Epiphany Forums
Epiphany comes from the Greek word, epiphaneia, and means
apparition or appearing. It also means a manifestation of God and
frequently is used to refer to an insight gained or something important
recognized in the midst of humble or commonplace circumstances. This
Epiphany, join in our forums as we gain insights or new knowledge about
things that are already in our midst.
The forums are held in the Meade Room between the
9:00 and 11:15 am services,
generally at 10:15 am.
January 8 – Baptism 101
In conjunction with our Sunday celebration of the
Baptism of Our Lord in worship, the Rev. Heather VanDeventer will lead
us in a look at baptism. What is the Episcopalian theology of baptism,
why is it a one-time event, and what do we really promise at a baptism?
This is not just for parents and godparents but an opportunity for all
of us to remember that baptism is more than cute (or crying) babies.
January 15 – A Chapel for
the Ages, Virginia Theological Seminary
In 2010, VTS lost its Chapel to fire. Now VTS has
embarked on a campaign to rebuild what was lost into a new space
designed as the centerpiece to the Seminary. VTS has long been a partner
and friend to Christ Church offering educational opportunities,
workshops, consultations, and a library of books, curricula, and film.
Many of the Christ Church clergy and lay ministers have been trained,
educated, and prepared for ordination at VTS. Join us to hear the
Rt. Rev. Jane Holmes Dixon explain what the chapel has meant in her
ministry, and the Very Rev. Ian S. Markham, Dean, and the Rev.
Barney Hawkins, Vice President for Institutional Advancement, who will
discuss the Chapel plans. Together, we will discover anew why that
chapel matters to all of us at Christ Church.
January 22 – New Website
Christ Church’s Website team has been working for the
past year on developing our new website. Come to see a preview of the
new website in action and why you will want to send our website link to
your friends.
January 29 – Foundation Sunday: Tools for Children of Aging Parents
The Board of the Christ Church Foundation will host a
forum sharing tools for children of aging parents. What are the
financial issues and pitfalls that aging parents encounter? How do you
help navigate the health care system? And what happens when you need to
talk about the car keys?
February 5
– Life at the Seminary – A Panel of
Students for Theological Education Sunday
Come to hear about real life at seminary today from
our current seminarian, Melanie Mullen, and our future seminarian, Emily
Lukanich. Why is a residential seminary important? What makes seminary
different from other graduate schools? How is it formation, not just
education?
February 12
– A Discussion About George
Washington as an 18th century Virginia Anglican
Please join us and Mount Vernon historian Mary
Thompson for a discussion of George Washington as a Virginia Anglican.
Ms. Thompson recently worked on that subject for a chapter in a book
edited by historian Ed Lengel at UVA, which is due out in May. Mary
joined us in July 2010 for a discussion of her book, In the Hands of
a Good Providence: Religion in the Life of George Washington.
February 19
– Pilgrimage to the Holy Land –
How the Practice of Pilgrimage leads to Mission
Join us for in-person reporting from the Rev. Ann
Gillespie and Jane Gilchrist on their pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Ann’s
blog during the trip provided many insights, now come hear more of the
story: why go on pilgrimage, what made this pilgrimage different, and
how their connection to the Holy Land and its people is deeper than ever
before are some of the topics they will discuss.