Life Of Paul

Adult Spiritual Formation

Learning to Live from a Kingdom Perspective

The practice of Christianity transforms our world view, and that can change a life. Education is part of that practice. At Epiphany, it provides another venue for us to consider God and our relationship with God, together. We nurture life in God’s Kingdom in a way that is accessible to everyone, wherever they are on their spiritual journey.

You may just want a more clear understanding of Jesus and his teachings about how to live in the Kingdom of Heaven. Questions and concerns are welcome. You may be looking to deepen your understanding of the Bible or the spiritual exercises, a particular theologian, artist, composer, or saint. You may want practical, immediate tools for navigating family challenges, life transitions, social upheaval, grief. You may want to know how to forgive. You may want to embrace a more joyful way of living.

Adult classes and forums at Epiphany are personal, led by clergy, parishioners, and invited guests who share elements of their own journeys through their passion for a particular topic, discipline, or person, historic and contemporary.

Questions about our adult education programs? Contact the Rev. Doyt Conn at dconn@epiphanyseattle.org.

Classes, Forums & Study Groups

Primary teaching and learning opportunities

These classes are designed to provide consistent and continuous learning opportunities for participants, allowing them to delve deeper into various topics and build a strong sense of community over an extended period of time.

Sunday Forums at 10:00 am

Every Sunday at 10:00 am, adults gather in the Great Hall and on Zoom for teaching and discussion. This program year, we have five series focused on exploring our theology in greater detail. The five series are: Reading the Bible as Anglicans, Exploring our Heart and Soul, Theology Nuts and Bolts, Jesus Paul and the Prophetic Tradition, and Theology and Science. Everyone is welcome.

Lazarus Minyan

If you are interested in becoming more academically attuned with the theory of Lazarus being not only the Beloved Disciple, but also the author of the Gospel of John, join the Reverend Doyt Conn to wonder together: What questions do we have on the topic of Lazarus? What areas of academic exploration can we pursue to further test and support the theory that Lazarus was uniquely positioned to understand, firsthand that “in the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God…”? For more information, click here.

Bible Study with the Rector and Parochial Vicar

Bible study is a key spiritual exercise for Christians, and at Epiphany we feel it is an important part of our ongoing formation. Every Friday during the academic season, Bible Study meets at 10:30 am. The teaching responsibilities are shared by the Rector and the Parochial Vicar, taking turns teaching as we alternate starting with The Book of Acts and moving to the Book of Romans. Everyone is welcome; and know that just dropping in is an option. You will never feel left behind or out of place. You may also join by Zoom if you cannot make it in person. If you would like to participate in that way, please contact Diane Carlisle at dcarlisle@epiphanyseattle.org.

 

Small Groups

We have several different kinds of small groups. Some of the groups are more relational, while others are working through a curriculum to get to know each other’s stories, grow in the spiritual disciplines, and become more rooted in their faith. There is something for everyone. The purpose of forming small groups is to help our church grow smaller as the church gets bigger, to help newcomers (and old timers) feel like they belong to the church, to explore and discover the many ways the Holy Spirit moves within us, and within the collective of our groups big and small.

C.S. Lewis

C.S. Lewis is one of the most loved 20th Century Christian apologists. Over the years, we’ve read dozens of works by Lewis. We continue to explore his novels (The Chronicles of Narnia, The Screwtape Letters), his theology (Mere Christianity), and his autobiography (Surprised by Joy). We also look at his influencers (CK Chesterton, George MacDonald), and dig into history for context. To find out more and get a Zoom link, contact Jonathan Roberts at jonro@ignitionpartners.com.

Women’s Retreat Group

The Women’s Retreat Group (WRG) is an energetic group of women at Epiphany Parish engaged in spiritual formation and community building across our parish and community. They gather monthly, from September through June, with the program based on Forward Day by Day. Additionally, WRG offers two in-depth retreat cycles, one half-day in November and one multi day in April. To find out more, contact Amanda Eap at amanda@epiphanyseattle.org.

 

Other Curricula on Offer

Epiphany offers educational opportunities using curricula developed by the Episcopal church and other theological institutions.

Bearing Witness

Bearing Witness is an opportunity to learn about the realities of life in the Holy Land today and the impact and influence of the small, dwindling Christian community who live, worship, and minister in the place where Jesus taught and healed. This is a great program for those who have gone or are planning on going on pilgrimage to the Holy Land.

Education for Ministry (EFM)

Education for Ministry (EfM) is a unique four-year distance learning certificate program in theological education based upon small-group study and practice to help people discover and nurture their call to Christian service. Developed by Sewanee: University of the South and lay-led, this is a demanding curriculum that also fosters long-lasting relationships.
If you have questions or would like to enroll, contact Diane Carlisle at verger@epiphanyseattle.org.