Adult Study Groups
We are connecting in online Zoom meetings with our phones and computers, in a hybrid format (on-site and online),
and in a limited in-person format during our current reopening phase.
Staying Connected during COVID
Our online, hybrid, and limited on-site groups are listed below. For current re-opening and worship information, see our Stay Connected page.
Grab-and-Go Book Pickup: Study books are on the shelves in the church entrance (Door #2), Monday to Friday, 9:00am-4:00pm, and Sunday mornings. Leave money in the box, in the office if it’s open, or pay online.
Special Themed Groups
Weeknight PM Study Interest
Parents Lenten Study
What Makes a HERO? by Matt Rawle
Parents, join this 6-week study to connect with your kids in a new way! Your Club56 kids and Cornerstone Youth will be doing activities from What Makes a HERO? for Lent. Looking at pop culture heroes and others through the lens of faith, What Makes a HERO? shows how Jesus turned the concept of hero on its head. Heroes help us discern the good, fight for what’s right, define identity, execute justice, spark revolution, and save lives. In the Gospel story Jesus redefines being a hero and tells quite a different victory story—one obtained through humility, obedience to the cross, and an empty tomb.
Sunday PM Study
Materiality as Resistance: Five Elements for Moral Action in the Real World by Walter Brueggemann
Sundays, February 21-March 21 | 6:00 – 7:15 PM
Led by Pastor Brian White | online | Books $12
In Materiality as Resistance, Walter Brueggemann defines materiality as using the material aspects of the Christian faith—as opposed to materialism, which places physical comfort and possessions over spiritual values. Jesus practiced materiality, not materialism, when he healed the bodies of the sick, proclaimed Jubilee to the poor, and fed the five thousand. Brueggemann calls us as individuals and as a church to action: to reengage our materiality—food, money, body, time, and place—for the common good. This study will include a weekly video presentation by Walter Brueggemann.
Weekday Study Groups
Men’s Early Morning Bible Study: Paul: A Biography by N.T. Wright
Wednesdays, January 13-May 12 | 6:30-7:15am
Led by Pastor Brian White | Hybrid online + Room B/C | Books $15
For centuries Paul—the apostle who “saw the light on the Road to Damascus” and made a miraculous conversion from zealous Pharisee persecutor to devoted Christ follower—has been one of the church’s most widely cited saints. In this modern biography, N.T. Wright looks beyond Paul’s influence on forming Christian theology to instead focus on the essence of Paul’s humanity, specifically illuminating the unlikelihood of Paul’s accomplishments and the human and intellectual drama that shaped him. With this context from Paul’s life, readers will understand Paul’s theology, thoughts, and writings in a fresh new light.
Pastor’s Bible Study: Paul: A Biography by N.T. Wright
Wednesdays, January 13-May 12 | 9:00-10:00am
Led by Pastor Brian White | Hybrid online + Room B/C | Books $15
For centuries Paul—the apostle who “saw the light on the Road to Damascus” and made a miraculous conversion from zealous Pharisee persecutor to devoted Christ follower—has been one of the church’s most widely cited saints. In this modern biography, N.T. Wright looks beyond Paul’s influence on forming Christian theology to instead focus on the essence of Paul’s humanity, specifically illuminating the unlikelihood of Paul’s accomplishments and the human and intellectual drama that shaped him. With this context from Paul’s life, readers will understand Paul’s theology, thoughts, and writings in a fresh new light.
Wednesday AM Study
James: An N.T. Wright for Everyone Bible Study Guide by N.T. Wright
Led by Lydia Fourman | Hybrid online + Room B/C | Books $8
In the early church, James faced the problem of people who seemed to have faith without making a difference. The heart of his message is translating belief into action–into faith that matters, justifies, and saves. This study on James’s passionate letter will help you live out a faith that makes a difference. Offered on Zoom and in Room B/C. Limit 10 attendees on-site, so indicate your preference in your registration. Books are $8 inside Door #2, the church’s main entrance, 9:00am-4:00pm Monday-Friday.
Thursday AM Study
Survival Guide for the Soul by Ken Shigematsu
Thursdays, March 18-May 27, no meeting April 8 | 9:30-11:00 AM
This book explores a fresh perspective on how certain spiritual practices orient our lives for our souls to flourish in demanding times. Anyone wanting to transcend the human tendency to define ourselves by what we do, what we own, and what others think of us will benefit from this study. Offered on Zoom and in Room B/C. Limit 10 attendees on-site, so indicate your preference in your registration. Books are $12 inside Door #2, the church’s main entrance, 9:00am-4:00pm Monday-Friday.
Friday AM Lenten Study
Why Easter Matters by Andy Stanley
Led by Stephanie Cohen | Online| Books $8
As we prepare for Easter, pastor and author Andy Stanley looks at some of the people whose lives intersected with Jesus in the weeks leading to his crucifixion. Each of them had an agenda that put them at odds with God and Jesus. If you’ve ever resisted, defied, or tried to bargain your way out of what you thought God wanted, you’ll recognize a bit of their stories.
Sunday Morning Study Groups
Some groups are still meeting in an online environment. Click here to find out more!
Venture
Open Doors, Open Ideas
Cutting Edge
Foundations and Friendships
Journey
Reel Spirituality
For more information on adult studies, please contact Jennifer Cloud-Buckner (grow@stmarkscarmel.org), St. Mark’s Adult Discipleship Coordinator.