Episcopal / Roman Catholic Dialog Group
In 2005, St. Peter's (E) in Del Mar and St. James' (RC) in Solana Beach took part in a pilot program. The program involved 5 weeks of studying and discussing documents from joint commissions on points on which our churches agree and disagree about doctrine, sacraments, ministry, ordination, etc.

After the 5 weeks were over we decided to continue meeting on our own, alternating between the two churches. We get together every month or two for a program which features a common worship service, a meal, and discussion on a chosen topic. Our purpose is to explore, together, things which impact our religious and spiritual life. We have had programs on Priesthood; the Da Vinci Codes; Music in Worship; Religious Orders and Monasticism.

The group is now open to other interested members of the two churches. We send out email notices about one month in advance of a meeting. We ask people to respond and we organize the meal. To be put on the email list, or for further information, please contact John Wavrik (jjwavrik@ucsd.edu or 858-755-8437)

EDUCATION FOR MINISTRY (EfM)

Education for Ministry, affectionately known as EfM, is a program of theological education of the School of Theology of the University of the South. Students sign up one year at a time for this four-year program. It is for lay people. Students meet once a week over nine months in seminars under the guidance of a trained mentor. EfM covers the basics of a theological education in the Old and New Testaments, church history, liturgy, and theology.

The traditional content is not studied in a vacuum. While the course materials provide substantial academic content, the focus of the program is on life as ministry and understanding that ministry. EfM provides the basic skill which is the foundation of all Christian ministry -- theological reflection. The goal is to learn to think theologically. By examining our own beliefs and their relationship to our culture and the tradition of our Christian faith, we can learn what it means to be effective ministers in the world.

What Can You Expect From EfM?

You will find that EfM teaches you how to think theologically, deepens your faith and your understanding of our Christian heritage, and provides you with a new confidence to be Christ's minister

Who should join EfM?

If you feel called to do any of the things listed in the section “What Can You Expect from EfM”, check out the web page http://www.sewanee.edu/EFM/index.htm and talk to a St. Peter’s EfM mentor. A new class begins each September.

Mary Wavrik mwavrik@sbcglobal.net

BIBLE STUDIES - Staff Led

Two weekly groups: September through June on Monday at 10:30 AM and Wednesday at 7:00 PM

Additional classes will be added if there is interest

SARAH'S CIRCLES

A monthly book study and support group for women
Currently three groups meet in homes for prayer, discussion and fellowship
More groups can be started if their is interest

SUNDAY EDUCATION HOURS/ FORUMS

Meets Sunday mornings in the Parish Hall from 10:10 AM to 11:00 AM
A wide array of topics and programs of interest to our members
Leaders/ Presenters are church members or guest speakers. Please offer your area of expertise.

LIBRARY

We have a well stocked library for adults and children - books, videos and DVD's
New or used quality books are always welcomed by our library
Open weekdays from when not being used for meetings and Sunday mornings a month

CONFIRMATION/ INQUIRERS CLASSES

Five week course for adults on the beliefs, worship, theology, history and traditions of the Church. Leads to confirmation or reception by the Bishop

PRAYER AND SMALL GROUP MINISTRIES

CENTERING PRAYER

Centering Prayer develops a deeper two-way relationship with God through prayer and scriptures. Centering Prayer is a silent form of prayer. It is not like the type of prayer we are used to, like praying out loud or asking for something or even giving thanks. It is moving deep within ourselves, in silence, saying nothing, asking nothing, just intending to be in the presence of God. It expresses our desire to have God speak to us. Lectio Divina is a meditative reading of scripture rather than analytical study. Both come from the monastic tradition. Contemplative practices are a valuable part of any Christian's spiritual life.

The Centering Prayer group meets Tuesdays at St. Peter's from 4:30 - 6:00. It supports those who do (or would like to) incorporate contemplative practices in their life. Each week we have fellowship; a 20-minute silent Centering Prayer session; an "activity" (Lectio Divina, a tape, book discussion); a discussion based on the activity. Our group is affiliated with Contemplative Outreach. The North County Chapter of Contemplative Outreach (CONSD) has a web page with links to other interesting sites. http://www.consd.com/ John Wavrik (jjwavrik@ucsd.edu, 858-755-8437)

REUNION GROUPS

Weekly men's and women's prayer and sharing groups which are part of the on-going life for those who have attended a Cursillo weekend (see below).
Everyone is invited whether or not they have attended a Cursillo.
Currently we have two men's and two women's groups meeting
A basic format directs group process

HOME GROUPS**

By Hank George, Vestry Member

The first Christians met together in small groups in their homes and in the temple courts to engage in fellowship and prayer, and to learn the teachings of the apostles. The Christian Church began with small groups and today small groups continue to be the venue where Christians can function best as members of the body of Christ. As the Acts of the Apostles tells us, “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.” (2:46)

We still worship together on Sundays as a church body, but only in a small group can we as Christians experience the genuine inter-personal community that is part of being in the body of Christ. For we are all part of the body of Christ, and each one of us has a part to play in that body. As Paul tells us, “the body does not consist of one member but of many.” (I Cor 12:14) As Christians we are all part of the body of Christ, not isolated cells.

At St. Peter’s there are numerous opportunities to participate in or be part of a small group -- vestry, calling committee, choir, solo journeys, seniors, committees and taskforces that are formed for a specific purpose, and so on. We also have small groups that meet for spiritual growth and bible study and for education.

For a time after attending Sunday services at St. Peter’s, I felt that I was just a visitor, and not really a part of the church. But after joining the Tuesday morning Bible study, I bonded with the other members of the group, became part of a community here, and integrated myself as part of a church body within a larger church body. If you feel that you are just a church attendee and not part of a community at St Peters, I would urge you to join a small group or a committee, a bible study, or a home group.

Here is just a partial listing – in no particular order -- of small groups here at St. Peter’s: Choir, Bible Study, Married Couples, Singles, Daughters of the King (DOK), Education for Ministry (EfM), Centering Prayer, Anglican Fellowship, Seniors Fellowship, Seniors on the Go, Cursillo, Altar Guild, Wedding Guild, Thrift Shop Volunteers, Office Volunteers, Lay Eucharistic Visitors, Al-Anon, AA, Hospitality and Fellowship, Stewardship, Ushers, Listening Hearts, Healing Ministry, Prayer Chain, Greeters, Lectors, Acolytes. The list goes on and on. And new groups are being formed all the time.

For more information please contact Hank George at henryjgeo@AOL.com or at 858/509-2762. Or, contact the church office at 858/755-1616 or info@stpetersdelmar.net and one of the clergy will be happy to assist you in finding the group and community that is right for you.

ANGLICAN FELLOWSHIP OF PRAYER

An international ministry of prayer throughout the Anglican Communion
Open to both men and women. No experience needed
Meets every Wednesday at 9:30 AM in the library

ORDER OF THE DAUGHTERS OF THE KING (DOK)

A Church-wide Order for lay women, with a chapter at St. Peter's, est. in 2002
Committed to a life of prayer and service
Pray for the clergy and members of the parish, it's Vision and Mission, etc. and for the fulfillment of the Kingdom work done in and through St. Peter's
Serves under the direction of the rector

SEASONAL SERIES AND WORKSHOPS

LENTEN PROGRAMS

A five or six week series of study or teaching during Lent with seasonal implications
On Wednesday nights, preceded by worship and a supper
Suggestions for topics and/or speakers are gladly welcomed

ADVENT PROGRAMS

A three or four week series of study teaching during Advent with seasonal implications
On Wednesday nights, preceded by worship and a supper
Suggestions for topics and /or speakers is gladly welcomed

OTHER SEASONAL SERIES**
RETREATS

DIOCESAN CURSILLO CENTER

A three day weekend retreat sponsored by the Diocese and the National Church
For men and women, clergy and lay; two men's and two women's each year
Purpose of the movement is to help disciples grow in their spiritual life and deepen their understanding of the apostolic life to serve Christ and His Church

Followed up by weekly prayer and support groups called reunion groups ( see above)

MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER**

A two day retreat for married couples sponsored by the National Church
Purpose is to help healthy marriages become stronger

INDIVIDUAL AND GROUP RETREATS

Group retreats sponsored by the church, the diocese and other organization are available throughout the year

Individual directed or non-directed retreats are also available