Adult Education

The House of Hope is dedicated to providing adult members and visitors with a supportive environment within which to pursue rewarding spiritual growth opportunities. Each educational offering is designed to fulfill the church's mission of exploring the meaning of our faith tradition in the context of today's world.  

Members and visitors will find numerous programs on Sunday and weekday mornings and evenings. From traditional bible study to frank discussions of relevant spiritual topics, The House of Hope continues to break new ground in the field of Christian adult education.

Programs include:

 

  • Adult Enrichment
    Sunday mornings, 11:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., in the Assembly Room
    Speakers address an array of topics of a religious and secular nature, using the format of a 45 minute lecture presentation, with time for questions and answers. For more information, please contact Rev. Tom Forster-Smith at tomf@hohchurch.org or call (651) 223-7553.
     

     

  • In-Depth Studies
    Wednesday evenings, 7:00 p.m.– 8:30 p.m.
    Short series of seminars focusing on Biblical, theological and socially relevant topics, are offered in a format including  presentations by local experts and small group discussion by participants. Held in the Assembly Room or Kirk Parlour.
     

 

  • Great Decisions
    Thursdays, once a month, 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.      
    A program of discussions focusing on U.S. Foreign Policy issues. It is sponsored by the Foreign Policy Association and administered here in Minnesota by the Minnesota International Center. Held in the Church Library.

     

 

  • Bible Studies Wednesday and Thursday mornings, in various locations:  Consult the Anchor newsletter for times and places:  Weekly opportunities for study of the coming Sunday’s lectionary scripture lessons are offered in two different locations at three different times.  Also Kerygma Bible Studies are offered intermittently.  Consult the Anchor for details and schedule. For more information, please contact Rev. Tom Forster-Smith at tomf@hohchurch.org or call (651) 223-7553.

 

Men's Programs

The goal of the Men's programs is to provide an opportunity for friendship, study and conversation on topics related to faith.  In addition, there are opportunities for men to use their skills in repairing and improving the physical structures of the church and neighboring buildings.

  • Men's Tuesday Morning Breakfast Group:  Meets every Tuesday from 7:00 a.m. to 8:15 a.m. at the Copper Dome Restaurant, 1333 Randolph Ave. (just East of Hamline). Public transportation access by bus on Randolph; free parking in lot. Reading and discussion of the week's lectionary Scripture passages which serve as the basis for the following Sunday's worship services. For more information, please contact Rev. Tom Forster-Smith at tomf@hohchurch.org or call (651) 223-7553.

     

  • Men's Thursday Morning Breakfast Group:  Meets weekly from 7:00 a.m. to 8:15 a.m. on Thursdays at the St. Clair Broiler at Snelling and St. Clair Ave. in St. Paul.  Topics of timely interest are presented by participants for discussion.  House of Hope men and visitors are welcome to attend.  Newcomers are always welcome! For more information, please contact Rev. Tom Forster-Smith at tomf@hohchurch.org or call (651) 223-7553.

     

  • Hard Hats: Men (and women) volunteers assist with the maintenance and upkeep in and around the church building. Usually work the morning of the first Thursday of the month. For more information, please contact Brian Whitson at bwhitson@hohchurch.org or call (651) 223-7559.

     
  • Men's Retreat
    An annual weekend retreat offering fellowship and spiritual growth for the men of House of Hope.  It is held in the Meeting House adjacent to the church building. 

 

Women's Programs

The goal of Programs for Women is to provide opportunities for women to gather in a variety of settings for study, reflection, service and community. 

Programs for Women focus on many areas of women's life through book studies, lectures, workshops, an annual retreat and special occasions like the annual Advent Breakfast.  Women are welcome to attend any or all of the events and are encouraged to bring friends.

  • Women's Retreat:  Held annually at the Benedictine Center early in February, the retreat includes worship, teaching, time for individual reflection and opportunities for small and large group discussion.

     

  • Sunday-Weekday Connection
    Meet to relax, share a meal and listen to a guest speaker. Events are held at the Meeting House, 761 Summit Ave.

     

  • Joy Davis Literary Seminars:  First Thursday morning of the month, September - May.  10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. in the Church Library:  Led by avid reader and literary critic Joy Davis, these seminars examine works of classic and contemporary literature.  

     

  • Yoga Classes:  Mondays weekly at 10:00 a.m., Wednesdays weekly at 5:30 p.m. and Fridays weekly at 5:30 p.m. in the Meeting House.  To sign up, call the church office at (651) 227-6311 or instructor Laura Merriam at (612) 590-7535 for information.