2009 Sunday School, 10-10:50 a.m.

Making disciples out of Christians
The majority of our Sunday and Weekday offerings run from September-May. For verification about a specific course's schedule, please contact the Church Office, 388-2681.

Children's Sunday School Classes

Nursery
The McCarty Early Learning Center, birth to three-year-olds
The Nursery provides a safe, secure place for children where they learn first-hand about Jesus' love through simple Bible lessons.

Godly Play
Preprimary wing of the Day School, 3 year olds through 2nd Grade
The goal of Godly Play is to teach children the art of using religious language -parable, sacred story, silence and liturgical action - to help them become more fully aware of the mystery of God’s presence in their lives. The children will also participate in ongoing activities to learn about sharing God’s love with others through Christian Service and will have several opportunities to sing at the 8:45 a.m. service. For more information about Godly Play, or to volunteer contact Denise Hudmon, 389-6071.

Discovery Class
Second Floor Hope House, third and fourth grades
The Discovery Class is designed to teach our children about worship in a fun, interactive way. In addition to studying topics such as baptism, Communion, Bible study and prayer, the class will participate in service projects and weekly prayer requests. Class will meet in the Dempsey Chapel.

Boy’s and Girl’s Breakfast Clubs
Hope House, boys are upstairs and girls are downstairs, fifth and sixth grades
The clubs use a variety of curriculum designed to make Bible learning fun and encourage children to apply lessons learned from the Bible into daily life. The Breakfast Clubs also have the opportunity for service projects, field trips and parties throughout the year.

Youth Sunday School Classes

Junior High Sunday School
Upstairs at the Bookstore, seventh and eighth grades
Our Junior High students will be in a fun, discussion-filled class that links Biblically-based lessons to news-making headlines. Each week the latest music, movies, news, and current events will be examined through a biblical lens reminding us to let the power of Christ into our lives and share our faith with others through both words and actions. The Junior High class will also be participating in service projects throughout the year and other fun activities.

Senior High Sunday School
Youth Center Small Room, ninth through twelfth grades
Do you have what it takes to really live the Christian life? Do you do the right thing? Can you rise above the rest, with grace, humility, and character? Are you a leader or a follower? At St. Marks, we believe you are our future, so this year we will explore the characteristics of leadership through focus on weekly topics like character, integrity, humility, self-discipline, vision, and other traits of great leaders. Join us every Sunday and be a Leader!

Youth Confirmation
Youth Center, For unconfirmed youth in ninth through twelfth grades
This class begins September 7 in preparation for the Bishop’s visitation for confirmation on April 26. We will cover topics ranging from Biblical knowledge and what we believe, spiritual disciplines and taking ownership of our faith, and what we can look forward to in how God will use us in this world. Please contact Ayana Grady, 388-2681, x211.

Sunday Morning Adult Classes

Immediately following the 8:45 a.m. service and before the start of Sunday School, join us in the Courtyard for fellowship, coffee, and refreshment.

Christianity Today, Grace House
This popular Bible study explores the life and teachings of Jesus in the New Testament and their relevance then and now. This group is now studying Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians. Dialogue is welcome and encouraged, and weekly preparation is not required. Lay teachers facilitate classes. All adults are welcome.

Faithful Christian Families, School Library
Facilitated by Dr. Annie Egan, Dr. Randy Thornton
and Michael Magevney.

This class supports parents as they struggle with what it takes to raise Christian children in the 21st century. Topics are varied and in the past have included helping children develop their gifts and talents, sibling compromise, and connecting life with scripture. Join us as we share, support and learn from each other on our journey to become even more faithful Christian parents.

Faithful Christian Families will kick off the fall by working through the book “Parenting On Point” by Jim C. Williams which helps parents form a parenting plan for raising children from infancy through the teen years.

This book walks parents through the important aspects of a parenting plan, offering practical tips and strategies aimed at keeping their family anchored to important values and beliefs that will redirect them when the tug of popular culture pulls them off course. Stories from Williams' own life are interwoven throughout the chapters, including important realizations made after a drunk driver killed his son in 1995.

On the accompanying CD, the author tells his powerful story, including the tragic death of his son and his roller coaster ride with God, plus a dynamic presentation of the book's highlights. The CD can be used as an introductory preview to the book as well as a convenient refresher course for busy parents."

Ken Blanchard, co-author of "The One Minute Manager" and "Whale done!" wrote "Jim Williams' book, "Parenting on Point", teaches the skills needed to nurture the growth and development of our children in today's world by focusing on point- on God's path for our lives. Children of all ages, whether in your own family or not, can benefit tremendously through your interactions with them. I urge you to read this book and make a difference in their lives."
“Parenting On Point” can be ordered from the St. Mark’s Bookstore.

Pathfinders, Leatherbury Hall
This class welcomes adults of all ages in their journey towards a more faith-filled Christian life. The class is topical and will be taught by lay teachers, priests and guest speakers. Look for more information throughout the year on current speakers and topics.

In September, join us for our series on Healing, Health and Spirituality that will address both physical and mental healing. God has created each of us uniquely in mind, body and spirit. He desires that we keep these three vital legs of our lives in a healthy balance with prevention, intervention and recovery made possible through God's ultimate Grace and the medical and spiritual support and treatment that He has inspired in mankind.

September 7, 2008
Physical Health & Healing
Dr. Alan R. Berger, Chairman of Neurology and Chief of Service as Shands Jacksonville and Director, Neuroscience Institute.
Topic: Neurological Illnesses and Conditions; Comprehensive Treatment Programs and Services (strokes, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's, Neuro-Oncology, sleep disorders, etc. will be covered)

September 14, 2008
Spiritual Health & Healing
The Reverend Jonathan B. Coffey, Jr.
Topic: Practicing the Presence of God: Every Moment of Every Day and Living in that Moment

September 21, 2008
Mental Health & Healing
Norma Basford
Topic: In the Shadow of God's Wings: Grace in the Midst of Depression. (Depression crosses all boundaries of mental, spiritual and physical health.)

September 28, 2008
Topic: Mental Illness and Families of Faith: Creating Caring Congregations

October 5-11, 2008
National Mental Illness Awareness Week
Mental Illness Awareness Week is an annual, national observance that was created by a Presidential proclamation in 1990 to focus attention on the high incidence of mental illness in America. This year's theme, "Take Action to Change the Nation," reflects the goals and recommendations of the President's New freedom Commission on Mental Health This annual observance, sponsored by The National Alliance on Mental Illness, provides an opportunity for evoking change in the Nation;s mental health service delivery system through grassroots commitment and action. Activities during Mental Illness Awareness Week reach out to the media, schools, libraries, houses of worship and state capitols.

The Mission & Service series will feature the Rev. Sandra K. Moyle from October 12--November 2. ". . .what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" Micah 6:8. Living out our faith through mission and service is essential to our spiritual growth. We will hear personal testimonies from parishioners and community members.

November 9, 16, 23
The Life of David: This series will be led by the Reverend Neely Towe, who has recently returned to Jacksonville after serving 18 years as pastor at Stanwich Congregational Church in Greenwich, Connecticut. The hallmark of Rev. Towe's leadership is her deep love and compassion for people, a sincere and humble desire to serve God, and a gift of preaching.