Adults

Christian Formation for Adults

Adult Formation

Sundays from 9:15 am - 10:15 am in the Community Room

St. James' Adult Forum focuses on intentional transformation of the inner life and the shared experience of Christian faith as practiced and lived in the world. The community circles for an hour, in which the forum offers teaching and collective exploration of the breadth of the Christian tradition, inclusive of ancient and undervalued parts of the faith including mysticism and iconography, spiritual practices, and the writings of guides, teachers, and pilgrims of the sacred journey.

Current Book (June 16 - September 8)


Anam Cara by John O'Donohue


"The deepest things that you need are not elsewhere. They are here and now in that circle of your own soul."  - John O'Donohue

Adult Formation Spotify List


>>CLICK HERE

"For several years music has played a supporting role in our journey toward transformation. Songs have been curated to affirm or expand the messages we have received from the authors of the books we have studied. If you are new to the class, some of the songs may not make sense, but trust me, each was chosen to represent some aspect of our time together or world events.” Ron Rios

Past Adult Formation Reads

Bible+ Study

Tuesdays from 10:45 am - 12:00 pm in the Community Room

We know following the death of Jesus many forms of Christianity emerged. In those early decades, as now, there was not one church but many, not one understanding of the faith, but a multitude (not so different from today). As Presiding Bishop Curry names: we are the Episcopal branch of the Jesus Movement in the world. We practice one way of understanding the faith. Indeed, there has never been one Christianity, but Christianities.


Texts are printed for participants and no preparation is required. The texts stand alone, so participants can join at any time. The class begins with silence and the ancient listening practice of Lectio Divina, followed by conversation facilitated by Dr. Jane Harris and The Rev. Judith Whelchel.


Current Study

The Gospel of Thomas was an early text of Christian communities that is comprised of the wisdom teachings of Jesus. The Gospel of Thomas has many parallels with the Gospels included in the New Testament. A study of the Gospel of Thomas enlivens and deepens our understanding of Christian tradition and the New Testament.

Sacred Ground

Sacred Ground is a film- and readings-based dialogue series on race, grounded in faith. Small groups are invited to walk through chapters of America’s history of race and racism, while weaving in threads of family story, economic class, and political and regional identity.


The 11-part series is built around a powerful online curriculum of documentary films and readings that focus on Indigenous, Black, Latino, and Asian/Pacific American histories as they intersect with European American histories.

Sacred Ground is part of BecomingCLI Beloved Community, The Episcopal Church’s long-term commitment to racial healing, reconciliation, and justice in our personal lives, our ministries, and our society. This series is open to all, and especially designed to help white people talk with other white people. Participants are invited to peel away the layers that have contributed to the challenges and divides of the present day – all while grounded in our call to faith, hope and love.


More than 50 members of St. James have completed this powerful series. 90% of survey participants have given the course a 5 out of 5 rating. Consider if YOU want to take part in this life-changing experience!


>>CLICK HERE to learn more about Sacred Ground

>>CLICK HERE for Sacred Ground FAQ


The Collective

Thursdays at 5:00 pm


Join the St. James Collective Souls group for social time at The Station in Black Mountain. To sign up and/or join the mailing list for this group, contact Bill Hasskamp at whasskamp@gmail.com.  
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