Christian Formation
For information on Sunday and weekday classes, choose a link below:
Education Offerings - Adults
Education Offerings - Children & Youth
Adult Formation At St. John's
The mission of St. John's Adult Formation Ministry is to lead adults into a deeper appreciation and living out of their baptism so as to build up the body of Christ. The process of Christian formation is one which has no end as our growth in holiness and knowledge and love of the Lord is not complete until we see God face to face. Through a variety of learning opportunities, St. John's Church equips adults to be more effective disciples of and witnesses for Jesus Christ in the world.
Inquiry 501 (The Catechumenate)
Inquiry 501 (The Catechumenal Process) is designed to help adults prepare for mature and responsible Christian discipleship and to become fully incorporated into the Body of Christ. The Catechumenate is for those seeking to make or strengthen a personal commitment in their faith journey by Baptism, Confirmation, Reception or Reaffirmation. It offers time to explore their faith through learning, questioning, sharing in community and small groups and growing in understanding of the gospel. The Catechumenate enable adults to become more effective disciples of Jesus Christ.
The Catechumenal Process is especially designed for the following:
• Adults who are seeking to receive the sacrament of Holy Baptism
• Baptized adults who are seeking to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation in the Episcopal Church
• Adults who have made a public profession of faith through baptism or confirmation in other churches who seek to be received into the Episcopal Church
• Adults who have been confirmed in the Roman Catholic Church or the Orthodox Church who seek to
be received into the Episcopal Church (those confirmed by a bishop in apostolic succession are not re-confirmed but received)
• Confirmed Episcopalians who wish to reaffirm their Confirmation vows.
The Catechumenal Process is also recommended for confirmed Episcopalians who wish to deepen their knowledge of the Christian faith, or any adult who wishes to deepen his or her faith. Classes are convening on Wednesday evenings over the Summer from 6 until 8:00 p.m. in Cobb Library beginning on June 4th and running through August 6. Childcare is available for infants and children. Watch The Chimes for other information or call Margie Watkins 386-4867/544-0642, or 222-2636 ext. 26 for more information.
Cursillo
The purpose of Cursillo is to help those in the church understand their individual callings to be Christian Leaders. The leadership may be exercised in work situations, in the family and social life, in leisure activities, and within the Church environment. Leadership, in Cursillo, does not mean power over others, but influence on others; all of us need to be aware that we can exert a positive influence on those around us. For more information, visit our Cursillo site.
Daughters of the King
The Daughters of the King is an Order for women in the Episcopal Church with Chapters in the Roman Catholic Church and in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Daughters are dedicated to prayer and service For Christ's Sake. Click here for more on the St. John's chapter of the Daughters; for more information on the national organization, visit www.dok-national.org
A program of Theological Education-at-a-Distance
Education for Ministry, affectionately known as EFM, is a program of theological education-at-a-distance of the School of Theology of the University of the South. Students sign up one year at a time for this four-year program. It covers the basics of a theological education in the Old and New Testaments, church history, liturgy, and theology. Students meet regularly, usually once a week, in seminars under the guidance of trained mentors. The program grants a certificate at the completion of the four years and 18 Continuing Education Units for each year's work. .
For more information visit the EFM Website
Centering Prayer Group
In the Christian tradition contemplative prayer is considered the pure gift of God. It is the opening of mind and heart - our whole being - to God, the Ultimate Mystery, beyond thoughts, words and emotions. Centering Prayer is a method of preparing our faculties to receive this gift. It is an attempt to present the teachings of earlier times in an updated form. Centering Prayer is not meant to replace other kinds of prayer; rather it casts a new light and depth of meaning on them. It is a movement beyond conversation with Christ to communion with Him.
The St. John's Centering Prayer group meets on Tuesday evenings from 7:00 to 8:30 pm in The Parlor or Graham Lounge.
