Thoughtful engagement with the Christian tradition helps us to see God at work in our lives and in the world around us.
The Sunday Lectionary class (Sundays at 9:30 a.m. in the south breakout room of the Parish Hall) is a Christian education offering for adults that meets weekly year-round. This gathering features a presentation on selected texts from the scriptures appointed for the day’s liturgy, followed by lively discussion as the class wrestles with the readings to find meanings for today. The presentations and discussions aim to be enlightening, nourishing and challenging (and many say they’re frequently entertaining as well).
With participants ranging from the outspoken to the quiet listener and everything in between, there is a place for everyone seeking to hear what the Spirit is saying to the Church. All are welcome, especially visitors and newcomers. Contact the church office to be added to the group’s weekly email list.
The Theology in the Library class (Sundays at 9:30 a.m. in the Library) is a discussion based Christian Formation offering for adults which covers a wide range of topics. Participants explore how Christian theology relates to our current day to day lives. This class meets during the school year on Sunday mornings.
Confirmation classes, for youth and adults, are held prior to the Bishop’s annual visit (usually in the fall of the year).
Bible studies, Book studies and other special educational offerings are scheduled throughout the year and announced through our bi-weekly newsletter, Saints’ News.
Education for Ministry:
The seminar group is the nucleus of the Education for Ministry program. A group consists of six to twelve participants and trained mentors who meet weekly over the course of a nine-month academic year.
Through study, prayer, and reflection, EfM groups move toward a new understanding of the fullness of God’s kingdom. This process can be illustrated by a two-rail fence. One rail is the Christian tradition. The other is the collective experience of the group’s members. The rails are linked by fence posts which represent the seminar sessions where life and study meet. The fence is grounded in the soil of regular worship which is vital to the life of the group.
Participants are given weekly assignments to study with the help of resource guides. Participants are responsible for setting their own learning goals. They spend between two and four hours in study and preparation each week. In the seminars, members have an opportunity to share their insights and discoveries as well as to discuss questions which the study materials raise for them.
Through discussion and guided reflection, the seminars furnish an opportunity to deepen understanding of the reading materials.
More important is the development of skills in theological reflection. The goal is to learn to think theologically. By examining their own beliefs and their relationship to our culture and the tradition of our Christian faith, participants can learn what it means to be effective ministers in the world. In coming to terms with the notion that everything we do has potential for manifesting the love of Christ, we discover that our ministry is at hand wherever we turn.
The seminar is supported by a life of prayer and regular worship. EfM groups are encouraged to develop a pattern of worship appropriate to their situations. Liturgical materials are furnished with the course materials.
Tuition payment is required for EfM. For more information about EfM registration call the church office at 842-4386.
