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 Lisa Ozaeta at lisa@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 Teachings at 10:00 am

Every Sunday at 10:00 a.m., 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.

Bible Study with the Rector

The Rector’s Bible Study focuses on discussing the readings from the Read the Bible in a Year program. Each Friday at 9.30 from September through the Feast of Pentecost, we will explore the readings deeper and discuss what the readings mean for our life. This is an opportunity to learn what is actually in the Bible and how to read it for best effect. We look at context, examine theology over time, wrestle with tough questions, and enjoy the fresh perspective, energy, and enthusiasm for seeing the world we live in through the lens of the Bible. To find out more and join the minyan, contact Diane Carlisle at verger@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. Recently, WRG developed additional programming throughout the year, bringing friends and community-building opportunities to our constituencies based on our 2022-23 season feedback. To find out more, contact Elizabeth Roberts at e@EandJRoberts.com>.

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.

Advent Study – Dark Night of the Soul (EFM)

Dark Night of The Soul is the title of the classic spiritual treatise penned by St. John of the Cross 500 years ago. Most of us have heard about it because the title is so compelling. We all know something of what we think to be a dark night of the soul.This Advent our Rector, Doyt, will lead us as we are going to read this book together, thinking deeply about the soul, and John’s representation of it in this book. It is a short book, and it is a dense book which we will tackle over four consecutive Thursdays.

Lent Study – Franciscan Spirituality (EFM)

During the weeks of lent, Susan Pitchford will lead us through an in-depth look at the Franciscan way of life. Using her book, Following Francis: The Franciscan Way for Everyone, Susan Pitchford will lead us through the charism of the Franciscan. Whether you are a long-time believer or new to the faith, this lenten study will provide an opportunity for reflection and growth.