CHRISTIAN GROWTH CLASSES

| The Apprentice Course | Adult Education | Silent Retreat | Time and Space for God | Spiritual Gifts Discovery Seminar

The Apprentice Course

The Apprentice Course is a practical, 10 Week Introduction to Real Life as an Apprentice

of Jesus Christ in Kingdom Living

• Are you seeking the power of the Holy Spirit for daily living, and practical tools with which you can begin to live more like Jesus? 

• Are you frustrated with the question “What would Jesus do?” and how to actually “do it” in the midst of the daily grind? 

• Do you desire accountability and friendship as you walk in the way of the Savior?

Who should take The Apprentice Course?

The Apprentice Course is designed for anyone who wants an introduction to life as an apprentice and follower of Jesus Christ, the only proven master of the abundant and eternal kind of life.  This 10 week course is led by Pastor Steven Craig, and is the fruit of his doctoral work at Fuller Theological Seminary. 

On most nights there will be a large group presentation followed by reflection and interaction in a small “Apprentice Group”. 

A special “Day Away” at a nearby retreat center is mandatory for all participants.  

Apprentice Course Topics…

Week One       An Invitation to Life as an Apprentice of Jesus Christ in Kingdom Living

Week Two       Identifying Roadblocks to Life as an Apprentice of Jesus 

RETREAT       Introduction to Jesus’ Spiritual Disciplines Through Solitude and Silence

Week Three     The Practice of Study/Meditation

Week Four       The Practice of Prayer

Week Five       The Practice of Stewardship

Week Six         The Practice of Fasting

Week Seven     The Practice of Service

Week Eight      The Practice of Sexual Purity

Week Nine       The Practice of Fellowship

Week Ten        The Practice of Worship & Celebration

Adult Education         

The adult education hour (9:00 am to 10:00 am, Sundays) features guest teachers and speakers on a variety of topics relevant to our growth as disciples of Jesus.  

One or more classes may be in session at the same time. 

In depth Bible study, Christianity and Culture, Book Reviews and training in evangelism are just a sample of Adult Education offerings.

Spiritual Gifts Discovery Seminar

At St. John’s, we are committed to helping our members serve where they “fit,” where they can serve more joyfully and effectively.  An important way that we do that is by offering the one-day Spiritual Gifts Discovery Seminar.  We will offer a new class in the Spring of 2008.  Check out  Breaking News on our Homepage for the exact dates.

With definitions and examples gleaned from Scripture, plus group and individual exercises and discussion, leaders Gary Maeder and Rita Augustine will help you learn about all 20 of the spiritual gifts and discover which particular gifts you have been given.  Pastor Steve Craig and church  elders will also assist you in the discovery process. 

All adults are invited to attend the Spiritual Gifts Discovery Seminar.  We particularly want to encourage those of you who are considering joining the church or have recently joined St. John’s.

Lunch and your own 32-page St. John’s Spiritual Gifts workbook are included in the $5 cost.  Those who have joined St. John’s since 2003 get in for free. 

Silent Retreat

Each year we offer an opportunity for people to come away from the crowd and spend time with God in an atmosphere of silence and tranquility.  Traditionally, the retreat is scheduled for a three day week-end at the end of the month, during Lent, at St. Mary's Retreat House in Santa Barbara.

Time and Space for God  

On the third Saturday of the month, from 9:30 am to 11:00 am,  a retreat is held in our sanctuary.  As we meditate on a Scripture passage together we become more aware of the Lord's presence and His care and guidance in our lives.

New Members Classes 2008

Dear Friend of St. John’s,

You are invited to explore becoming an active member of St. John’s Presbyterian Church.  Committing to membership can be a rewarding spiritual experience and strengthens our church family.  Pastor Steven Craig and New Member Chairperson Kathy Darbous (Elias) are holding a two-part class, open to anyone who wants to explore what it means to become a member of the St. John’s community.  We will focus on Jesus Christ and what He is calling us to be and do as a local church.  We will also amaze you with facts about the Presbyterian Church USA, discuss its unique history, and explain its role in the larger community of Christ’s people. 

Session One will be held Sunday, October 12th  from noon to 3:00 pm.   We will provide lunch during this initial session and get to know one another.  Session Two will be held the next Sunday, October 19th  also from noon to 3:00 pm with lunch provided.  Both sessions will be in the Westminster Room.  There is no obligation to join the church at the end of the two classes.  Please feel free to come just to ask questions and find out what being a member is all about.

For those who want to join the church, we will invite you to meet with the Elders of the church during the first part of their regular session meeting, Wednesday, October 22nd at 7:00 pm.  At that time, you will be presented to our Elders for acceptance into membership.  You will also be welcomed into membership at the Sunday Morning Worship Service on October 26th.

If you are interested in participating, you may simply call our church administrator – office manager, Sandi Dick in the church office at 310-477-2513, between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm or email her at sandi@stjohnspres.org.

A reply by Wednesday, October 8th, will let us adequately plan lunch for you.  Childcare is available on request to the church office ASAP.  We look forward to meeting you and sharing what we believe. 

Building Community / sd

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