Adult Education
Bible studies, contemplative prayer, faith formation classes, book discussions, and group conversations around challenging issues offer opportunities to broaden and deepen Christian faith. These gatherings help us to explore and enhance our understanding of Jesus’ message and our relationship with God. Participation draws the community together and enriches our parish life. Everyone is invited to take part.
Wednesday Online Bible Study, 12:15 pm
Weekly Bible Studies via Zoom bring a welcome midday break at 12:15 pm, as we explore a passage of scripture that is an appointed reading for the following Sunday. Join us for this informal 45-minute discussion. All are welcome.
Faith Formation
The Mystical Tradition
The Rev. Dr. Craig Townsend, Associate for Faith Formation, invites members and friends of St. Ann & the Holy Trinity to join him for an exploration of some classical and modern expressions of mysticism. We will compare the works of a Christian writer to those of a writer(s) from another faith tradition each month. Join Fr. Craig on the second Wednesday of the month during the 2022-2023 program year, starting on September 14, from 7:00 to 8:00 pm, on Zoom.
The common usage of “mysticism” generally points to experiences, and expressions of those experiences, of human-divine connection or even union. There is a rich tradition of writings (and other portrayals) of mystical encounters between believers and God in the history of Christianity – from Teresa of Avila to Mary Oliver, and Augustine of Hippo to Howard Thurman, for example. And there are rich analogous traditions in other religions of the world as well, including the Sufi poet Rumi, the Jewish cabbalistic writings of the Zohar, and the Hindu poems of Mirabai.
Approximately 20-25 pages of reading will be assigned for each session. A full schedule and readings is posted on the series website. Please contact Fr. Craig if you wish to participate at 
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Image: Nave looking west, Noirlac, 1990, by David Heald, in Kinder and Heald, Architecture of Slience: Cistercian Abbeys of France (New York: Harry N. Abrams, 2000)
