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.