LEARN
This new learning experience meets many Wednesdays at the church, from 7 - 8 p.m. A course geared toward those who are new to the Christian life and/or the Episcopal Church, our sessions include presentation on the Anglican tradition and the Episcopal Church, and lots of time for group discussion and questions. We conclude each session with prayer from The Book of Common Prayer, helping us to pray in the Anglican tradition.
Father Peter Siwek will be facilitating the group's learning. He will share various aspects of the Anglican tradition throughout the sessions: history, theology, poetry, liturgy, art, music and hymnody. If you miss one session or another, it's not the end of the world at all. We hope to build and develop an on-going learning process. If you have questions about "The Anglican Way" you can reach Peter at adventpriest@gmail.com.
From February 1 to April 11, we will be reading James P. Carse's book, "The Religious Case Against Belief". A timely text, published in 2008, it offers a creative way of perception in the midst of global religious tensions, which are really belief system tensions. Amazingly, the Anglican tradition has addressed such concerns (albeit not so self-consciously) in its worship and theology for centuries and if anyone can appreciate such a book, it's us.
Copies can be purchased in class for $13.
A syllabus and reading assignment list is available here
Bible Study is offered on Tuesday evenings from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m., meeting at the Church of the Advent. Please use the Francisco Street entrance of the church building.
This lay-led group has two focus-points: we study the Scripture readings we heard in church the previous Sunday; we explore the impact it has had on our lives and our faith; and we do a long-term study of a specific book in the Bible.
The Episcopal Church typically uses the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible; however, feel free to bring whatever version of the Bible you like to use. If you have questions about Bible Study, please contact Dianna Polzak at dianna.polzak@gmail.com.
The Diocese of Chicago's website includes diocesan news, events, and learning opportunities, as well as communications from our Bishop, Jeffrey Lee.
Perhaps the best "unofficial" websource about current Anglican news, events and information from every province and diocese in the Anglican Communion. A new edition comes out every Monday.
Saint James Cathedral is the Mother Church of the Diocese of Chicago, the official church of the Bishop of Chicago, and a dynamic sacred gathering place.
This is the official page of the Episcopal Church, whose actual title is "The Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society" (hence, "D.F.M.S."). News pertinent to the national Church is treated in depth here. You will also find links to interfaith religious news associations.
This is the Book of Common Prayer, online. It is very easy to use as an online reference. The New Revised Standard Version of the Bible is also available.
This is the "official web portal of the Anglican Communion." Good worldwide Anglican news coverage. You will also find the online magazine edition of "Anglican Episcopal World" here.
www.archbishopofcanterbury.org
In the Anglican Communion, the Archbishop of Canterbury is seen as a guiding leader and "first among equals." The focus of this website is on Archbishop Rowan William's pastoral messages, sermons, writings, and news related items.
Okay, we couldn't resist this bit of Anglican-flavored satire.. Mostly thoughtful (if irreverent) editorials and articles. Of particular amusement is the "Mystery Worshipper" and "Gadgets for God" sections.
The Parables Project (July 10, 17, and 24, 2011)
The Advent Community explored the parables of Jesus found in Matthew's Gospel, and created parables to proclaim God's Kingdom today. This series was offered by Father Peter Siwek.
The Parables of Matthew's Gospel in Matthew's Gospel
Parables Project Discipleship Roadmap
Session 1
Session 2
Session 3