Adult Forum Resources

Explore materials from recent Sunday adult forums.

What is liturgy?

February 15 • 10 AM • Parish Hall & Zoom – Episcopalians seem to get very excited about liturgy. But what are we talking about exactly? What ideas do each of us bring to our sense of liturgy and how it should be done? And how do we engage fully in this central ministry of the church? Gabe spoke all about it.

  • February 15 Adult Forum Zoom recording – presentation begins at 4:55 mark in recording

Remembering MLK

January 18 • 10 AM – On MLK Sunday, we shared and listened to personal memories of the assassination of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. How did you hear the news? How did it affect you, your family, or your community? And what feels different or the same today? Those who were too young to remember were especially invited to come listen.

  • January 18 Adult Forum Zoom recording – presentation begins at 3:45 mark in recording

Vestry 101

December 21 • 10 AM – Have you ever wondered just what the vestry does? Several former vestry members came together to reveal the work, share their experiences, and answer your questions. Join us to see part of what makes St. Philip’s work and maybe discover how you could fit in!

  • December 21 Adult Forum Zoom recording – presentation begins at 3:07 mark in recording

UMD-St. Philip’s Partnership

December 14 • 10 AM – Viki Baker, the director of community engagement at UMD, joined us for a special forum. Hear about UMD’s needs as we explore together how to nurture and strengthen our partnership. Come be a part of this important and holy work!

  • December 14 Adult Forum Zoom recording – presentation begins at 2:30 mark in recording

Tales from Diocesan Convention

November 23 • 10 AM – Our diocesan convention for the Diocese of North Carolina happened in Winston-Salem this past Friday and Saturday, with clergy and lay delegates attending from every parish and mission from Rocky Mount to Charlotte. At this adult forum, we reported back what happened this year. Tune in to hear about any new legislation passed, activities, and moments to remember.

  • November 23 Adult Forum Zoom recording – presentation begins at 7:27 mark in recording

The Episcopal Church by the Numbers: Analysis of the 2024 Parochial Report

November 16 • 10 AM – Do you ever wonder what happens to the numbers we gather for the parochial report that we send to the diocese (and on to the national church) each year? Recently, we’ve received a helpful analysis of the numbers and statistics for the whole Episcopal Church in 2024. What do the numbers mean about where we’ve been, where we are, and where we’re headed? Gabe will led us through the presentation with plenty of time for questions.

  • November 16 Adult Forum Zoom recording – presentation begins at 3:00 mark in recording

Wondering Together: Questions to Open Faith

November 9 • 10 AM – Following Jesus involves not just hearing and understanding his story and teachings – it also requires making connections between the Gospel, the stories of our lives, and the blessings and challenges that meet us every day. Wondering about things together is a great way to tap into our common faith, encounter the living Christ, and encourage one another in this way of living. Join us for some practice wondering together.

  • November 9 Adult Forum Zoom recording – presentation begins at 6:30 mark in recording

Finding the Humanity in Substance Use Disorders

October 19 – Parishioner Erin Hanlin led a discussion on the epidemiology, physiology, and psychosocial trauma caused by drugs of abuse. Erin is an emergency medicine physician at Duke University Hospital and serves as the associate medical director for Durham County Emergency Medical Services.

  • October 19 Adult Forum Zoom recording – presentation begins at 5:02 mark in recording

Creation Care in Action

October 5 – What is St. Philip’s doing to care for God’s creation – and what can you do at home? Members of our Creation Care ministry spoke about parish initiatives to reduce our environmental impact. They also shared highlights from NC Climate Week, including practical steps for reducing carbon emissions through electrification, solar power, electric vehicles, and heat pumps. Ideas, inspiration, and tangible next steps toward faithful climate action.

  • October 5 Adult Forum Zoom recording – presentation begins at 9:30 mark in recording

Truth-Telling: Our Parishioners from West Africa

September 28 – The Racial Justice and Reconciliation Committee led our second panel on truth-telling and race at St. Philip’s. This forum featured our parishioners from Liberia and Sierra Leone. How did they come to St. Philip’s? What was easy and what was hard about becoming part of our community? How were they welcomed, and how have they welcomed others? How have they seen St. Philip’s change? What more should we know? Join us as we listen, discuss, and learn from each other.

  • September 28 Adult Forum Zoom recording – presentation begins at 5:56 mark in recording

Natural Burial and Creation Care

September 21 – Natural burial, or “green burial,” is a simple and sacred way of returning to the earth after death. We held a discussion of this meaningful burial option and how it’s integrated into practices of creation care and climate action at Bluestem Conservation Cemetery in Orange County. Situated on 87-acres of former farmland, Bluestem’s land is being actively restored and cared for by a community of volunteers, neighbors, and future residents. Bluestem Co-director and Co-founder Heidi Hannapel and Sanctuary Steward Katie Mangum shared a brief presentation and then opened the floor for conversation.

Building Belonging Together

September 7 – The Stewardship Committee led a fun, interactive forum on how YOUR annual pledge supports all the good things happening at St. Philip’s. September 7 also marked the kick-off of our annual pledge campaign! Over the next five weeks we’ll explore how pledges fuel our ministry together. Mark your calendar for St. Philip’s Day & Commitment Sunday on Oct. 12, when we’ll celebrate our pledges and St. Philip’s Day with one big community celebration.

The Great Southeast Pollinator Census

August 24 – Pollinators like bees and butterflies are responsible for 1 out of 3 bites of food we take every day. And pollinators are crucial to healthy ecosystems! Liz Sappenfield led an opportunity to participate in the Great Southeast Pollinator Census. We divided into teams and fanned out around the campus to watch for pollinators at work. The Great Southeast Pollinator Census is a citizen science project created by the University of Georgia, designed to help anyone make a difference for pollinator conservation.

Wondering Together: Questions to Open Faith

August 17 – Following Jesus involves not just hearing and understanding his story and teachings – it also requires making connections between the Gospel, the stories of our lives, and the blessings and challenges we meet every day. Wondering about things together is a great way to tap into our common faith, encounter the living Christ, and encourage one another in this way of living. Join us for some practice wondering together.

  • August 17 Adult Forum Zoom recording – presentation begins at 5:00 mark in recording

Introduction to Education for Ministry

August 10 – Education for Ministry is a small-group formation program for laypeople that invites deeper reflection on faith, scripture, and how we live out our beliefs in the world. EfM mentors Paula Lombardi and Robin Kneeburg introduced the core practices of EfM – including prayer, study, theological reflection, and vocational discernment – and offered space for questions.

Get to Know Your Community Safety Department

August 3, 2025 – Ryan Smith, director of Durham’s Community Safety Department (CSD), and Leigh Mazur, CSD clinical manager, spoke about current and developing CSD programs, how they effect St. Philippians and our neighbors, and how people can get involved to support them. We talked about the H.E.A.R.T. program and its expansion, the new Office of Survivor Care for survivors and family members of gun violence, and CSD’s new role in managing the city’s homeless services.

Celtic Christianity Q&A

July 27, 2025 – The Rev. Bill Livingston led a Celtic Christianity Retreat at St. Philip’s on Saturday, July 26. Bill led a follow-up conversation at this forum exploring this ancient spiritual tradition. We explored questions raised by the retreat and forum attendees’ curiosity: What makes Celtic Christianity distinct? How does it shape how we see God, creation, and ourselves? What can this tradition offer us today?

Starting Conversations with Pictures

July 20, 2025 – We gathered to consider and share our thoughts on questions about our faith and common life using photographs to shake loose memories and engender insights.

  • June 20 Adult Forum Zoom recording – presentation begins at 9:30 mark in recording

Truth-telling: St. Philip’s and Racial History

June 29, 2025 – How has St. Philip’s responded to racial inequities throughout its history? Long-time parishioners David Smith, Dana Pritchett, Nancy Davis, and Charlie Steel reflected on their memories and experiences – what the parish has done, what’s been left undone, and how our story is shaped by the wider context of Durham.

  • June 29 Adult Forum Zoom recording – presentation begins at 12:00 mark in recording
  • Download “The Holy City” – 1963 sermon by Rector Bart Sherman, referenced during the forum

Filio-who?

June 22, 2025 – This season, the 9 a.m. service is using a slightly different version of the Nicene Creed. Why the change? Where did this version come from? And why does it say the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father… period? What happened to the Son? This forum took a closer look at the filioque clause – Latin for “and the Son” – a small phrase with a giant impact. (Did you know the debate over whether to include it helped spark the Great Schism between Eastern and Western Christianity in 1054?) Watch the recording for a deeper look at one of the most debated phrases in church history.

  • June 22 Adult Forum Zoom recording – presentation begins at 6:59 mark in recording

Rosita Stevens-Holsey on Pauli Murray

June 15, 2025 – We were joined this Sunday by Rosita Stevens-Holsey, niece of the Rev. Dr. Pauli Murray. A passionate advocate for preserving her aunt’s legacy, Rosita is the founder of Preserving Pauli Murray, LLC, and co-author of “Pauli Murray: The Life of a Pioneering Feminist & Civil Rights Activist.” Rosita shared stories from Pauli’s extraordinary life and about the lasting impact of this Durham native, legal trailblazer, Episcopal priest, and lifelong champion for justice.

Stump the Bishop

June 8, 2025 – This Pentecost Sunday, Bishop Sam Rodman joined us at the 9 and 11 a.m. services and for our 10 a.m. Sunday Forum, “Stump the Bishop.” Click the recording link below to hear Bishop Sam’s answers to people’s questions about the church, spirituality, and more.

  • June 8 Adult Forum Zoom recording – presentation begins at 4:10 mark in recording

What We Can Do

May 25, 2025 – This season of our public life often seems characterized by chaos and fear. As people of faith, what can we do to live our faith in a loving God? In this Sunday Forum, we heard from parishioners involved in organizations addressing that very question. Plus we looked at our vision statement for inspiration, and we addressed how we can care for ourselves.

  • May 25 Adult Forum Zoom recording – presentation begins at 9:55 mark in recording

Stagville Memorial Project

May 18, 2025 – Vanessa Hines and Tawannah Allen of the Stagville Memorial Project shared the vision for a new public art installation honoring the legacy of Stagville and its descendants. The project recently received approval from Durham City Council and will be located at the future entrance plaza of the Durham Rail Trail, near 501 W Main Street. St. Philip’s is proud to support this important work.

  • May 18 Adult Forum Zoom recording – presentation begins at 8:55 mark in recording

Easter Haiku Workshop

May 11, 2025 – Haikus are short poems with an easy structure that try to offer a moment of awakening or awareness. They’re perfect for Easter! How do you share the good news of Easter in a small package? Where do you see glimpses of new life around you? In this forum we wrote and shared haikus of the season.

  • May 11 Adult Forum Zoom recording – presentation begins at 0:50 mark in recording

Wondering Together: Tapping into Faith

May 4, 2025 – Following Jesus doesn’t just involve hearing and understanding his story and teachings. It also requires us to make connections between the Gospel, the stories of our lives, and the blessings and challenges that meet us every day. Wondering about these things together is a great way to tap into our common faith, encounter the living Christ, and encourage one another in this way of living. Join us for some practice wondering together.

  • May 2 Adult Forum Zoom recording – presentation begins at 3:43 mark in recording

Exploring our Vision Statement

March 16, March 23, April 6 – We have a beautiful new vision statement! Now what? Maryann led a three-part interactive forum series taking a deeper dive into the language of our vision statement. We explored what the statement means for St. Philip’s now and in the immediate future, devoting one Sunday each to the statement’s three main sections.

  • March 16: Worship – No recording due to technical difficulties
  • March 23: Love – Zoom recording – presentation begins at 7:04 mark in recording
  • April 6: Action – Zoom recording – presentation begins at 6:17 mark in recording

Entering Bright Sadness: Preparing for Lent

March 2, 2025 – “Bright sadness” is a term used in Eastern Christianity to describe the paradoxical feeling of joy and grief during Lent. Lent is a time of remembering Jesus’ suffering and looking forward to resurrection. This forum explored how sadness and paring back for simplicity can amplify a simultaneous appreciation of joy and gratitude.

  • March 2 Adult Forum Zoom recording – presentation begins at 12:04 mark in recording

More Light! Let It Shine

In February’s adult forums, we focused on taking what we’ve learned about light in January (More Light! Bearings/Kindness/Sight) to shine on the times we’re living through.

  • February 9: Kindness: Immigration – Zoom recording
  • February 16: Bearings: Christian nationalism – Zoom recording
  • February 23: Sight: LGBTQ folks and religious trauma with the Rev. Philip Bass – Zoom recording

More Light! Unfolding a Symbol

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:5). What does it mean to be light in the world? Throughout January and February, we explored activities and experiences related to the collection of meanings that the symbol of light represents in our faith and our day-to-day lives. This series focused on practical experiences and activities to ground and expand our understanding.

  • January 12: More Light – Bearings (Locating Ourselves) – Zoom recording
  • January 19: More Light – Kindness – Zoom recording
  • January 26: More Light – Sight – Zoom recording | Slide deck
    On January 26, Liz Sappenfield shared how her practice of nature journaling with watercolors at The Trees has taught her to observe and engage deeply with what’s right in front of her. 

The Trees Discernment Proposal

January 5, 2025 – The Harris Property Committee presented their proposal for the future or The Trees and St. Philip’s. The committee presented their report to the vestry in November, and the vestry plans to vote on the recommendation in January. Listen to the recording below to learn more about what’s been happening at The Trees and hear about the committee’s recommendation about the future of The Trees.

  • January 5 Adult Forum Zoom recording – presentation begins at 11:28 mark in recording

Advent Book Study
Do Not Be Afraid: The Joy of Waiting in a Time of Fear

This Advent, Gabe led us in discussing Do Not Be Afraid: The Joy of Waiting in a Time of Fear by Rachel Mann. We also discussed the book at our Wednesday night Engage! sessions. From the Foreword by Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York: “In this luminous and insightful book, Rachel Mann… reminds us that, in a world where many use their financial and social capital to avoid – as much as possible! – the boredoms and frustrations generated by waiting, there is glory to be found in waiting for the Lord and seeking hope in the good news of Jesus Christ. And what better time to attend to this good news than during this great season of watching and waiting, Advent?”

Shaped But Not Bound by History:
A History of Institutional Racism in our Diocese

A three-part adult forum series hosted by the Racial Justice and Reconciliation Committee

November 3, 2024 – Part One: This Sunday, the Rev. Dr. Rhonda Mahwood Lee discussed the history of institutional racism in our diocese based on her research. We discussed the period from our diocese’s beginning through the end of slavery.

November 10, 2024 – Part Two: We continued the conversation with the Rev. Dr. Rhonda Mawhood Lee about the history of institutional racism in our diocese, focusing on the Jim Crow period.

November 17, 2024 – Part Three: The Rev. Dr. Brooks Graebner, historiographer emeritus of the Diocese of North Carolina and former rector of St. Matthew’s in Hillsborough, offered his reflections on where we find ourselves at this moment in history as a diocese grappling with our past and seeking to understand and act in our present.

Further resources:

For more information, please contact
Gabe Lamazares, Associate Rector
gabe@stphilipsdurham.org