Adult Inquirers Class
Inquiring Minds Want to Know
by the Reverend Mary Jayne Ledgerwood
As a college undergraduate, one of the first things I learned in Journalism 101 about reporting was what it takes to write a good, factual, responsible story: it’s called the 5W-H or the 5 Ws and one H, that’s the who, what, where, when, why, and how. If I managed to cover the answer to all those, I indeed had the facts and a good, responsible story. Now thirty years later, transformed from journalist to theologian, I’m still trying to cover and spread the good news, as in the Good News!
The questions are still fitting, and the facts, ma’am, just the facts – and sir, really do matter in our spiritual and religious formation. Who are we as a people called Episcopalians? What do we believe? Where do we find the answers? When do we stand and when do we kneel? Why do we disagree about some things? And how in the world do we love our neighbors as ourselves? Inquiring minds want to know, and if your mind inquires, then you’ll want to register for an Adult Inquirers’ Class!
As the Rector explains in an article called On Belonging, “The annual Adult Inquirers’ Course is designed for anyone wishing to talk about faith and is especially well-suited for people who are considering Confirmation in the Episcopal Church. Everyone is invited including newcomers and long-standing members, those seeking to be confirmed, and those simply seeking the chance to talk about God.”
Adult learners in the Episcopal Church are all on a life-long quest for education and formation, but not all are in the same place on that journey. This is why we design a curriculum that we hope will appeal to a diverse array of adult inquirers. So, hear ye, hear ye, read all about it! Here’s the 5W-H for the Adult Inquirers’ Course:
Who: Any curious, inquiring adult should attend as much as they are able;
What: An incredible journey into the Episcopal Way and your own deep
formation;
Where: Sunday Forums in Shears Hall; other class times in the Brooks Library;
When: Tuesdays, April 6, May 4, and June 1 at 6:30 p.m.; Sundays April 25, May 2, 9, and 16 at Adult Forum; and Saturday, May 8 from 8:30 to noon;
Why: To talk about God; to help you decide if you want to get confirmed; to refresh and learn;
How: Through presentation or in group discussion or one-on-one with the clergy.
Please let me know what will work for you. The clergy and staff are here to respond to your inquiring minds! With questions about transferring or updating membership records, contact our Associate for Administration Debora Williams. With questions about Baptism, contact the Reverend Louise Lusignan. With questions about Confirmation or Reception, contact me, the Reverend Mary Jayne Ledgerwood. We can be reached in the Parish Office at 703-356-4902.
The Adult Inquirers' Class, which is held on weekday evenings, usually during the spring, meets to provide an opportunity for reflection and discussion on the Christian faith.
Topics will include God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, Baptism and the Holy Eucharist, and the Church. This class is an opportunity to explore questions of faith in open discussion led by one of the clergy.
These conversations are for anyone, including newcomers and long time members, who want to talk about faith and God. The class is also preparation for Confirmation or Reception into the Episcopal Church for those who wish to make this affirmation of faith.
