Grow in Christ

 A House Built on a Rock: the Early Church

“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.”                   Matt 7:24

We often think of Pentecost as the birthday of the church, because it was then that Jesus’ promise to send the Holy Spirit was fulfilled. How did the church grow from a small, itinerant band of ordinary women and men into a robust institution spanning continents and eventually the world? What challenges were faced by the Apostles and the first Christians? How did they respond, and how did their responses – guided by the Holy Spirit – shape the future direction of the church? What lessons can we learn that may help us face today’s challenges?

In this course, we will focus on the period from the Ascension of Christ until AD 325, the year of the first ecumenical council at Nicaea.  The class is open to all who are interested. No special background or preparation is required. Class will meet at 9:30 in the church near the St. Mark’s altar starting October 11.  Meetings will last at most 45 minutes.

How Do I Live a Good Life? 

A study of the Bible’s Wisdom Books, 2026-2027

How can I be good at life? The Bible has a handful of books that seek to answer this question from many perspectives: the wise teacher, the cynic, the lover, the sufferer, and the disciple.

Starting fall 2026, you’re invited to grow in fellowship and faith by exploring these great books as part of a small group in a parishioner’s home. Our groups will meet for 90 minutes, once per month. Light refreshments will be served.

Here is the schedule of topics:

September: Proverbs – Meet Lady Wisdom

October: Proverbs – the Sayings

November: Ecclesiastes – a Cynic’s perspective

December: (Break)

January: Song of Songs/Wisdom Psalms – Divine Romance

February: Job – The Collapse of a Good Man’s World

March: Job – Three friends speak

April: Job – God speaks

May: James – the New Testament wisdom book

The Small Group Hosts and Meeting times are as follows:

1. Third Thursdays at 7 pm (first meeting on Sept. 17)

Home of Katie Brillat and Sam Haynes.

2. Third Fridays at 2 pm (first meeting on Sept. 18) 

Home of Donna Hershey

You can sign up to be part of a small group by emailing Mtr. Christina at priest@stpeterschurchalbany.org

Our parish prays together for special church seasons in the early morning on Zoom. Check back here in late November (start of Advent) for our next Morning Prayer cycle.