Adult Education

Adult Education at St. Mary’s

Sunday Mornings
9:30 AM-10:15 AM


Adult Forum in Randolph Memorial Hall

  • September 13: Growing Our Circle of Care: New Initiatives and Upcoming Plans in Pastoral Care PLUS A Preview of This Fall’s Christian Ed Offerings
  • September 20: Jeff Baker, Associate Dean of Experiential Learning and Clinical Professor of Law at the University of Alabama-  Love, Realism, and Imagination In an era of highly polarized parties and staggering inequalities, how can the church use neighbor-love and the imago dei to call for justice and imagine better politics and public policy? Prof. Baker will discuss Biblical principles of love and human dignity in politics, democracy, and public policy, drawing on his recent scholarship and forthcoming book. Prof. Baker also serves as an honorary canon of the Diocese of Los Angeles    Read Dean Baker's bio
  • September 27: Amistad from the Children's View (in the Living Room)
  • October 4: Stefana Laing, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Old Testament at Beeson Divinity School  A Desert Sage and a Deadly Sin: Evagrius of Pontus on Dealing with Anger: Evagrius of Pontus (AD 349-399) is one of the church's most famous spiritual writers, known for his teachings on the "eight evil thoughts." This grouping has come down to us in tradition as the "seven deadly sins," one of which is anger/wrath. We will learn from Evagrius some important insights on the impact of anger on a Christian's prayer life, and we will receive some guidance to help us pray purely.  Read Dr. Laing's bio
  • October 11: The Digital Discipleship: Finding Faith in a Wired World  It is possible to use the internet and other forms of "e-communication" as tools for your faith journey. Melodie Elam, our Director of Communications and Hospitality, has researched what experts say and has crowd-sourced favorite websites, podcasts, and apps from across our parish. Join the discussion on how to find faith in our wired world! 
  • October 25: Alex Kirk, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Divinity at Beeson Divinity School- Humility before Honor: Rethinking the Fear of the LORD in Proverbs Most bible readers know that "the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom" (Prov 1:7), but how does the relationship between these ideas work out? In this session we'll look at Ezekiel 28 to think about what wisdom looks like without the fear of the LORD. Then we'll return to Proverbs to get a clearer picture of the nature of true wisdom.  Read Dr. Kirk's bio
  • November 8: Joshua Chatraw, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Divinity, Beeson Divinity School- Faith After Doubt: Hope in an Age of Disillusionment Many today find themselves surprised by doubt—surprised by society’s doubts about God, surprised by their children’s doubting disillusionment with the church, or even surprised by the emergence of their own doubts. In this session, we’ll seek to understand the contestable terrain that faith today must travel and how Scripture’s most famous doubter charts a course to follow.  Read Dr. Chatraw's bio


“Open Reunion” Coffee Hour in Room 307

If fellowship and conversation are what you're seeking on Sunday morning, this group is for you!

Rector Bible Studies

Both groups are offered via Microsoft Teams.

  • Men’s Bible Study: Tuesdays at 7:10 AM in Room 309
  • Women’s Bible Study: Wednesdays at 10:10 AM in Randolph Memorial Hall


We start the year by studying several psalms and their historical community role, including their part in temple worship, their link to King David, and our use in Sunday services. We will also read David Gibson's 2023 book on the 23rd Psalm. Please bring a friend!


Email Melodie Elam to be added to the email list for study notes and Teams link.

Other Opportunities


House of David -Season 2
Thursdays / 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM / Living Room
We watch and discuss Season 2 of the Prime Video Series House of David on Thursday mornings through October 15. In October, we will meet in Room 307.


Devoted Study Group
Tuesdays Beginning September 15
9:15 AM-11:00 AM / Room 307
We start with Priscilla Shirer’s Faith and Fire: Elijah as the opening 7-week study. Please purchase the book before the start date. Any questions, please contact Kaki O'Flinn.