Learning and Growing in Christ Together
See the "Sacred Ground" Course HERE
Rabbi Brings Life-Changing Comfort for October Author Series
Author of The Tragedy Test, Rabbi Richard Agler has been speaking on the subjects of loss, bereavement and changing the world for three Sundays in October (note date changes). Each meeting begins at 9:00 am and ends at 9:45 am. All participants are asked to wear a mask during our author series.
October 10: Making Sense of Life-Changing Loss
What are the spiritual issues we confront when we lose a most-loved one, e.g., Why did this happen? How could it have? Where is God in all of this? And more. An introduction to the main themes of the book, The Tragedy Test.
October 17: Comforting the Bereaved: Text Study of the Torah/Leviticus 2 What does the Torah/Scripture have to teach us about response to tragedy? What are the better —-and worse—- things we can say? We’ll study Leviticus 2 and the story of the death of Aaron’s sons to learn more.
No meeting on October 24
October 31: How One Person Can Change the World
How can one person make a difference? We’ll learn how helping others can change the world in the important conclusion to this series.
Rabbi Richard Agler, D.D. was the founding rabbi of Congregation B’nai Israel in Boca Raton, Florida. He has taught graduate level courses in mysticism, been broadcast by NPR, and has a gift for bringing complex ideas to life as a speaker in demand. He has published articles and letters on political ethics, interfaith relations, and baseball. He currently serves as Co-Director of the Tali Fund and Scholar Emeritus of the Keys Jewish Community Center. The Tragedy Test is his widely acclaimed first book and is available for purchase at tragedytest.com.
October 10: Making Sense of Life-Changing Loss
What are the spiritual issues we confront when we lose a most-loved one, e.g., Why did this happen? How could it have? Where is God in all of this? And more. An introduction to the main themes of the book, The Tragedy Test.
October 17: Comforting the Bereaved: Text Study of the Torah/Leviticus 2 What does the Torah/Scripture have to teach us about response to tragedy? What are the better —-and worse—- things we can say? We’ll study Leviticus 2 and the story of the death of Aaron’s sons to learn more.
No meeting on October 24
October 31: How One Person Can Change the World
How can one person make a difference? We’ll learn how helping others can change the world in the important conclusion to this series.
Rabbi Richard Agler, D.D. was the founding rabbi of Congregation B’nai Israel in Boca Raton, Florida. He has taught graduate level courses in mysticism, been broadcast by NPR, and has a gift for bringing complex ideas to life as a speaker in demand. He has published articles and letters on political ethics, interfaith relations, and baseball. He currently serves as Co-Director of the Tali Fund and Scholar Emeritus of the Keys Jewish Community Center. The Tragedy Test is his widely acclaimed first book and is available for purchase at tragedytest.com.
Daily Reading Companions
In addition to our summer books here are several recommended daily devotionals you may want to add to your daily reading and prayer with short meditations for each day:
-Meditations on the Psalms for Every Day of the Year
by Barbara Crawthorne Crafton (Available from Church Publishing)
-The Radical Christian Life: A Year with Saint Benedict
by Joan Chittister (Available from Amazon)
-Bits of Heaven: A Summer Companion
by Russell J. Levenson Jr (Available from Church Publishing)
-Speaking to the Soul: Daily Readings for the Christian Year
by Vicki Black (Available from Church Publishing)
If you need assistance finding a copy of any of these books, please email rebecca@sjbts.org for information.
In addition to our summer books here are several recommended daily devotionals you may want to add to your daily reading and prayer with short meditations for each day:
-Meditations on the Psalms for Every Day of the Year
by Barbara Crawthorne Crafton (Available from Church Publishing)
-The Radical Christian Life: A Year with Saint Benedict
by Joan Chittister (Available from Amazon)
-Bits of Heaven: A Summer Companion
by Russell J. Levenson Jr (Available from Church Publishing)
-Speaking to the Soul: Daily Readings for the Christian Year
by Vicki Black (Available from Church Publishing)
If you need assistance finding a copy of any of these books, please email rebecca@sjbts.org for information.
Responding to the call to Racial Justice: Recommended Reading List
As we continue to grapple with issues of racial inequality in our nation, we are called to listen and explore the origins and systemic nature of racism in order to respond in an informed and compassionate way. We were asked to put together a list of recommended reading to assist us in that endeavor. The following reading list comes from recommendations from the clergy and from members of the St. James community. Please consider choosing a book to add to your summer reading.
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Christian/Theological, Non-Fiction
Jesus and the Disinherited by Howard Thurman The Third Option: Hope for a Racially Divided Nation (2018) by Miles McPherson (Local pastor) Seeing My Skin: A Story of Wrestling with Whiteness (2019) by Peter Jarrett-Schell (Episcopal priest) Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion (2010) by Gregory Boyle (Jesuit Priest) Barking to the Choir: The Power of Radical Kinship (2017) by Gregory Boyle (Jesuit Priest) Beyond Colorblind (2017) by Sarah Shinn (Protestant Minister) America’s Original Sin (2016) by Jim Wallis (Preacher and Speaker) Dear White Christians (2014) By Jennifer Harvey (Religion Professor) For Children
Separate is Never Equal by Duncan Tonatiuh All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold Chasing Freedom by Nikki Grimes |
Other Non-Fiction
Me and White Supremacy: Combat Racism, Change the World, and Become a Good Ancestor (2020) by Layla Saad (NY Times bestseller) How to be an Anti-Racist (2019) by Ibram X. Kindi (NY Times bestseller) So You Want to Talk about Race (2019) by Ijeoma Oluo (NY Times bestseller) I’m Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness (2018) by Austin Channing Brown Waking Up White (2014) by Debby Irving Fiction
To Kill a Mockingbird (1960) by Harper Lee The Hate You Give by Angie Thomas Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead I know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison The Color Purple by Alice Walkier A Raisin in the Sun (1959) by Lorraine Hansberry Once Were Warriors (1990) by Alan Duff (New Zealand novel) Cry, the Beloved Country (1948) by Alan Paton (South African novel) |
Past Forums and Formation Events
Miigwan the Wolf Visit, October 3 - In celebration of St. Francis Day, a handler and speaker from the Wolf Education Project (wolfeducationproject.org) brought Miigwan the wolf from the center. A large group came to the courtyard for the lecture and then Miigwan was brought down the aisle during the 10:00 am service.
Discussion Forums about the Summer Reading - Three books were discussed. September 12 - A Grace Disguised: How the Soul Grows Through Loss by The Rev. Dr. Gerald Sittser; September 19 - Hallelujah, Anyhow! A Memoir by The Rt. Rev. Barbara C. Harris; September 26 - Barking to the Choir by Fr. Gregory Boyle.
St. James hosted a reading and conversation with Laura Wolfson, author of For Single Mothers Working as Train Conductors Wednesday, June 9, on Zoom. Laura is winner of the Iowa Prize for Literary Nonfiction in 2017 and the Kirkus Best Book of 2018. She has several connections with St. James and she will be the first in our upcoming series of readings and conversations with authors whose work reflects matters of faith and spirit.
The Blessed Group Gives Ministry in Midst of Grief, Death, and Loss - Sunday, May 16 - We featured The Blessed Group which was formed many years ago when Blayney Colmore was the Rector, and the group reformed a few years ago under the leadership of Kay Scavulli, Jacqui McNally, Brenda Scott-Meade (with Blayney present half the year). The Blessed Group has a unique ministry and presence at St. James and the group has renewed relevance in our community because of the national (international) mourning the pandemic has brought.
Practices of Wellness and Mindfulness for the Christian - In a three-part series, April 25, May 2 - 9, we explored practices that lead to health and healing, wholeness, and a sense of well being from a Christian perspective. Our companion book was The Mindful Christian by Dr. Irene Kraegel. On May 2 and 9 psychotherapist Alicia Avila walked us through some healing and centering practices that can move us out of trauma, anxiety, or stress and into greater spiritual, emotional, and physical wellbeing.
Keeping A Holy Lent - This five week series helped participants learn more about the ancient practices of Lent by digging deeply into the meaning, history, and observance of them. St. James clergy presented information based on Church tradition, scripture, and Prayer Book, among other sources.
Sacred Ground - This was a 10 month long course started in June 2020 and concluded March 2021. Designed and compiled by the National office of the Episcopal Church, it led participants through many films and written resources covering a wide range of topics in race relations. Each month we would meet and discuss the current materials. The course is still available HERE.
2020
Sundays, Sept. 27, Oct. 11 & 18
In conclusion of our Journey Through the Bible, Dr. David Moseley taught about the latter half of the New Testament and some of the most challenging books of the Bible: The Acts of the Apostles, The General Epistles (James – Jude), and The Book of Revelation & Apocryphal Literature
In conclusion of our Journey Through the Bible, Dr. David Moseley taught about the latter half of the New Testament and some of the most challenging books of the Bible: The Acts of the Apostles, The General Epistles (James – Jude), and The Book of Revelation & Apocryphal Literature
"The Letters of Paul" with Dr. Laura Nasrallah (video series)
We continued the course started as a Sunday morning forum, "The Letters of Paul." Dr. David Moseley started us opening Paul's mail and then we were privileged to sit in on a Yale Divinity course with Dr. Laura Nasrallah. In this series we watched her in-depth exploration of the historical and cultural context of Paul’s letters and the ancient world in which the New Testament was written based on the letters themselves, archaeology, and other historical resources. To access the class schedule and videos we selected click HERE.
We continued the course started as a Sunday morning forum, "The Letters of Paul." Dr. David Moseley started us opening Paul's mail and then we were privileged to sit in on a Yale Divinity course with Dr. Laura Nasrallah. In this series we watched her in-depth exploration of the historical and cultural context of Paul’s letters and the ancient world in which the New Testament was written based on the letters themselves, archaeology, and other historical resources. To access the class schedule and videos we selected click HERE.
"Re-Discovering Yourself: The Ancient Enneagram"
Third class - the Enneagram taught on video by Mo. Rebecca - note: 1. You may need to turn the volume up on your device. 2. At the end of the video YouTube begins its own choice of another video, but you have a few seconds to click "cancel" before it starts. See the video HERE.
Fourth Class - "Solitude, Stillness, and Silence"
Join Mo. Rebecca by video for this last class on a topic that is relevant to all of us as we "shelter in place." Right now all of us are unexpectedly having a "desert experience" - and the practices of silence, solitude, and stillness are available to us in an even deeper and more meaningful way during this time. We will finish our study of our book, The Sacred Enneagram by applying the themes of contemplative practice in a way that applies to everyone. Join us whether or not you have read the book! See the video HERE.
The class was studying the book The Sacred Enneagram: Finding Your Unique Path to Spiritual Growth by Christopher Heuertz.
Also the following links are helpful web resources: How the Enneagram system works The Enneagram - an introduction
Third class - the Enneagram taught on video by Mo. Rebecca - note: 1. You may need to turn the volume up on your device. 2. At the end of the video YouTube begins its own choice of another video, but you have a few seconds to click "cancel" before it starts. See the video HERE.
Fourth Class - "Solitude, Stillness, and Silence"
Join Mo. Rebecca by video for this last class on a topic that is relevant to all of us as we "shelter in place." Right now all of us are unexpectedly having a "desert experience" - and the practices of silence, solitude, and stillness are available to us in an even deeper and more meaningful way during this time. We will finish our study of our book, The Sacred Enneagram by applying the themes of contemplative practice in a way that applies to everyone. Join us whether or not you have read the book! See the video HERE.
The class was studying the book The Sacred Enneagram: Finding Your Unique Path to Spiritual Growth by Christopher Heuertz.
Also the following links are helpful web resources: How the Enneagram system works The Enneagram - an introduction
Sundays, March 1, 8, 15 & 22
David Moseley, Ph.D. presented the first two Forums on the Life and Letters of St. Paul before the COVID-19 restrictions. Paul, author of more than a quarter of the New Testament, loved and hated in equal measure by liberals and conservatives alike. What is the right way to read and understand the letters he wrote to churches he founded almost 2,000 years ago in the ancient Greco-Roman world, before even the Gospels were written? Why do these letters that say so much about who Paul thinks Jesus is, theologically, and yet tell us so little about who Jesus was and what he said and did, historically? What are the challenges and pitfalls involved in reading those same letters as church-going Christians in Southern California in 2020?
David Moseley, Ph.D. presented the first two Forums on the Life and Letters of St. Paul before the COVID-19 restrictions. Paul, author of more than a quarter of the New Testament, loved and hated in equal measure by liberals and conservatives alike. What is the right way to read and understand the letters he wrote to churches he founded almost 2,000 years ago in the ancient Greco-Roman world, before even the Gospels were written? Why do these letters that say so much about who Paul thinks Jesus is, theologically, and yet tell us so little about who Jesus was and what he said and did, historically? What are the challenges and pitfalls involved in reading those same letters as church-going Christians in Southern California in 2020?
Sundays, February 2-9
The Journey Through the Bible Forums began 2020 by exploring the New Testament with "The Life and Sayings of Jesus: The Four Gospels." On Feb. 2 we studied the Gospels of Matthew and Mark. We explored the major themes and backgrounds of Gospels Luke and John on Feb. 9 led by The Rev. Laurel Mathewson, co-pastor of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in North Park.
The Journey Through the Bible Forums began 2020 by exploring the New Testament with "The Life and Sayings of Jesus: The Four Gospels." On Feb. 2 we studied the Gospels of Matthew and Mark. We explored the major themes and backgrounds of Gospels Luke and John on Feb. 9 led by The Rev. Laurel Mathewson, co-pastor of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in North Park.
Sunday, January 12
Introduction to the New Testament with The Rev'd D. Rebecca Dinovo
Mother Rebecca introduced the New Testament section of our Journey Through the Bible by raising the questions, "Who wrote our Christian Scriptures? Why were they written and for whom? How did we decide which books to include in the Bible?" This kicked off our overview of the Christian books of the Bible exploring their historical context, the questions they raise, as well as the surprising and interesting way in which they came to be a part of the Bible.
Introduction to the New Testament with The Rev'd D. Rebecca Dinovo
Mother Rebecca introduced the New Testament section of our Journey Through the Bible by raising the questions, "Who wrote our Christian Scriptures? Why were they written and for whom? How did we decide which books to include in the Bible?" This kicked off our overview of the Christian books of the Bible exploring their historical context, the questions they raise, as well as the surprising and interesting way in which they came to be a part of the Bible.
2019
Sunday, December 22
The Minor Prophets Part II: Nahum – Malachi with The Rev'd Dr. Mark Hargreaves.
Our very own Fr. Mark picked up the themes of justice and mercy of the Biblical prophets and brought our journey through the Old Testament to a close before the new year. Fr. Mark has extensive parish ministry experience as well a theology degree from Oriel College in Oxford, a Masters Degree in Christianity and the Arts from the National Gallery at Kings College, and a PhD in Biblical Authority from Cambridge.
The Minor Prophets Part II: Nahum – Malachi with The Rev'd Dr. Mark Hargreaves.
Our very own Fr. Mark picked up the themes of justice and mercy of the Biblical prophets and brought our journey through the Old Testament to a close before the new year. Fr. Mark has extensive parish ministry experience as well a theology degree from Oriel College in Oxford, a Masters Degree in Christianity and the Arts from the National Gallery at Kings College, and a PhD in Biblical Authority from Cambridge.
Wednesdays, December 11 and 18
Mother Rebecca led through the exploration of "Questions of Heaven and Life After Death" The first class was about What Happens When we Die? Theories, Evidence, and Experiences . The second class was about Life After Death: A Biblical Theology of the Afterlife.
Mother Rebecca led through the exploration of "Questions of Heaven and Life After Death" The first class was about What Happens When we Die? Theories, Evidence, and Experiences . The second class was about Life After Death: A Biblical Theology of the Afterlife.
Sunday, December 15: The Minor Prophets - "Speaking Truth to Power in Empire and Exile", with The Rev. Darin Johnson.
The Rev. Darin will walk us through Part I: Hosea- Micah exploring the prophet’s messages of justice and mercy.
Since 2009, Darin Johnson has served as Campus Pastor at Agape House, a Lutheran-Episcopal partnership in campus ministry at San Diego State University since 1950. Agape House is now designing a new campus ministry center, including affordable housing for up to 50 students in community. To learn more or get involved, you can contact him at 619-583-3972 or pdnjohnson@gmail.com. Or check out the Agape House website at www.agapehousesdsu.org.
The Rev. Darin will walk us through Part I: Hosea- Micah exploring the prophet’s messages of justice and mercy.
Since 2009, Darin Johnson has served as Campus Pastor at Agape House, a Lutheran-Episcopal partnership in campus ministry at San Diego State University since 1950. Agape House is now designing a new campus ministry center, including affordable housing for up to 50 students in community. To learn more or get involved, you can contact him at 619-583-3972 or pdnjohnson@gmail.com. Or check out the Agape House website at www.agapehousesdsu.org.
November 3, 10 & 17: Wisdom Literature/Poetry (Job- Song of Solomon) and Major Prophets of the Old Testament,
Israel's Songbook and Their Wisdom for Living: Job through Song of Solomon; Isaiah's Messages of Warning and Hope: When God Returns to Zion;
From Jerusalem's Destruction through Exile to Future Hope: The Prophetic Messages of Jeremiah through Daniel
Israel's Songbook and Their Wisdom for Living: Job through Song of Solomon; Isaiah's Messages of Warning and Hope: When God Returns to Zion;
From Jerusalem's Destruction through Exile to Future Hope: The Prophetic Messages of Jeremiah through Daniel
October 20 & 27: “Israel’s Ancient History” The Deuteronomist History Books, a two-part series with Dr. David Moseley, Ph.D.
Dr. Moseley guided our journey through the historical books of the Old Testament/Hebrew Bible (Joshua through Esther). Following the Torah, the classes delved into the Hebrew Scriptures' Post-Mosaic History of the Jewish People - from the triumphal re-entry of the Israelites into the Promised Land (Joshua and Judges) to the rise of the Golden Age of the Monarchy under King David (I & II Samuel); and the decline after Solomon (I & II Kings), leading to the conquest and destruction of Israel under the Assyrians and the Fall and Exile of Judah at the hands of the Babylonians.
Dr. Moseley guided our journey through the historical books of the Old Testament/Hebrew Bible (Joshua through Esther). Following the Torah, the classes delved into the Hebrew Scriptures' Post-Mosaic History of the Jewish People - from the triumphal re-entry of the Israelites into the Promised Land (Joshua and Judges) to the rise of the Golden Age of the Monarchy under King David (I & II Samuel); and the decline after Solomon (I & II Kings), leading to the conquest and destruction of Israel under the Assyrians and the Fall and Exile of Judah at the hands of the Babylonians.