Christian Formation Ministries
The Gospel calls us to teach and learn! While Jesus didn't take attendance as children and adults gathered around him or call such gatherings "Sunday School", his words and actions clearly teach that learning and faithfulness are intertwined. Through baptism we are named and claimed as God's own. Sunday school is a place for children, youth and adults to hear the Biblical story and to be reminded of their baptismal identity. It is a place for us to sense our belonging as God's children and to grow in the knowledge of God's love. It is a place where we use and discover our gifts as we learn how to be Christian disciples.
Adult Christian Education Ministries
Sundays
Gospel Takeout with Bob & Friends – St. John's Room"Gospel Takeout" is a group of parishioners and guests discussing the Sunday Gospel and sermon. We read the Gospel aloud and then open discussion on a strictly volunteer basis, by sharing what we heard in the Gospel/sermon message. There are many different insights, but no wrong answers because it is what you hear in the message. We then discuss how we can take the messages home this week, that is, like take out!
Sunday Forum – All Souls' Chapel
An adult Sunday School class led by Fr. David. Beginning Sunday, September 4, is pleased to introduce a series of talks, led by June Covington, on “Biblical Art through the Ages.” This will be a nine-week study on topics ranging from, “Prehistoric Art – Signs of Creation and the Flood,” to “Post Modern Art – Individualism and Expression.” This is an exciting opportunity to better learn the crucial role that the visual arts have played in the practice of Christianity.
Father George's Class – St. Brigid's Room
Father George meets with this class to discuss the lessons, music, sermon and worship of the day.
Saint Anne Foundations
This class is for adults who would like to know more about the Episcopal Church, St. Anne parish or would like a refresher course. Recent/New members and newcomers are encouraged to attend the Foundations classes and all those desiring to be confirmed or received into the Episcopal Church must attend the class. Please see Father Andrew for more information. It meets in St. John's room at 3:00 on Sunday afternoons, once it begins on 10/2.
Weekdays
Mondays at 7:30 pm
Book Study – Fr. Andrew leads this discussion of a book read by participants. In September, we are beginning The Meaning of Jesus by NT Wright and Marcus Borg, a provocative and engaging "double image" of the person and work of Christ.
Tuesdays at 7:00 pm
Crossways, Year One– Rosemary Udell begins a new session of Crossways this Fall, a course which takes a deeper look at the Scriptures over the two year program.
Thursdays at 11:00 am
Bible Study – The Thursday morning Bible Study meets in St. John's room. Come to the 10:30 am Eucharist in the Chapel, if you like, or simply come at 11 for the Bible Study. All are welcome.
Youth Christian Formation Ministries
Ages 5 - Grade 2: Godly Play
A Montessori based method of Christian education and spiritual direction for children that is closely tied to our order of worship. We gather in the circle to hear God's word, respond through wondering questions and art, we pray, share a "feast", and are blessed. Godly Play teaches children the art of using religious language to help them become more fully aware of the mystery of God's presence in their lives.
Grades 3, 4, 5 & 6: Spark Bible
A program designed to activate faith by having children open their Bibles and engage God's Word every week. We will use the classroom curriculum model in a two year cycle. Old Testament stories will be presented in the fall quarter and New Testament stories will be presented in the winter and spring quarters. Each child will be given a "Spark" Bible designed especially for this age group. A weekly Family Page will be emailed to encourage conversation, prayer and activities relating to the story.
Grades 7 & 8 (Ages 12-13): Rite 13, Year II
This two-year program brings together Holy Scripture, the Book of Common Prayer, and the life stories of the participants. It is designed to build Christian community and a greater knowledge of who and whose we are through games, study, discussion and service. Those who turn 13 during the year will have a Rite 13 ceremony in mid-year.
Grades 9 & 10 (Ages 14-15): Journey to Adulthood (J2A) – Year II
This is a two-year program, which helps prepare our young people for adulthood. Six basic skills are taught from the perspective of life in Christian community. Skills are practiced in the midst of teaching, discussion, Bible study and fun. All teens in these grades are welcome—you need not have taken the Rite 13 class.
Grades 11, & 12 (Ages 16-18): Young Adults in Church (YAC)
This is the third section of the Rite 13, J2A program. The goal is to encourage participation in the ongoing life of the Church by discovering gifts, becoming God's good stewards, developing spiritually, serving Christ in others and having fun. All teens in these grades are welcome—you need not have taken the J2A class.
