ADULT CLASSES

Wednesdays 7:00pm – 8:30pm (September – May)

JIF is based on the early Christian Catechumenate and is for those seeking Adult Baptism, Confirmation, Reception or Reaffirmation of Faith in the Episcopal Church. It is also a great opportunity to acquire a deeper understanding of what it means to be an Episcopalian for those seeking formal membership at Saint Patrick’s. Together we will learn about scripture, theology, prayer and much more. Join our Rector Shelby Scott and the JIF leadership team for discussion, fellowship and interactive learning.

I am not an Episcopalian—or even Christian—but I am a “seeker.” May I still attend?

Yes, it is for you… In Jesus’ words to the disciples of John, “Come and See.” (John 1:39)

What will I experience?

Join us as you deepen your relationship with God. These sessions will offer a learning community that will investigate subjects ranging from: Church History, The Episcopal Church, the Bible, Theology, Prayer Life, Social Justice, Scripture, and Liturgy. You will experience interactive large and small group discussions, shared meals, meditation, reflection, worship, and prayer in a safe and welcoming environment. Journey in Faith addresses issues of Christian life in the context of the values of the Saint Patrick’s community. Here at Saint Patrick’s we find our center through prayer and spiritual practice guided and informed by Scripture and the traditions of the Apostles. It is our hope that you will find this series of instruction edifying and a community of people willing and ready to journey through celebrations, challenges and the ordinary things of life with you.

How do I know Journey in Faith is for me?

• You desire to be baptized

• You have been baptized but never publicly acknowledged your baptism

• You have been baptized in another denomination and wish to be received into the Episcopal Church

• You have been baptized but have been inactive in the life of the Church for a period of time and wish now to make a new        beginning by reaffirming your faith

• You desire to be confirmed

• You have been baptized, confirmed, and are a long-time active member of the Episcopal Church and seek spiritual renewal

• You can commit to meet on Wednesday nights from September to May.

EDUCATION FOR MINISTRY (EFM)

Wednesdays 7:00pm (September – May)

Education for Ministry is a four-year course of study that prepares us to live out our ministry in the world.  A small group of students learn the foundation of our faith by studying the Old Testament, New Testament, Church History and Theology.  

The seminar group is the nucleus of the Education for Ministry program. A group consists of six to twelve participants and a trained mentor who meet weekly over the course of a nine-month academic year. These meetings are usually from two and a half to three hours in length.

Through study, prayer, and reflection, EfM groups move toward a new understanding of the fullness of God’s kingdom. This process can be illustrated by a two-rail fence. One rail is the Christian tradition. The other is the collective experience of the group’s members. The rails are linked by fence posts which represent the seminar sessions where life and study meet. The fence is grounded in the soil of regular worship which is vital to the life of the group.

Participants are given weekly assignments to study with the help of resource guides. Students are responsible for setting their own learning goals. They spend between two and four hours in study and preparation each week. In the seminars members have an opportunity to share their insights and discoveries as well as to discuss questions which the study materials raise for them.

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Through discussion and guided reflection, the seminars furnish an opportunity to deepen understanding of the reading materials.

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More important is the development of skills in theological reflection. The goal is to learn to think theologically. By examining their own beliefs and their relationship to our culture and the tradition of our Christian faith, participants can learn what it means to be effective ministers in the world. In coming to terms with the notion that everything we do has potential for manifesting the love of Christ, we discover that our ministry is at hand wherever we turn.

If you are interested in knowing more, please talk with Rinda Skaggs or any of the many EFM graduates around you in church.