CHS Education and Learning Opportunities – 2025 (PDF)
“To become like Christ as we serve others, proclaim God’s love, and grow in the spirit.”
In support of our mission, everyone in our community has the opportunity to nurture and grow their spirituality and faith. We are a learning community that offers a variety of opportunities for children and adults beyond the Sunday Worship service. We have prepared a list of options currently available and encourage input and suggestions for other education/learning ideas for our community.
The list includes a short description of the activity, days and time offered, and leader coordination and email, as well as a quote from someone who has been involved with this activity.
Please take time to prayerfully review and perhaps find those activities that might be of interest to you. There is room at the end for comments or suggestions and your name. Or contact Janet Matts [email protected] or Tricia Simpson-Curtin [email protected] with any questions/feedback.
Theology on Tap – Discussion of books, short stories, articles that are related to our faith, scripture, theology, church history, etc. Led by Rector or Interim Priest. Usually meet in person, except for the Winter months. Qtr. 1 ‘The Tao of Thomas Aquinas’ by Matthew Fox – Zoom sessions, 6 sessions.
Qtr. 3, 4 TBD
“Theology on Tap is good because I read things I wouldn’t necessarily read otherwise. It opens your mind up to new ideas and different possibilities. But mostly, it is about the community. It’s a way to get to know people better. It’s really very nice.” Roberta Maas
Bagels and Books – A book discussion group that reads secular best-selling books selected from the ‘book sets’ at the North Hunterdon County library, free of charge. Meets every two months after 10 am Sunday service. Led by Suzanne Higgins [email protected]
“It's a fun group! We read really interesting books that I'd probably not pick up on my own. The discussions are quite lively, and we almost always find a way to connect it back to our Christian beliefs. It's educational and enlightening.” Marge Keller
In support of our mission, everyone in our community has the opportunity to nurture and grow their spirituality and faith. We are a learning community that offers a variety of opportunities for children and adults beyond the Sunday Worship service. We have prepared a list of options currently available and encourage input and suggestions for other education/learning ideas for our community.
The list includes a short description of the activity, days and time offered, and leader coordination and email, as well as a quote from someone who has been involved with this activity.
Please take time to prayerfully review and perhaps find those activities that might be of interest to you. There is room at the end for comments or suggestions and your name. Or contact Janet Matts [email protected] or Tricia Simpson-Curtin [email protected] with any questions/feedback.
Theology on Tap – Discussion of books, short stories, articles that are related to our faith, scripture, theology, church history, etc. Led by Rector or Interim Priest. Usually meet in person, except for the Winter months. Qtr. 1 ‘The Tao of Thomas Aquinas’ by Matthew Fox – Zoom sessions, 6 sessions.
Qtr. 3, 4 TBD
“Theology on Tap is good because I read things I wouldn’t necessarily read otherwise. It opens your mind up to new ideas and different possibilities. But mostly, it is about the community. It’s a way to get to know people better. It’s really very nice.” Roberta Maas
Bagels and Books – A book discussion group that reads secular best-selling books selected from the ‘book sets’ at the North Hunterdon County library, free of charge. Meets every two months after 10 am Sunday service. Led by Suzanne Higgins [email protected]
“It's a fun group! We read really interesting books that I'd probably not pick up on my own. The discussions are quite lively, and we almost always find a way to connect it back to our Christian beliefs. It's educational and enlightening.” Marge Keller
Bible Study - Weekly discussion of Gospel reading for the following Sunday service, currently at Spinning Wheel Diner, weekly on Tuesdays at 7 am year-round. Deacon Dot [email protected] coordinates the sessions.
“Bible Study is a wonderful way to start your day! We read and contemplate the reading for the week. No need to commit to every week. Participants join when time allows.” Gabrielle Bolarakis
Sangha Meditation – Small Meditation community that meets in the Sanctuary, on the 2nd and 4th Mondays, 6:45 – 7:15 pm. Typical practice includes a short sitting meditation followed by a walking meditation, or a guided meditation, e.g. Tea Meditation. No experience needed. Chris Wylendowski [email protected] coordinates the sessions.
“Being together in quiet prayerfulness is calming, healing, and connecting for me.” Chris Wylendowski
Lenten Program – A four week Lenten program March 19, 26, April 2, 9, led in 2025 by Father Tim Mulder using the book, ‘Dancing in the Darkness: Spiritual Lessons for Thriving in Turbulent Times,’ by Otis Morris III. The book can be purchased on Amazon and we are planning to have the sessions in-person and available through Zoom. Sign up on-line or in the Narthex.
“Having participated in past Lenten programs, a good opportunity to focus on our faith and share thoughts and actions that help to strengthen that faith during the holy season of Lent.” Janet Matts
Documentaries and Discussion – A new addition that focuses on a key issue related to our Mission: “To become like Christ as we serve others, proclaim God’s love, and grow in the spirit.” We will watch a documentary or movie, followed by a discussion in Dove Hall. Contact Tricia Simpson-Curtin [email protected]. Some examples include:
Other Possible Ideas:
Spirituality and Aging...how our faith deepens as we age
Reaffirmation of Faith curriculum – Reconstruct what used to be a process for those in the church that were fairly new or wanted to learn more about the history of the church and the Episcopal faith, and deepen their understanding.
Reaffirmation of Wedding Vows – Has been done in the past at CHS.
“Bible Study is a wonderful way to start your day! We read and contemplate the reading for the week. No need to commit to every week. Participants join when time allows.” Gabrielle Bolarakis
Sangha Meditation – Small Meditation community that meets in the Sanctuary, on the 2nd and 4th Mondays, 6:45 – 7:15 pm. Typical practice includes a short sitting meditation followed by a walking meditation, or a guided meditation, e.g. Tea Meditation. No experience needed. Chris Wylendowski [email protected] coordinates the sessions.
“Being together in quiet prayerfulness is calming, healing, and connecting for me.” Chris Wylendowski
Lenten Program – A four week Lenten program March 19, 26, April 2, 9, led in 2025 by Father Tim Mulder using the book, ‘Dancing in the Darkness: Spiritual Lessons for Thriving in Turbulent Times,’ by Otis Morris III. The book can be purchased on Amazon and we are planning to have the sessions in-person and available through Zoom. Sign up on-line or in the Narthex.
“Having participated in past Lenten programs, a good opportunity to focus on our faith and share thoughts and actions that help to strengthen that faith during the holy season of Lent.” Janet Matts
Documentaries and Discussion – A new addition that focuses on a key issue related to our Mission: “To become like Christ as we serve others, proclaim God’s love, and grow in the spirit.” We will watch a documentary or movie, followed by a discussion in Dove Hall. Contact Tricia Simpson-Curtin [email protected]. Some examples include:
- “Will and Harper” - When Will Ferrell finds out his close friend of 30 years is coming out as a trans woman, the two decide to embark on a cross-country road trip to process this new stage of their relationship in an intimate portrait of friendship and transition.
- “A Case for Love” - The teachings and writings of Episcopal Bishop Michael Curry, most well-known for his passionate sermon about “The Power of Love” at the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. This feature-length documentary examines the question of whether or not love, specifically—unselfish—love, is the solution to the extreme societal and political divide facing the world.
Other Possible Ideas:
Spirituality and Aging...how our faith deepens as we age
Reaffirmation of Faith curriculum – Reconstruct what used to be a process for those in the church that were fairly new or wanted to learn more about the history of the church and the Episcopal faith, and deepen their understanding.
Reaffirmation of Wedding Vows – Has been done in the past at CHS.