Adult Enrichment

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Lenten Program 2024

by Church Staff

Manakin and St. Luke’s will be moving through the season of Lent together with weekly programs that will explore the Bishop’s Five Initiatives and how they are applicable to our daily lives. Through our time together, we will gain a deeper understanding of these guiding principles to enrich our growth in community, worship, prayer and study.

Each Wednesday, we’ll hold a potluck dinner at 5:30 p.m. followed by a program that begins at 6:15 p.m. The schedule and locations are as follows:

February 21 – at Manakin: Dale+ presenting on Rule of Life

February 28 –at St. Luke’s: Gini+ presenting on Creation Care

March 6 – at Manakin: Dale+ presenting on Becoming Beloved Community

March 13 – at St. Luke’s: Gini+ presenting on Evangelism – Telling our stories

March 20 – at Manakin: Connection – Celtic Evensong

All are invited to join us.

Lenten Program 2023

by Church Staff

You are invited:
“…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).

During this season of preparation, Manakin and St. Luke’s will be joining together for a series of Lenten programs in which we will explore worship.

In the Anglican tradition we embrace that our worship is formational. “To stand before the Holy One of eternity is to change” (Richard Foster). Dale+ (St. Luke’s) and Gini+ (Manakin) will offer different worship experiences that will help us renew our minds in the spiritual act of worship.

Our program will include two gatherings each Wednesday, at alternating locations. We will hold a Healing Service at noon, after which, we’ll share time together for lunch (bring your own lunch). In the evenings, we will hold a service at 6:00 p.m., followed by a potluck dinner.

March 1
12:00 p.m. – Healing Service at St. Luke’s
6:00 p.m. – Evening Prayer (BCP) at Manakin

March 8
12:00 p.m. – Healing Service at Manakin
6:00 p.m. – Taize Service at St. Luke’s

March 15
12:00 p.m. – Healing Service at St. Luke’s
6:00 p.m. – Celtic Service at Manakin

March 22
12:00 p.m. – Healing Service at Manakin
6:00 p.m. – Stations of the Cross at St. Luke’s

March 29
12:00 p.m. – Healing Service at St. Luke’s
6:00 p.m. – Service of Holy Eucharist (New Zealand Prayer Book) at Manakin

April 5
12:00 p.m. – Healing Service at Manakin
6:00 p.m. – Tenebrae at St. Luke’s

Those attending 12:00 p.m. services are invited to bring their lunch. Those attending the 6:00 p.m. service are invited to bring a dish to share at the potluck dinner.

2022 Lenten Program

by Church Staff

You are invited to join us during Lent as we explore the topic, “Walking with Jesus during Holy Week.” This year’s program brings together Manakin Episcopal Church and St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, with program locations alternating between the two churches. Through presentations, we will gain an understanding of the importance of each service during Holy Week. As we journey with Christ to the cross, the meaning of the services and music will become more relevant in our growth. All the services we discuss during this program will be offered at St. Luke’s, Manakin or both during Holy Week.

The program will include daytime, online and evening options.

In addition, to support your personal practices during Lent, we share Lenten Journey 2022 booklet.

DAYTIME PROGRAM
This program will begin at noon and will be available in person and online. If you’d like to attend in person, please bring your own lunch. The program will conclude with Noonday prayers.

To join the noon program by Zoom, use this link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85799443998?pwd=MmRBNXYzVlRFd2lRL1RmaGJYTWxDdz09
Meeting ID: 857 9944 3998 Passcode: 519105

EVENING PROGRAM
This program will begin at 6:00 p.m. with a potluck dinner. Please bring a dish to share. The program will conclude with Compline.

SCHEDULE (Please note the church location for each program)

March 9
Gini+ Presenter (Palm Sunday)
Noon – Bag Lunch at Manakin (also offered through Zoom)
6:00 p.m. – Potluck Dinner at St. Luke’s

March 16
Dale+ Presenter (Tenebrae)
Noon – Bag Lunch at St. Luke’s (also offered through Zoom)
6:00 p.m. – Potluck Dinner at Manakin

March 23
Gini+ Presenter (Maundy Thursday)
Noon – Bag Lunch at Manakin (also offered through Zoom)
6:00 p.m. – Potluck Dinner at St. Luke’s

March 30
Dale+ Presenter (Good Friday and Stations of the Cross)
Noon – Bag Lunch at St. Luke’s (also offered through Zoom)
6:00 p.m. – Potluck Dinner at Manakin

April 6
Gini+ and Dale+ Presenters (Holy Saturday and Easter Sunrise Service)
Noon – Bag Lunch at Manakin (also offered through Zoom)
6:00 p.m. – Potluck Dinner at St. Luke’s

Getting to Know Jesus Through Pilgrimage

by Church Staff

UPDATE AS OF MARCH 24, 2020: Due to the rapidly changing situation involving the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), Bishop Haynes has cancelled all church activities in the Diocese until further notice. 

Join us on Wednesday evenings as we gather for a potluck dinner and Lenten program. During our program, Getting to Know Jesus Through Pilgrimage, Rev. Gini DiStanislao and Christian Formation Director Julie Eliades will lead us on a journey of discovery. Visit the places where Jesus lived in a visual account captured by Gini+ and the other pilgrims who recently returned from the Holy Land, and along the way, get to know Jesus in a new way.

Manakin’s Lenten program will take place on:

March 4
March 11
March 18 (cancelled as of March 12)
March 25 (cancelled as of March 12)
April 1 (cancelled as of March 24)

The potluck dinner will begin at 6:30 p.m., followed by the program from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.

 

Marking Advent at Manakin

by Church Staff

Advent marks the beginning of our Church year, and Manakin invites you to participate in its upcoming Advent activities.

Adult Forum: A Meaningful Advent
Sunday, December 1
9:00 a.m. in Denny Hall
During this forum, led by The Rev. Gini DiStanislao and Director of Christian Formation Julia Eliades, we will explore the ways you and your family can fully immerse yourself in the Advent season. We will share ideas and practices that will reduce stress and allow you opportunities for intentional prayer and reflection throughout the season.

Decorating the Chrismon Tree
Sunday, December 1
After the 10:00 a.m. service in Denny Hall
We’ll come together to mark the first Sunday in Advent by decorating the Chrismon Tree. Chrismons are ornaments that declare the name, the life and the saving acts of Jesus Christ.

Advent Lessons and Carols
Sunday, December 8
10:00 a.m. in the church
During our service, music and readings will help us prepare for the coming of the Messiah.

Adult Forum: Sharing your Favorite Crèche
Sunday, December 15
9:00 a.m. in Denny Hall
Crèches, a representation of the scene of Jesus Christ’s birth, are displayed in many of our homes at Christmas. The Rev. Gini DiStanislao and Director of Christian Formation Julia Eliades will guide us in a conversation about the crèche, and attendees are invited to bring in their favorite crèche and share its special meaning.

Advent Bible Study
Tuesday, December 17
9:30 a.m. in Denny Hall
Our Tuesday morning class will gather for a time of prayer, study and reflection as we prepare to celebrate the coming of the Savior Jesus.

Finding Peace and Quiet
Wednesday, December 18
12:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. in the church
Stop by the church for a break from the busyness of the season. Say a prayer, light a candle and give yourself the gift of peace.

September 15: Christian Formation Kick-off

by Church Staff

As we say goodbye to summer, we offer a sunny hello to a new year of Christian formation for all ages! This year, we continue to follow the Way of Love, as we explore Faith4: Formation, Fingerprints, Fellowship & Fun. Join us at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, September 15 for breakfast and our program. We’ll talk about our offerings for all ages, explore the uniqueness of our individual fingerprints, and bless backpacks, as well as commission teachers, acolytes, choir members, lay readers, and youth nursery volunteers.

Explore the Gospel of Mary

by Church Staff

Interested in learning more about the Bible? Then, join us this summer for Manakin’s Bible Study class. Led by Julia Eliades, our director of Christian formation, we are examining the teachings of Jesus as witnessed by Mary Magdalene.

All are welcome to join is the conversation. The class meets at 9:30 a.m. on July 9, July 16, August 6 and August 13.

Summer Adult Forums Focus on Nooma

by Church Staff

In today’s busy world, we sometimes forget to pause, take a breath, and allow ourselves to feel God’s presence and love. To help us find ways to raise our awareness of God in our everyday lives, Manakin’s summer Sunday Adult Forums will focus on Nooma. Nooma comes from the Greek word “pneuma,” which means spirit, breath or wind, and it is the focus of a series of short videos produced by Rob Bell, an American author, speaker and former pastor. These short videos are designed to be thought-provoking and to spark conversations that will help us grow our faith and refresh our spirits.

Join us in Denny Hall at 9:00 a.m. on July 7, July 21, August 4 and August 18 for these Adult Forums, and get ready to be inspired!

Women’s Retreat

by Church Staff

On Saturday, May 18, Manakin Episcopal Church is hosting a one-day retreat for women called “Bee-ing in Balance.”  When our lives are in balance, we are grounded and centered in God’s love; we are connected to our Creator and our own creativity; and we are intentional about caring for ourselves in mind, body and spirit.

The retreat will feature three presenters: Mimi Weaver, a certified spiritual director and life coach. She has 30 years of experience leading retreats and is excited to come to Manakin to share her thoughts and experience on “being in balance.” Halsey Dillard is a certified Virginia Nurseryman and has spent her life in nature and “bee-ing creative.” Halsey will help retreat participants learn to use flowers to tap into their Creator within and into their own creativity. Maggie Parker Brunner, a personal trainer and fitness director at Burkwood Club will show participants exercises that will strengthen their bodies and help them stay in balance.    

The retreat starts at 9:30 a.m. in Denny Hall at Manakin Episcopal Church (attendees may want to arrive a few minutes early to enjoy coffee) and will end at 2:30 p.m. Lunch will be catered. The cost to attend the retreat $15.  Call the church office at 794-6401 to reserve your spot.

Lenten Program – “What Wondrous Love: Holy Week in Word and Art”

by Church Staff

During the season of Lent, Manakin will explore the stories of the last days of Jesus’ ministry through its program, “What Wondrous Love: Holy Week in Word and Art.” Each Wednesday during the season (March 13, March 20, March 27, April 3, and April 10), we’ll delve deeper into the mystery of the cross and God’s great and wondrous love for us. Each week, scripture will be brought to life by the vivid artwork of artist John August Swanson and by insights offered on DVD by professors from the Chandler School of Theology at Emory University. Stories will include the raising of Lazarus; the entry into Jerusalem; the washing of the feet; the last supper; and the betrayal that leads to the arrest and death of Jesus on a cross.

Each Wednesday, we’ll gather at 6:30 p.m. for a potluck meal (please see suggested guidelines below for dinner dishes). Then, from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m., we’ll examine Holy Week stories.

Bring a friend, and join us on this spiritual journey!

Potluck Dinners: Bring a dish to share based on the first letter of your last name!

March 13
A-D Side Dish or Bread
E-L Dessert
M-Q Main Dish
R-Z Vegetable or Salad

March 20
A-D Dessert
E-L Main Dish
M-Q Vegetable or Salad
R-Z Side Dish or Bread

March 27
A-D Main Dish
E-L Vegetable or Salad
M-Q Side Dish or Bread
R-Z Dessert

April 3
A-D Vegetable or Salad
E-L Side Dish or Bread
M-Q Dessert
R-Z Main Dish

April 10
A-D Side Dish or Bread
E-L Dessert
M-Q Main Dish
R-Z Vegetable or Salad