Small Groups

At St. James’s small groups offer a place to connect with other believers in fellowship; to grow in our understanding of the Bible, as Jesus’ own small group of disciples did; to meet the needs of others in your group in ministry; and to worship God through practicing godly behavior.

Small groups are the church in one of its many expressions. From the beginning Christ followers have been meeting in relational community in small groups.

Yoga, Meditation, Life Plans

• Wednesdays, May 2-June 20, Michaux House Basement 

The Rev. Dr. Mark Cooper will offer an eight-week course that will include reflections on creativity, journaling, physical activity, and religious reflection. The format will include brief conversation (30 minutes), and introduction to yoga and to meditation (45 minutes). Recent developments in research and practice have determined that yoga and meditation can reduce stress and improve life satisfaction.  There will be eight sessions ending on June 20.  Limited to 20 participants, please register with Mark Cooper by April 29.  Class will be held in the Michaux House Basement, use the door from Birch Street to enter.  Bring a yoga mat.

Home Retreat

• Date, Time and Place TBD 

A series of small groups called “Home Retreat” are being developed for 2012 that will offer weekly opportunities for discussion, fellowship, support and accountability. These will be held in parishioners’ homes and will be scheduled at a variety of times throughout the day and week so that all who wish to should be able to find a time that meets their scheduling needs.  If you are interested in providing this gift of hospitality, contact the Rev. Ann Dieterle, 355-1779, ext. 317.

Contact for more information: The Rev. Ann Dieterle

Parenting Book Study

• Wednesdays, February 29 – March 28, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. in the Michaux House, Room 205 (Nursery provided)

The Blessing of the Skinned Knee by Wendy Mogel.  Parents are invited to examine this book that points the way to raising self-reliant, grateful and optimistic children in a culture whose values are often at odds with the ones parents wish to uphold.

Contact: Kent Duffey, 355-1779, ext. 314   

Spiritual Book Club

• Mondays from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.

Led by the Rector, this book club meets in Valentine Hall about every six weeks. The group reads a variety of novels, theological and spiritual books, including classics and newly published works. The goal is to deepen our faith through a shared experience of good literature – all are welcome. See the Spiritual Book Club schedule for 2011-2012.

Contact: Randy Hollerith, 355-1779, ext. 318

Book Discussion Group: God’s Presence in the Everyday

• Second  Tuesdays of every month at 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. in the Michaux House*

In the late winter/spring 2012, this book group will focus on Jane Sigloh’s book,   Like Trees Walking: In the Second Half of Life. A retired Episcopal priest, Sigloh uses both reverent awe and irreverent honesty about the facts and fantasies of growing old in this book. She interweaves the insights of scripture, poetry, fiction, and philosophy into her memories and reflections on the challenges and opportunities that maturity brings. This group will take a look at this book that promises to bring a refreshing perspective, a humorous anecdote, or an intimate confession that will ring true to your own experience. For more information contact program coordinators Mary-Lou Trache  at 874-6374 or Diane Dodd-McCue .

Movie Theology

• Select Fridays, 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. in the Youth Room of Michaux House

Participants watch movies which are selected each year to provoke interesting, entertaining, and meaningful discussions regarding issues that are important to us as a community of faithful people. Each movie is worth seeing and discussing, regardless of whether you react to it spiritually or artistically.

Contact: Anita Lisk, 355-1779, ext. 313

Chapters 1 and 10

• Chapter 1 meets at Westminister Canterbury with Chapter 10 in December and May

Contact: Bobbie Smith, 353-4224

• Chapter 10 meets at 10:00 a.m. on the second Tuesday in the month in members’ homes

Contact: Mary Frances Garr, 353-9649

St. James’s also offers a variety of small bible study groups. For a full listing with descriptions of these groups, please visit our Bible Studies page.