Adult Formation
2025–2026
Sunday Morning Formation: 9:30 - 10:30
Through most of the year, we offer two adult formation classes, one in the Undercroft, and one in the Clark Room. The topics and teachers will change, and over the course of the year, offerings will span Bible study, theology, current events, cultural topics, church history, and spiritual disciplines. Occasionally, the two classes will meet together for special topics.​
Kick-Off Sundy | August 24
Adult Forum
Scott White
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Join the Rev. Scott White for an overview of our formation classes in the coming year, and an introduction to new staff members. We’ll review Trinity’s mission statement and consider how it relates to our theme, “In The Image of God.”
In the Image of God | August 31
Adult Forum
Scott White
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Join the Rev. Scott White for an overview of our formation classes in the coming year, and an introduction to new staff members. We’ll review Trinity’s mission statement and consider how it relates to our theme, “In The Image of God.”
Parents in Conversation
​August 31 — Parents in Conversation.
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What is Godly Play? | September 7
Adult Forum
Nanette Popa​
Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.” (Matthew 19:14). When we consider what it means to be created in the image of God, we often think first of children. Today, we have the opportunity to meet Trinity’s new Director of Children’s Ministries. Nanette Popa will teach us about the unique, Montessori-style curriculum our children use to learn about the God who made us in his image.
Christianity 101 | September 14, 21, 28, October 5, 12, and 26
Adult Forum
Amy Peterson and Scott White
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The belief that God made us in God’s own image does not stand on its own. It’s part of an entire theological worldview concerning God, how God relates to humanity, and what God asks of humanity in return. Join the Rector and the Associate Rector in a sustained exploration of the foundations of the Christian faith. What do we believe – and why? How do we live – and why?
Parents in Conversation
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September 14 – Parents in Conversation
September 14 – Trinity Connect: This one-off class allows all those new to Trinity to learn more about the church. We’ll review our history, worship, engagement with our neighborhood and city, and finances, and have time for any questions you may have. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet some of Trinity’s staff.
September 21 – Parents in Conversation
September 28 – Parents in Conversation
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Rise Against Hunger | October 19
We pause our classes today for an all-parish event packing meals for those in need in our nation and around the world. Look for the details about the day and be a part of this fun and impactful ministry.
Adult Forum
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​The Rev. Ian Markham is the Dean and President of the Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria, VA, and he is the President of the General Theological Seminary in New York City. He is a trained Christian Ethicist and Biblical Scholar, and a prolific author and editor of numerous books, including:
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• Against Atheism: Why Dawkins, Hitchens, and Harris Are Fundamentally Wrong
• A World Religions Reader
• Do Morals Matter?
• The New Apologetics: At the Intersection of Secularism, Science, and Spirituality
• Prophetic Preaching: The Hope or the Curse of the Church?
• Understanding Christian Doctrine
• Words That Listen: A Literary Companion to the Lectionary
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Markham has received several awards for his scholarship and teaching. He was named Robertson Fellow 2006, Teape Lecturer in India 2004, Claggett Fellow attached to Washington National Cathedral in 2000, and Frank Woods Fellow at Trinity College, Melbourne in 1997.
In addition to his role as Dean and President, Markham has been serving as Priest Associate at St. Paul’s Church in Alexandria since 2007. He is also currently on the board of St. Stephen's & St. Agnes School in Alexandria, Virginia.
He is married to Lesley Markham, and they have one grown son, Luke.
The Rev. Ian Markham | November 2
Adult Forum
Scott White and Amy Peterson
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It’s easy to see the image of God in those who are like us; it can be challenging to remember that our enemies bear the image of God, too. In November, we’ll explore what it means to recognize and honor the image of God in all people, including those we disagree with, those who have hurt us, and those who are different from us.​
Parents in Conversation​
November 9 – Trinity Connect: This one-off class allows all those new to Trinity to learn more about the church. We’ll review our history, worship, engagement with our neighborhood and city, and finances, and have time for any questions you may have. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet some of Trinity’s staff.
November 16 – Parents in Conversation.
November 23 – Parents in Conversation
The Image of God in the Other | November 9, 16, 23
The Matthean Infancy Narratives | November 30,
December 7, 14, and 21
Adult Forum
Tim Owings
Without the claim that God became a human being in Jesus, Christianity would be a very different walk. A central claim of Christian life, without which no other Christian claim stands, is found in the Incarnation of Jesus. The Incarnation follows naturally from the belief that all human beings are created in the Image of God. In Jesus’s birth, God once again claims humanity as God’s own, and sets it apart as sacred. Join Dr. Tim Owings for an exploration of Matthew’s description of Jesus’s birth.
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Parents in Conversation - Clark Room
December 7 – Parents in Conversation
December 14 – Parents in Conversation
December 21 – Parents in Conversation
December 28 - The First Sunday after Christmas - No formation
Exploring the Episcopal Experience | January 4, 11, 18, 25, February 1, 8, 15
Adult Forum
Scott White
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When we consider the belief that all human beings are created in the image of God, we look for ways to put such a belief into practice. This is part of the answer to the question, “Why Go to Church?” The life and witness of the Episcopal church is a blessing to many and is the vehicle by which they seek to live out the sacredness of human life. The Episcopal Church is one denomination of Christ’s holy Catholic Church, and our identity is unique. In this class, led by the Rector, we will learn how the Episcopal Church came to be and how it continues to offer a unique expression of life in Christ. We will look through the Book of Common Prayer lens to understand the Episcopal church’s expressions of faith: theology, sacraments, scripture, prayer, and holy living. We will also take some time to explore the particular identity of Trinity Church. This class is especially appropriate for those new to the Episcopal Church or new to Trinity. Yet, many long-time Episcopalians take this class as a refresher. It’s a great way to get to know others at Trinity. Those who take this class will be prepared to be confirmed or received by our Bishop when he visits Trinity.​
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Parents in Conversation
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January 4 – Parents in Conversation
January 11 – Parents in Conversation
January 18 – Parents in Conversation
January 25 – Parents in Conversation
James in The Suburbs | February 22,
March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Adult Forum
April Love Fordham
Do you consume God's blessings, or do you share them? Most Christians are consumers. We are obsessed with knowing the right theology and following the right set of rules in hopes that God will bless us. Yet, no matter how much God blesses us, we are still looking for more. Our belief that God created us in God’s own image and likeness demands us to see all human beings as those to whom we owe honor and service. James says our faith without works is dead and the Book of James helps us understand how faith frees us for service. Being the hands and feet of Jesus is a response to the grace offered, a “yes” to being created in God’s image. In such light faith, says James, says their faith is alive. Trinitarian April Love Fordham is an ordained minister of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and the author of numerous books, one of which is James in The Suburbs. Join April for an exploration of the Book of James and how it leads us from grace to service.
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Parents in Conversation - Clark Room
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March 1 –Parents in Conversation
March 8 – Parents in Conversation
March 15 – Parents in Conversation
March 22 – Parents in Conversation
April 5 | No formation
​Reading the Bible Literately, not Literally |
April 12,19, 26, May 3
Adult Forum
Ed Bleynat
​The Bible is not one book – it comprises many books written in several different genres. You’ll find poetry, narrative, legal codes, history, personal letters, and more. Every week, we’ll look at Scripture and consider how its literary style, genre, and context help us understand it. We will seek the image of God in all people by immersion in biblical text, such as the prophetic Book of Amos, with its insistence on justice for the poor and disadvantaged, and Paul’s short letter to Philemon, where he urges a man to treat Paul’s friend not as a slave, but as a brother.
Adult Forum
Amy Peterson
Go back in time to the 4th century, and find three siblings who each helped shape the church in distinctive ways. We’ll begin by looking broadly at the Cappadocian church, and then spend a week each learning about Macrina, Basil, and Gregory. Optional readings will be distributed each week.
Sibling Saints | May 10, 17, 24, 32
Other Adult Opportunities
Becoming Beloved Book Club
Wednesday Evenings
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In this group, facilitators Sharon Lechner and Page McCorkle invite members to discuss the intersection of social and environmental justice with the dominant culture of white supremacy. In addition, Barb Matthews and Susan Edwards will guide us in contemplative practices as part of each meeting. The group provides space to explore challenging topics and to support one another in learning more about the experience of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color in America. Facilitators guide the group to seek God’s wisdom through learning and dialogue to help heal and build a beloved community. To join, email pageconnermccorkle@gmail.com.
Meetings on Wednesdays on Zoom and in the Clark Room
6:00–7:30 pm​
Women's Retreat: Knowing Our Place
March 20–22, 2026​
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