St. Mark's Lenten Series 2010

Lent is the forty day season of preparation leading up to Easter. For centuries the Church has observed Lent as a special time of self-examination and the deepening of one's spiritual life. As we hear on the special liturgy of Ash Wednesday that marks the beginning of the season:

"I invite you, therefore, in the name of the Church, to the observance of a holy Lent, by self examination and repentance; by prayer, fasting, and self-denial and by reading and meditating on God's holy Word" (BCP p. 265)

St. Mark's offers several opportunities for spiritual renewal in both worship and adult education. Please make these offerings an important part of your preparation for the joyful season of Easter. Everyone is welcome. A blessed Lent to each of you.

                                                                                                      The Rev. C. Dean Taylor, Rector

Sunday Nights in Lent
February 21 - March 21
With Rev. Dr. Lee Humphreys

Christianity Before Constantine

Who were the earliest Christians? What was their worship like? How did they understand themselves as followers of the risen Jesus of Nazareth? How did the New Testament scriptures and patterns of worship develop from these early communities? How might the changes in our culture and Church be seen more clearly in light of their history? The Rev. Lee Humphreys, one of the most knowledgeable and widely respected scholars and authors in the field of Biblical Theology and History, will present five Sunday night lectures on the history of the Christian Church from the death and resurrection of Jesus to the decree of Constantine that the Roman Empire would be officially a Christian nation

The Sunday Night Lenten Series at St. Mark's has had a distinguished history of bringing the top scholars of contemporary thought to enlighten and enliven the "discerning hearts and minds" of the parish and community. Join us for five Sunday night lectures in the sanctuary, beginning at 6:00, followed by refreshments and a question and answer session in the Parish Hall. No reservation required.

Wednesday Nights in Lent
February 24 - March 17

During the 6:30 Adult Education hour, choose from one of these "mini-classes"

The Shack
Where Tragedy Meets Eternity: A book study led by Carol Burchfield, Rose Renfroe, and Ellen Andersen. This imaginative and controversial novel explores a new way to interpret human tragedy and God's grace using characters that represent the Trinity, or the three aspects of God. (Library)

Yoga as Attentive Prayer
With Cindy Michaels. The ancient art of Yoga is not only healthy for our bodies, but also a spiritually healthy way to "center" our minds and sprits for prayer. Participants are asked to dress in comfortable "work out" clothing. (High School Room downstairs)

Prayer, Simply
Woody Mader and Jim Sneary. Using the insights of such spiritual guides as Fr. Thomas Keating (Contemplative Prayer) and the Rev. Nancy Roth (The Breath of God), this class will both teach and experience the church's insights into several kinds of prayer. (Middle School Room downstairs)

The Sports Page as Gospel
A very informal discussion group led by Rev. Dean Taylor with class participation. Using participants' favorite sports pages (The Chattanooga Times, The Atlanta Constitution, Sports Illustrated, etc.), the class will discuss the current important sports news of the week, and the influence of sports and sports heroes on the morality of the culture, for better or worse. Pretzels provided. (Parish Hall - back portion)