Christian Enrichment & Exploration

We offer classes on different topics. In the fall of 2024, there was a webinar on Christianity in Conversation with Other Religious Beliefs. In April and May 2025, Emmanuel will offer a class on Discernment of Spirits, in other words, developing the ability to understand the movement of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

Bible Study classes are held on Thursdays at 10:45 am in the Upper Parish. They pursue a course of study on a designated topic or theme for a stated period of time.

Sunday Forum- An informal discussion group for adults meets each Sunday at 9:00 am for coffee and to discuss a topic focused on scripture or the teachings of the Episcopal church.

Inquirers Class– Periodic classes are scheduled for those interested in learning more about the Episcopal faith or becoming full members of the Episcopal Church.

Discernment of Spirits:

We all have all kinds of urges and desires popping up all the time: to eat something, to marry someone, to pursue a particular career, to goof off, to nap, to run away and join the circus! The question is: how do I know which of my urges and feelings come from God and lead me closer to God, and which ones move me away from God? It isn’t always clear. That’s where the discernment of spirits comes in. It is an ancient Christian practice following up on St. Paul’s advice: “Test everything that is said; hold fast to what is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21).

In this five-part webinar led by the Rev. Dr. John Reardon, Priest-in-Charge of Emmanuel Cumberland and St. John’s Frostburg, we looked at different facets of the life of faith. You can find video recordings of the classes on our YouTube channel.