St. Andrew's has a variety of groups that gather to learn more about the world we live in, current events in religion and spirituality. Feel free to join any of the groups when they meet, or call our church office for more details.

Tuesday Discussion Group

The Tuesday Evening Adult Study Group takes up various topics: Biblical study, different spiritualities, spiritual process, ancient studies, modern works.  The group’s discussion (including prayer and meditation) is based on either a prior reading of parts of a book or on a half hour DVD presentation by well-known teachers. The group values understanding the topic within the context of our daily lives guided by God’s Spirit; they meet most Tuesday nights at 7:30 pm in the Fireside Room.

The group has focused on a review and discussion of the book, Christ of the Celts, The Healing of Creation, by J. Phillip Newell. In late Fall, Fr. Charlie and Scott Mack, a biochemist, discussed science vs. religion. The group recently watched discussed the PBS program, “God in America.” During Lent, Fr. Charlie led a discussion series called "Walking the Bible in Lent: A Video Journey."

The discussion group resumes this winter; join Rev. Kelly in discussing the "Theology of Music." Scripture offers many references to singing, even offering 150 psalms. Even Jesus and his disciples sang together before going to pray at Gethsemane. But really, why sing? Or, when sing? Or, does God really think everybody can sing? Please sign up at the Booth and find out!

Participants should read this article from Call to Worship prior to the first discussion. More readings will be posted here as the group continues.

St. Scholastica Guild

The St. Scholastica Guild is the women's book club at St. Andrew's and all women in the parish are invited to join. We meet at 11:30 am in the Fireside Room on the first Sunday of each month.

The book club is named for St. Scholastica, sister of St. Benedict, who founded her own monastery near her brother’s. St. Scholastica is a guild of the Episcopal Church Women (ECW). In April, 1999, Edythe Peters brought together a group of women for lively, thoughtful discussions of books about women and spirituality and we’ve been meeting and exchanging ideas ever since.

While we don’t agree with every author, we read books that encourage us to seek more information and talk about the issues. If you enjoy books and spirited discussions, welcome to St. Scholastica.

A Sample of Books Read

• A History of the Episcopal Church by Robert W. Prichard
• A Wing and a Prayer: A Message of Faith and Hope by Katharine Jefferts Schori
• God is One, the Way of Islam by R. Marston Speight
• Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson
• Six New Gospels, New Testament Women Tell Their Stories by Margaret Hebblethwaite
• Sundays in America, a Yearlong Road Trip in Search of Christian Faith by Suzanne Strempek Shea
• Rebekah, the Women of Genesis Trilogy by Orson Scott Card
• Rachel and Leah, the Women of Genesis Trilogy by Orson Scott Card
• The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown
• Mary Called Magdalene by Margaret George
  

Events and Trips

St. Scholastica also organizes trips and activities for the whole parish. Trips and events have included:

• The Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles
• The Dead Sea Scrolls exhibit at the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana
• High Tea at the Huntington Library
• Discussion of the Stations of the Cross
• Discussion and screening of the movie The Last Temptation of Christ
• Celebrated Mary Magdalene’s saint’s day (July 22) with an entire program intended to dispel myths about this disciple. We created a movie showing how Mary was depicted in art through the centuries and we served the parish snacks that were appropriate to the time of Jesus.
   

St. Andrews Mid-Week Service

Held on Thursday mornings at 10 am, the service begins with Morning Prayer, then the Eucharist followed by a short healing service. The people participate by reading the scriptures and commenting after the homily. We have many interesting discussions about poetry, articles, feast days, and other topics.

The service is held, even if the priest is away, by eliminating the Eucharist. Lay Eucharist Ministers lead the service, everyone participates in the healing service, and one of the parishioners offers a homily.

The small number of participants (12 - 20) and the opportunity for discussion create a special sense of intimacy and community not found in larger services. We have retired people, at-home moms, and sometimes students on vacation join us.

The service lasts about an hour. All are welcome.

Centering Prayer

Contemplative prayer is an ancient practice dating back to the earliest days of the church.  It has inspired the works of figures such as John of the Cross, Teresa of Avila and Thomas Merton. 

During these times of challenge and transition, it’s sometimes difficult to let go of our preoccupations and   emotional responses and simply be present to God. We know God loves us and is in all circumstances but we yearn for a deeper experience of His presence. Centering prayer is a way to help us quiet down and make us more available to our loving God.

Compline

Compline is a peaceful, poetic set of prayers said at day's end. It is descended from the night prayers said before bed at the end of the monastic round of daily prayer. Compline is a simple service including a confession of sins, one or more psalms, a short reading from scripture, verses and responses, the Lord's Prayer, collects (prayers) which ask for God's protection during the night to come, and the canticle Nunc dimittis. The collects may be followed by a time of silence, along with free intercessions and thanksgivings.

If you are interested in participating in this time of silent reflection and chanted prayer, join us Monday evenings at 6:30 pm in the Sanctuary.