Click on the titles of each of these courses to read a full description, learn about the instructor, and see an outline of the course. You'll need to fill out the below information however, to get a password to access the course in our churches' school, "Beyond Our Windows". Please do NOT sign up via ChurchNext's website!
Each "course" consists of several sections or "classes" that you do not have to take in one sitting. Each course (in its entirety) can be accomplished in an hour or less. You can take it on your computer, iPad or simply listen to it via the mp3 files within each course's webpage. YOU CAN BEGIN AT ANY TIME - THERE IS NO DEADLINE! In each course you will also have the opportunity to "chat" with others from St. Matthew's and/or Wilton Presbyterian who are also taking the course. Check out more announcements via our Facebook page or the weekly e-news from St. Matthew's or Wilton Presbyterian.
Courses include several "class sessions" of a short video presentation from the speaker (5 minutes or less each), then a few questions to spur your learning. For those who like to take quizzes to see how you are doing, that is an option - but you can skip them, and still "pass" the class!
Each "course" consists of several sections or "classes" that you do not have to take in one sitting. Each course (in its entirety) can be accomplished in an hour or less. You can take it on your computer, iPad or simply listen to it via the mp3 files within each course's webpage. YOU CAN BEGIN AT ANY TIME - THERE IS NO DEADLINE! In each course you will also have the opportunity to "chat" with others from St. Matthew's and/or Wilton Presbyterian who are also taking the course. Check out more announcements via our Facebook page or the weekly e-news from St. Matthew's or Wilton Presbyterian.
Courses include several "class sessions" of a short video presentation from the speaker (5 minutes or less each), then a few questions to spur your learning. For those who like to take quizzes to see how you are doing, that is an option - but you can skip them, and still "pass" the class!
Take as many as you like from one or more of these courses:
Personal Growth
- How to Handle the Work-Life Balance with Dr. David Gray (a Presbyterian pastor and author of Practicing Balance: How Congregations Can Promote Harmony in Work and Life) will focus on strategies for achieving a proper work/life balance for the stressful world we live in where we are trying to balance work, family, friends, and personal time in a busy life.
- How to Pray with Christopher Martin (an Episcopal priest, writer, pastor, and founder of The Restoration Project, a nationwide movement that helps people deepen their faith. Every one of us knows that we are called to "pray without ceasing," and yet we often aren't sure what prayer actually is or how best to do it. This course is an inspiring and engaging introduction to building a satisfying, life-giving prayer life, by: learning how to make daily intentional prayer a habit; exploring some of the various ways Christians pray; and we will understand how prayer can help us on our own journeys.
- Praying with Icons with The Reverend Dr. Randall Warren introduces us to the ancient and sacred practice of praying with icons. He discusses the reasons for their creation and use, the fraught history of icons in the Western Christian Church, and then offers some guidance on how to pray with icons in our own devotions. Along the way, he walks us through several beautiful and famous icons, teaching us some of their most prominent symbols and meanings.
- How to Help a Sick Friend with Joyce Mercer, Presbyterian pastor and professor of practical theology at Virginia Theological Seminary. So you've got to visit a dear one who's ill and hurting - what do you do? Tending to the sick and hurting is one of the most obvious ministries Jesus passed on to us – but one of the most challenging for Christians to undertake. Whether it’s in the hospital, retirement facility, funeral home, or the house across the street, Christians are called to be Jesus’ healing hands to a hurting world - and this course can help you do so.
- How to Deal with Difficult People. Dealing well with difficult people is often an ability that comes with maturity - ours and others. In this course Peter Steinke, an expert in Family Systems Theory, goes over basic dynamics of healthy relationships at home and in church.
- Start a Family Devotional Time with The Rev. Canon Anne Kitch (noted author of The Anglican Family Prayer Book and other books for children) will help you take practical and meaningful steps toward enhancing your family's spiritual journey.
- Lent for Families with The Rev. Canon Kim Baker (long-time educator at the Washington National Cathedral) will offer practical tips for families to grow in personally and spiritually with activities for this Holy season.
- The Spirituality of Children. Understanding our children's spiritual journey can them grow up with a healthy and helpful faith, and give us a sense of confidence in ministering to children. In this class author and teacher Catherine Maresca gives us a basic understanding of the spiritual underpinnings of children 0-6 and 6-12 years old.
- How to Be a Crazy Christian with Bishop Michael Curry (North Carolina) offers that class that was taken by over 8,000 people world-wide in February 2013. Bishop Curry is one of the most inspiring and enthusiastic preachers in the Episcopal Church today, offering a clear call to reinvigorate the Church through Christ's transforming power.
- Introduction to Church History with Eric Williams. Our study of Church History will tap into the highs and lows, and important milestones from Jesus’ day to this day, as a way to help us deepen our understanding of God’s work through Christ and in our lives.
- Introducing Stewardship. Jesus talked about money more than anything else (except the kingdom of God), so why don't we talk about it more? Veteran consultant Kristine Miller helps us address our shyness and encourages us with practical and effective strategies.
- The Episcopal Tradition with The Reverend Frank Wade (St. Alban's Episcopal Church in Washington, D.C.), a popular teacher and author of many books including Transforming Scripture.
- Holy Communion 101 with the Reverend James Hamilton explores the wonder and majesty of The Lord's Supper as it has been celebrated for centuries. However, for all its beauty, Holy Communion can be hard to understand. In this class, we'll unpack some of the richness found in experiencing Holy Communion - whether you call it the Mass or the Holy Eucharist - it is for you!
- Introducing Episcopal Worship with the Reverend James Hamilton. Liturgical worship is beautiful, complicated, and rich in meaning, and thus is incredibly rewarding. In this class you'll explore the significance and value of Episcopal worship.
- Preparing for Your Infant or Child's Baptism with Canon Anne Kitch. Baptism may be the best gift a parent can give a child. This sacrament of initiation is the first step in a deeper understanding of God and the message of love found in the Bible, For those preparing to have an infant or child baptized in the Episcopal tradition, Anne Kitch gives us a solid background and framework for getting our minds around baptism.
- Introducing the Altar Guild. They're the unseen, but irreplaceable ministers of beauty and decorum: the altar guild. Few ministries have such a deep and lasting impact on our spirituality as the members of this group who tend to the aesthetics of our common life. In this course, Hobey Hinchman, past president of the National Altar Guild Association, teaches us the basics of this time-honored ministry.
- The Presbyterian Tradition with Graham Standish. Finding its roots in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, then coming alongside the insights of John Calvin and John Knox, the Presbyterian Church provides a spiritual home to millions of people around the world. In this course, well-known author and pastor Graham Standish takes us through the history, core beliefs, practices, and distinctions of the Presbyterian Church.
- Presbyterian 101 (Note: these are NOT part of ChurchNext and can be accessed independently) is a site that offers a variety of information including history, theological stances, and social positions.
Choose one or more of these courses, whatever appeals to you. They will remain open, so keep coming back for more! Additional courses will be added as they become available via ChurchNext.