The word "education" for most people still conjures up images of rooms filled with rows of desks, the walls covered in chalkboards and displays of various kinds, where students passively sit and absorb the knowledge and wisdom of the teacher.
We still do some of that in the church, but more and more we understand that people are not so much educated in the Christian faith (as if being a good Christian means mastery of a body of information) as they are formed therein. Thoughts, attitudes, and practice are shaped and formed by consistent exposure to the beliefs, customs and liturgy of the Church.
A number of opportunities for Christian Formation await every member of the family at St. Mary's Parish. For more information, call the parish office (863-7064) or the contact person indicated after each activity.
Christian Formation for Adults (9:00-9:45 weekly)
Adult Lectionary Class: Meets weekly in the Adult Sunday School Room (which is also the IHS office) to study the readings for that Sunday's liturgy. Contact: Jan Lawson or Dee Smith, teachers
Adult Forum: Meets weekly in the Library to discuss topics of interest to the group. Contact: The Rector
Christian Formation for Children (9:00-9:45 weekly from the Sunday after Labor Day to the Sunday before Memorial Day)
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Children from age 3 to grade 5 have the opportunity to explore the biblical story through interactive story and activities. Contact: Fr. Chapman, Curate
Christian Formation for Youth (9:00-9:45 weekly)
St. Mary's Cafe Young people, their parents and other adults gather for 5 or 6 weeks at a time to choose topics from a "menu" and discuss them.
Episcopal Youth Community
(E.Y.C.)
Young people and
their adult leaders meet from 5:30 to 7:00 for supper
and activities. Drawing on the Journey to Adulthood (J2A)
program they focus on worship, education, service and fellowship.
Participants have the opportunity to make an annual pilgrimage
to a place where the Christian faith is being lived out in a unique
way. Past destinations include Memphis (Sister Constance and her
Companions, the Martyrs of Memphis); St. Michael and All Angels,
Dallas; the National Cathedral in Washington; Sewanee and the
Convent of the Sisters of St. Mary; Canterbury and the south of
England, and Memphis, TN where we served in a couple of soup kitchens.
Contact: Fr. Chuck Chapman, Curate.
Brown Bag Bible Study
(12 noon till 1:00)
Adults gather to
study a book of the Bible, verse by verse. Emphasis is on understanding
the text and relating it to daily living. Contact: Fr.
Chuck Chapman, Curate
Adult Handbell Choir
(6:00-7:00)
Adults meet in
the Adult Bell Choir Room (on second floor above parish offices)
to rehearse handbell ringing. Contact: Walter Hale, Parish
Minister of Music
Adult Choir (7:00-8:30)
Adults rehearse
in the choir room to prepare for the Sunday liturgy. Contact:
Walter Hale, Parish Minister of Music
St. Fabian Choir To be announced -- Stay tuned!
Vacation Church School
On Sunday through
Thursday evenings from 6:00 - 8:00 children from age 3 to grade
5 gather for Christian education and worship activities. Call
parish office for dates (863-7064).
Oblates of St. Benedict of Subiaco Abbey (2nd Tuesday of each month, 6:00 p.m. alternating between Holy Redeemer Church and St. Mary's Oblates are men and women who have made a spiritual oblation (offering) of their lives to God as Christians, to live according to the principles spelled out in St. Benedict's Rule, and to support Subiaco Abbey with prayer, and as able with offerings and other support. In fellowship with Holy Redeemer whose pastor, The Rev. Gregory Pilcher, O.S.B., is a member of the community of Subiaco Abbey, St. Mary's oblates meet monthly to offer Evening Prayer and discuss some aspect of Benedictine spirituality. The meetings are open to anyone interested, whether they anticipate formal participation as an oblate or are simply wanting to learn more. Contact: Fr. Chuck Chapman, Curate
Inquirers Class
On Sunday afternoons
at various times (depending on when the Bishop's visit is anticipated),
instructional meetings will be held for all those interested in
learning more about the Episcopal Church, especially those interested
in membership and Confirmation. Contact: Fr. Chuck Chapman,
Interim Rector