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Small Groups

St. John's Episcopal Church

Northampton, MA

Small Groups

St. John’s Reads

This is a discussion group for amateur Christians. No experts will be allowed, with one exception: at the end of our 13 week discussion series, the author of the book we’ll be studying will come to meet with us and answer any questions we have had about her book. The book we will be reading and discussing together is This Is God’s Table: Finding Church Beyond the Walls by our very own Rev. Anna Woofenden.

The group will meet hybridly on Sunday evenings beginning June 5. Those attending in – person will meet at St. John’s at 5:30, for a 5:30 brown bag supper followed by a 6:30 – 7:30 prayerful discussion of the book. We will end promptly at 7:30. Those attending virtually will get a ZOOM link to use, which will become active at about 6:25 +/-. Any member of an oppressed group is especially welcomed to attend. The group will be facilitated by Marian L. MacDonald.

If you are interested in participating in this group, please contact Ben (413.584.1757 or office@stjohnsnorthampton.org). Copies of the book may be purchased from Ben or through any local bookstore or Amazon.

Wednesday Morning Bible Study

Everyone, everyone, everyone is invited to Bible Study at St. John’s which meets on Wednesdays at 8 AM on Zoom. A syllabus and reading list is available by contacting Judson Brown at judbrown47@icloud.com or 202-957-7221.

The Growing Edge

The Growing Edge Begins a new Book Discussion on June 2! The upcoming book will deal with an overview of church history…How Christianity developed from small groups meeting around a meal in homes to the institution we know today. Not familiar with The Growing Edge? Read on for more information.

The Growing Edge is an online space for adults to gather with others who are interested in reading and discussing books, centered in the Christian tradition, for the purpose of growing spiritually. It differs from a regular library book group, or community read, in that our main purpose is to provide a facilitated small group discussion space that helps us to:
• work out what we believe
• be challenged to grow and change
• travel further along the spiritual path through reading, reflecting, listening and sharing with others.
The book is the medium. The goal is spiritual growth.

All adults are welcome in The Growing Edge. You do not need to belong to St. John’s, or be an Episcopalian, or even live locally to participate. We meet by Zoom each week, on Thursday from 4:30-5:45 pm according to the predetermined reading schedule for the current book. The group has both seekers and believers. If you are interested in or practice in the Christian tradition, and agree with the group’s purpose, you are welcome. There is no cost to belong. Financial assistance is available if the cost of the book is a barrier. If you are reading this, wherever you are, you are welcome!

The group varies in size from 6-12 people and has members who join to read a particular book with the group, and those who stay book to book. Either type of membership is just fine! If after a few meetings, you find that the group is not for you, you are free to drop out. There is always a break between books so it’s not an awkward exit if you’ve joined just for a particular book. The general “feel” of the group is welcoming and relaxed, and characterized by the principle of “come as you are”. We practice theological hospitality, honoring what unites us.

For more information, please contact Sue Kucharski at SJCbookgroup@gmail.com.