Since I arrived in October I have gotten a lot of questions about an inquirers' class. Now that we are on the other side of Easter I am eager to get a class together! This is going to happen quickly. I apologize for not giving you more advanced notice, but I want to be sure that we can offer enough class before summer is upon us. Our first class will be held this coming Monday, May 1st at 6:00 pm in the Parish House library. Below you can see the full schedule, but first let’s talk about the purpose of the class.
I’m calling this class Episcopal 101. We will be roughly following the book Your Faith Your Life: An Invitation to the Episcopal Church, and there will be a total of six classes. The class may appeal to you for a variety of reasons, and it will be open to anyone regardless of their membership status or the reason they would like to attend. One purpose of this class is to prepare people for confirmation or reception to the Episcopal Church. If you are serious about exploring a commitment to the Episcopal Church this is the perfect place to start. I will even give you a copy of the book to show that we are invested in your spiritual discernment in this Church. If you are curious about the Episcopal Church and are not sure if you want to make a commitment then this class is for you too. Though confirmation is an option it is by no means expected if you are not ready for that jump. If you are a life-long Episcopalian and want to touch up on your Church History, Liturgy or Church polity then this class is for you too. You are welcome to come to every class or pick a couple that interest you. However, if you are planning to be confirmed we ask that you plan on attending all of the classes. The books are available in the Church Office at no cost if you are seeking confirmation or for fifteen dollars ($15) if you have already been confirmed.
Here is the schedule for the classes: All classes will be in the parish house library and go from 6:00 to 7:00 pm.
May 1: Introduction and Scripture
May 8: Church History
May 15: Liturgy and Sacraments
May 22: Church Organization and Polity
May 29: Prayer
June 5: Conclusion
Also, just a small note of preparing for the class. Don’t. Let’s dive into these subjects together with a blank slate. Once we cover the basics in the class I highly encourage you to read the corresponding chapters after class. After you read you may have questions on material in the book that we did not cover in class, which we can address in the beginning of the following class.
I am looking forward diving into this material with you!
Blessings,
Fr. Nick
The youth program at Christ Church has evolved over the past several years with an emphasis on family involvement. The core of the program revolves around Bible lessons and Christian principles. The first half of the year focuses on the Old Testament and the second half is dedicated to the New Testament with the Christmas pageant marking the transition of the two.
Openness to ideas and the needs of our families characterizes the program. As such, we adopted a schedule this year with classes meeting twice a month on Sunday evenings rather than the traditional Sunday morning classes. A holistic approach to Christian education coupling learning with creative, fun and stimulating activities has been adopted.
The holistic approach to educating our youth in Christian principles recognizes the need to excite and challenge children from a variety of perspectives. It is also consistent with the concept that learners are varied and need to be challenged with visual, auditory, and tactile scenarios. This program has something for all types of learners.
Lesson plans for March through May 2017 have been set. Morning Sunday School is held at 9:30A in the Parish House, evening class begins at 6:00P. Topics are:
All ages are welcome and we ask the teenagers to stay involved by assisting the younger children with the crafts. The children enjoy playing ping-pong, Jenga, corn hole and video games before and after the lesson. We are pleased with the direction and momentum of our program and give thanks for the enthusiastic involvement of our families. All members are encouraged to attend our class, bring visitors, and are welcome to get involved.
Confirmation is when the Church prepares and welcomes new members into the Episcopal Church. Although, everyone is welcome to fully participate in worship and the life of the Church, members are able to run for vestry (our governing board), and vote in vestry elections. The Bishop of the Diocese of Southwest Virginia comes to our parish every 18 months to confirm new members, and confirmation classes are offered in the months prior to the Bishop's visit.
