Please know that I am not trying to rush the seasons, but as I stand before you this morning, I am reminded of Father Caleb’s Christmas message this past year. He likened St. Paul’s to a living nativity scene, and we, her faithful, to a diverse collection of witnesses gathered in awe and adoration, seeking to understand the presence and promise of the Christ Child. I love this image, and I think it’s an even better description of faith formation.
As disciples of Christ, specifically of the Episcopalian persuasion, we do love to learn, and here at St. Paul’s, there are a variety of opportunities to explore, deepen and enrich our faith.
- On most Sunday mornings from September through May, we offer Godly Play for 4–7-year-olds, Children of the Good Shepherd for 8-11-year-olds, EYC for our 6th–12th graders, and for grades 13 and beyond we have adult faith formation classes. Programs are set to resume on Sunday, Sept. 11. We will have a kickoff breakfast for our children and youth, and for adults, stay tuned for programming information, including details about a special 6-week series that Fr. Michael is organizing called “Aging Gracefully.”
- During this past year, we were happy to be able to restart in-person Wednesday evening programs.
- Fr. Caleb taught a 5-week Lenten program entitled “Building our Faith,” which culminated in a joyous celebration of baptism, confirmation, reception, and reaffirmation for some 20 parishioners.
- Our summer movie nights have also returned; thus far we’ve watched “The Most Reluctant Convert; The Story of CS Lewis” and “Yes Day.” Don’t miss our August offering: the 2022 Academy Award winner for Best Picture, “CODA.”
- We have several active small groups, each with its own personality but all focused on being in community to grow together in faith.
- The Early Bird Book Study meets Tuesday mornings via ZOOM. When this group resumes in August, they will be discussing the book “Tattoos on the Heart: The Powers of Boundless Compassion” by Gregory Boyle.
- The Friday Morning Men’s Group is an interfaith group that gathers weekly for Bible study, reflection, and prayer.
- And Education for Ministry, while a more formal course of study, is also designed for the dynamics of a small group setting. It meets weekly for 9 months of the year to explore scripture, church history, and theology using a framework focused on deepening our faith and enriching our lives as disciples of Christ.
While faith formation begins when we walk into the church on Sunday morning, but it doesn’t end there. It’s a lifelong and unique process for each of us, but it’s best undertaken in community. So please join us on Sunday morning, Wednesday evening, or for one our small groups and together we will grow in knowledge, understanding, and wonder at the presence and promise of Christ in our lives.