Adult Spiritual Formation
Email the Rev. Sudie Blanchard, Deacon
Christian formation is a lifelong, cradle-to-grave process; it's not a "quick fix" program. It begins when we are baptized and lasts our whole life-and beyond. Christian formation as an adult takes place in many ways and in many venues. Even those of us who have spent our whole lives in the church still have places to go on our spiritual journeys. Those who are brand new to the church need specific starting points to help them begin. All of us continue to grow and to learn throughout our lives, and our faith lives are no exception. Adult formation opportunities help us make sense of our lives and inspire us to contribute to this world as active and faithful people of God. We hope that the adult formation offerings at St. George's Church this year, both on Sunday mornings and on weekday evenings, will contribute to that process in your life. We are planning some sessions this year that will inform you and others that we hope will transform you. Browse our currently planned selections below:
Sunday Morning Spiritual Formation Offerings
All Parish Coffee Hour (APCH) 10:00-11:00 a.m.
The All-Parish Coffee Hour occurs every month from September through June, on the first Sunday of the month. Adult Spiritual Formation activities are skipped and Church School time is shorter so that adults and children can join in fellowship and catch up with one another. The Vestry coordinates the set-up and clean-up of APCH. Everyone is encouraged to bring good food to share.
Adult Spiritual Formation Offerings, Fall 2008
Save the second Tuesday each month as we present “Tuesday Night Snacks and Cinema.” Beginning at 7:00 p.m., we will show a film and spend some time munching on its meaning and share a few tasty treats to help us in our deliberations. Please join us!
On December 28 at 10:00 a.m. by using Renewal to look into some wonderful projects done by other faith groups. Come join us for both sessions as we celebrate the gift of the earth and appreciate “green” from a spiritual and practical perspective.
Evening & Saturday Offerings
Education For Ministry (EFM)
EFM is a program of theological education-at-a-distance from the School of Theology of the University of the South. It covers the basics of a theological education in the Old and New Testaments, church history, liturgy, and theology over the course of four years. Year One covers the Old Testament, while Year Two covers the New Testament, Year Three covers church history, and Year Four focuses on theology. A number of different theological reflection techniques are introduced to help students look for insights and implications as a means of reconciling faith and culture. It's important to note that you sign up for EFM one year at a time! Students meet weekly from September through early June in a small group consisting of no more than twelve members. The small group provides a close-knit setting for students to explore their faith.
During our Service of Confirmation we ask God to "Renew in these your servants the covenant you made with them at Baptism. Send them forth in the power of the Spirit to perform the service you set before them." EFM offers an opportunity to discover how to respond to our call. For more information, contact TJ Ballew at 603-431-2144 or tangojulie@comcast.net.
