The 41st annual Thorne Sparkman School of Religion, hosted by St. Paul’s Episcopal Church with the active involvement of other local Episcopal parishes, will be held on Wednesday evenings, March 12 – April 9.
Established in 1973 through the vision and leadership of The Rev. John H. Bonner, Jr., who served as Rector of St. Paul’s, the Sparkman School’s purpose is to offer to the extended community, “the best in education in crucial areas including worship, ethics, liturgy, history, literature, music, and critical thinking.” Named in honor of The Rev. Thorne Sparkman, who served St. Paul’s Parish as Rector 1938-49, the School has become an important annual educational offering to those in our area.
The format of this year’s School features a keynote speaker on March 12 followed by five courses offered on subsequent Wednesday evenings (March 19 and 26; April 2 and 9). Participants may register for two classes each evening. Organ Mediations, Holy Eucharist, and Optional Dinner in Key-Andrews Hall will precede the presentations.
March 12: Keynote Speaker ~ The Very Reverend Samuel G. Candler, Dean of the Episcopal Cathedral of St. Philip, Atlanta
The Angle of Anglicanism: The Anglican Theological Tradition’s Grace ~ Valuable for Today’s World.
Course Offerings on March 19 and 26; April 2 and 9:
Exploring Enneagrams: The Reverend Tayve Morgan, Ordained elder in the United Methodist Church and Certified Counselor
The Enneagram is a personality typing tool, which combines the psychological and the spiritual. It is a great resource for assisting in identifying obstacles which prevent whole and healthy living.
Wendell Berry, An Appreciation: Dr. Verbie Prevost, George Connor Professor of American Literature, The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
An exploration of author Wendell Berry’s poems, essays, and fiction which convey his interrelated views on ecology, economy, community, pacifism, and Christianity.
The Nonviolent Christ: David Cook, Educator and City Columnist for the Chattanooga Times Free Press
A focus on developing a mature understanding of nonviolence and peacemaking rooted in Christ and his teachings.
God’s Secretaries: Dr. James Dunkly, Librarian and instructor of New Testament, Greek, and research and writing, The School of Theology of The University of the South at Sewanee
Based on Adam Nicolson’s work, God’s Secretaries, the course will explore the making of the King James Version of the Bible.
Coming to America – the Story of Christianity’s Journey to North America: Chris Carpenter, History Faculty, The McCallie School
An examination of how Christianity made its way to North America, the Spanish and British contributions to Christianity on the continent, and how the religion influenced colonial America.
Costs for the School:
Advance registration for all five evenings, $35; Meals for all five evenings, $35 or $7 per evening.
Brochures and registration forms available early February by contacting the Church Office cardwell@stpaulschatt.org or 423 266-8195 or via the web at www.stpaulschatt.org.