Adult Education

This page says "Education" at the top ... but that's just scratching the surface. Within the church, we talk about "Formation" -- the lifelong process by which we orient ourselves to God's dreams for us and the world we live in.

St. Thomas offers many ways for you to learn more about the Bible, church history, and theology, and to deepen your faith throughout the entire process. These formation opportunities include:

• Sunday Forums
• Welcome to St. Thomas
• Come to the Quiet
• Centering Prayer
• Baptismal Preparation
• Weekly Bible and Theological Book Studies
• Disciples of Christ in Community (DOCC)

And for the five Wednesday evenings in Lent we offer a simple supper and a clergy-led exploration of the Lord's Prayer. Click Upcoming Events for more information.

Find other formation resources on the Resources page.

Contact: Karen Haig, Priest Associate (karen@stthomasmedina.org or 425-454-9541)

Sunday Forums

At 9:15 each Sunday morning during the program year, St. Thomas staff members, parishioners, or special guests offer presentations related to faith, community, peace & justice, and more. Childcare is provided during this time. You can find recordings of our Forums on our blog.

February 19 through March 25. Reading Scripture in Community. Each Sunday we hear snippets of Scripture, but there is a real difference between listening to short passages from the Bible being read to us by others, and actually reading the Bible ourselves! Steeping ourselves in scripture transforms us as individuals, and it also transforms us as a worshipping community. Come to today’s introductory Forum to discover how we will read Scripture in community during our journey through Lent, starting at the beginning with Genesis. Bring your bible with you. If you would like to purchase a bible, we will have sign-up sheets available.

Welcome to St Thomas!

This general orientation to St. Thomas is a three-session series offered twice a year: once in the fall and once in the spring. The series introduces newcomers and inquirers to our parish and to the Episcopal Church. Staff members lead the discussions.
The next series is scheduled to begin after the 10:15 Eucharist on April 29, 2012 and conclude on May 13.

Topics include Anglican/Episcopal identity and spirituality, the history and mission of St. Thomas, a tour of the church, chapel, and grounds, and overviews of our many ministries. Childcare will be available. Contact: The Rev. Steve Best, Associate for Couples and Families (425-454-9541 or steveb@stthomasmedina.org)

Come to the Quiet

In this monthly spirituality and meditation group, we explore the time-honored pathways of prayer and ritual to deepen our relationship with God. We meet in the Chapel on the first Sunday of the month, immediately following the 10:15 am service. Contact: The Rev. Kathryn Ballinger

Centering Prayer

We gather on Monday mornings at 9:00 am, spend a few minutes reflecting on scripture or other spiritual writing, and then sit together in silence for 20 minutes as we empty our minds and open our hearts to the Divine Indwelling. Lasting no longer than 30-40 minutes, Centering Prayer is a wonderful way to begin your week and to deepen your prayer in community. Contact: zbreckinridge@gmail.com

Baptismal Preparation

Adults & Teens

Beginning on February 26 and continuing for five consecutive Sundays (March 4, 11, 18, 25) from 9:15 to 10:00 am in the Conference room, we will study and reflect upon the meaning of baptism, confirmation, and renewing one’s faith in the context of preparing for Easter. The class is open to all adults and teens (age 16 and older) and especially those who are interested in exploring the possibility of being baptized or confirmed at Easter 2012 or at a future date.

Infants and Young Children

This class prepares parents and godparents for their child’s baptism through engaging discussions about why we baptize, what it accomplishes, and what it means for a person’s life in the context of a community of faith.

Bible & Book Studies

Wednesday Morning Bible Study

This clergy-led group meets on Wednesdays at 11:00 am to study the Bible readings for the coming Sunday. Contact: The Rev. Lex Breckinridge, Rector (lex@stthomasmedina.org or 425-454-9541)

Women’s Book & Bible Study Group

During the program year, women from all ages and walks of life discuss the Bible and other spiritual books in light of our spiritual journey.

Men’s Theological Book Club

Men are invited to meet at 7:00 pm on the second Sunday of each month to discuss books on spiritual, theological, and religious topics.

Let's deepen our experience of Christian community.

Our next DOCC series begins in the Fall 2012. This DOCC course provides an opportunity to experience being the church in miniature, to discover the power of grace to transform our lives through scripture and fellowship within a small caring community and to take that experience of grace and learn how the Spirit is leading the church today.

If you want to become better known in the context of a caring community ...
If you want to put more content into your faith ...
If you want to move beyond “head knowledge” into “heart knowledge” ...
If you want to let God go to work in you ...

... DOCC is for you!

"Go for it! It has been a fantastic experience all around: connecting with people, building new relationships."

"It’s the most wonderful thing I’ve ever done, because I could be real. It’s like the Velveteen Rabbit, who learned you could be loved by being real."

"It’s the best way in the world to get to know people within the community."

"I now look at the group of people as all having their own stories and being very three-dimensional. We are all on that same journey together, all seeking that same truth … it’s a bond."

"It’s a way of being! I’ve learned a way of being."