bible for Normal People is an interview with Richard Rohr and offers a contemplative view of the Bible.
- Biblical scholar Jennifer Bird has a “litmus test” that she uses whenever she engages scripture: “If a biblical passage or theological doctrine endorses freedom, liberation, love, the fullness of life for all people, or a mature and responsible faith, then it is ‘of God.’” That’s the lens she reads through, she’s careful to point out. Each of us has our own. Her book, Permission Granted: Take the Bible into Your Own Hands and her videos are terrific, especially if you grew up with an authoritarian or literal view of scripture
WEEK 2: Images of God | September 29, 2024
- Biblical Language for a God Who Transcends Gender by Dr. Wil Gafney
- Searching for a Jesus Who Looks More Like Me by Eric V. Copage
- God in Feminine Form by Daneen Akers
- Canon Barrie's blog post on talking about God.
WEEK 3: The Way We Worship | October 6, 2024
- How2charist an "instructed Eucharist" in video form, produced by The Episcopal Church. Watching the videos is free, although you are required to submit your email address to access them.
WEEK 4: Prayer & Spiritual Practices | October 13, 2024
- The Prayer page of the Saint Mark's website.
- These resources from contemplative prayer teacher and Episcopalian Lindsay Boyer come from the Ignatian tradition:
- Canon Barrie's essay about her understanding of prayer on SaltProject.org.
Definitions:
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Baptism: This sacramental rite is full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into Christ’s Body, the church. God establishes an indissoluble bond with each person in Baptism, adopting us and making us members of the church and inheritors of the Kingdom of God [BCP, p. 298, 858].
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Confirmation: The sacramental rite by which candidates confirm their baptismal promises by expressing “a mature commitment to Christ and receive strength from the Holy Spirit through prayer and the laying on of hands by a bishop” [BCP, p. 860].
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Reception into the Episcopal Church: Baptized persons who have been members of another Christian denomination and wish to become affiliated with the Episcopal Church may make a public affirmation of their faith and commitment to the responsibilities of their baptism in the presence of a bishop.
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Reaffirmation: Those who have entered a new level of spiritual life or who are returning to church after a period of absence may reaffirm their baptismal vows in the presence of a bishop.
Useful Links
- The Episcopal Church's Glossary of Terms
- Your Faith, Your Life by Jennifer Gamber
- Walk in Love: Episcopal Beliefs and Practices by Scott Gunn & Melody Shobe
- The Book of Common Prayer online
- Another online version of the BCP
- Baptism & Confirmation at Saint Mark’s
About Sponsors
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:
The Episcopal Church can use particular words that connect to how we worship, engage in spiritual practices, and express what we believe. These may seem intimidating at first glance. Below are some resources to help (asking clergy and staff is always welcome too or signing up for the next Inquirers' Class.
Welcome to a Life of Faith in the Episcopal Church by Megan Castellan
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Provides frequently encountered vocabulary and overviews of worship, history and The Book of Common Prayer. Available here for loan from the Diocesan Resource Center.
Walk in Love Episcopal Beliefs and Practices by Scott Gunn and Melody Wilson Shobe
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Walks through the liturgical year and provides insights about the sacraments, daily prayer and Anglican teachings. Available here for loan from the Diocesan Resource Center.
The Ultimate Quest A Geek's Guide to The Episcopal Church by Jordan Haynie Ware
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Engages youth, young adults, seekers and proclaimed "geeks" with a humorous translation of Episcopal practices. Available here for loan from the Diocesan Resource Center.
The Episcopal Church Glossary of Terms
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This online glossary contains a definition for many words that you may encounter in participating in the life of our Saint Mark's community.