Adult Happenings

Stories That Matter

I have a regret from my growing-up years: That I did not ask my parents to tell me lots of stories from their growing-up years. Even as a young adult I could have asked more questions and more diligently listened. But by the time I realized how important such stories were, my dad had passed away, and strokes had robbed my mother of much of her ability to remember.

Last year when a favorite aunt of mine passed away–the last of my mom’s generation of siblings–I realized I had an opportunity to fill in some of the blanks in my memory banks. After her funeral in Memphis, we friends and family gathered in Aunt Dorothy’s son’s house for a pot-luck lunch. We had wonderful conversations, and I got to know cousins I hadn’t met or hadn’t seen for years and years. Not surprisingly, I loved the stories told around the living room.

I learned more, for example, about my great grandfather, Elihu Christopher Blakely, who fought in the Civil War and whose grave in Camden I had visited but didn’t have much context for. I learned more about my grandparents—especially my railroad engineer grandpa—as well as quirks and their great capacity to love and make friends. And I learned details about a mysterious uncle who lived upstairs in seclusion in my grandparents’ house, not able to function well most of his adult life because of electroshock treatments gone awry decades before.

After those conversations I felt so much more connected, like I belonged to something larger and longer and more expansive than my own little life. Stories can do that. All kinds of stories do that. Including stories from the Bible, because they form our spiritual family–our ancestors in the family of God.

Companions in Christ, a six-week series which will launch April 30, provides great opportunities to soak in stories—the stories of seekers and heroes in Scripture or church history, the stories you will hear people tell around the circle, perhaps even a story or two you might tell about yourself. You are invited to join us!

We hope, by the way, to include more stories of every sort from parishioners in the Shield—stories of discoveries, friendships, even healing. Telling stories can make our lives—and the lives of those around us—so much richer.

Fr. Timothy Jones

Summer Rerun: Read the Bible in 90 Days!

You’ve heard about it, this summer you will have a chance to do it! The Bible in 90 Days is a unique program that minimizes the hurdles most people stumble over when trying to read the entire Bible. The goal is to read the bible quickly but attentively in order to get a sense of the broad sweep of salvation history: the Garden of Eden to the new heaven and new earth, prophesy and fulfillment in Jesus Christ. It’s intense but it’s worth it. Just ask the folks who did it from Christmas to Easter!

A fascinating video series and Participant’s Guide as well as a book called The Essential Bible Companion will help you stay engaged in your reading. Classes begin on June 1st at 9:00am in Dandridge B.

Copies of all three books will be available in St. George’s Bookstore soon. The Bible is divided into 12 page increments to facilitate reading it within 90 days. A schedule for reading will also be provided. Begin reading on June 1st and you will be finished by August 31st (It’s also perfectly all right to begin reading as soon as you get the book!)

Any questions, please contact The Rev. Marcia King at 385-2150 x 214 or marcia.king@stgeorgesnashville.org

New Companions in Christ Group

The Rev. Tim Jones to Co-Lead
New Companions in Christ Group

A six-week Companions in Christ group will begin meeting Wednesday, May 7th, from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. The theme will be “Embracing the Journey,” and will lead first-time Companions participants in simple but powerful explorations of spiritual disciplines, with an opportunity to discuss and reflect together. Helen Schley will co-lead.

For more information, call the church office at 385-2150.

What's So Amazing About Grace?

What’s so Amazing about Grace?
Facilitated by The Rev. Marcia King
June 1st-August 3rd

Mention the word “grace” and often a bagpipe wailing the solemn notes of “Amazing Grace” comes to mind. The whole concept of “grace” is sometimes difficult to understand.

Most faiths have virtues and creeds but Jesus speaks merely of receiving the love that God has for us. Accepting it, not earning it or making ourselves worthy of it. Accepting something we have not earned or are not worthy of is not an easy thing for most of us.

In his book, What’s So Amazing about Grace?, Philip Yancey writes about the freely given and unmerited favor and love of God: grace. Come join us June 1st as we explore the true meaning of the grace of God this summer! The book What’s So Amazing about Grace? will be available soon in St. George’s Bookstore or may be obtained from Amazon.com.

Gifts and Talents Workshop

The Gifts & Talents Workshop is designed to help you discover and affirm your God-given gifts and talents.

6 Sessions:
Sundays, 4:00-6:00pm
May 18, May 25, June 1

Wednesdays, 6:00-8:00pm
May 21, May 28, June 4

Registration is $5.00 to cover materials.

For more information, please read this brochure and return the attached form to register for the workshop.