E-mail: church@redeemer-irving.org
Christian Education |
Youth Christian Education will resume on Sunday, September 9th at 9:30, following breakfast and from 9:15 – 10:15 on the other Sundays of the month.
Godly Play – ages 3 through 2nd grade
Godly Play is a unique approach to Christian education developed by The Rev. Dr. Jerome Berryman. It is a Montessori-related way of inviting young children into the Bible and sacraments and is closely tied to our order of worship. The group gathers in a circle to hear God’s word, respond through wondering and art, pray, share a feast, and receive a blessing. The intent of Godly Play is not so much to teach about God as to invite children into God’s presence in word and sacrament.
Workshop Cycles - grades 3, 4, 5 and 6
This is a new rotation-style curriculum that explores the same Bible story or concept for 4-6 weeks, using different learning approaches each week. Lessons will include Bible stories, art, cooking, music and movement, drama, and movies. The opening workshop will be 12 Who Changed the World. Come and spend time with the 12 ordinary men whom Jesus called to be his first disciples and learn how he calls us to be disciples too!
Rite 13 – grades 7 and 8
This 2-year program brings together Holy Scripture, the Book of Common Prayer, and the life stories of the participants. It is designed to build Christian community and a greater knowledge of who and whose we are through games, study, discussion and service. This is year one. Those who will turn 13 during the year will have their Rite 13 ceremony in the Spring of 2008. You are welcome to join the group, even if you did not participate in year one.
Journey to Adulthood (J2A) – grades 9, 10 and 11
J2A is the second phase of a process that began with Rite 13. This is a two-year program that focuses on personal and spiritual growth. The goal is to help the young persons acquire skills and vocabulary which will prepare and empower them to participate in the adult Christian community. The mentors will lead the group in exploring what it means to be Christian and to be Episcopalian. Preparation for Confirmation is included in this curriculum and Confirmation will be offered during the second year. All of these classes are designed to assist families in fulfilling the promises parents and godparents made at Baptism—“to help the child grow into the full stature of Christ.” It is also important for our children to be guided by and form relationships with other adults in the parish who love them and are well-trained in the use of our curriculum. It is my prayerful vision that all of our young members will be involved in Christian Education.
Please remember that Sunday School is held from 9:15 – 10:15. It is very important that the children arrive on time so that classes are not continually disrupted by late arrivals, especially in Godly Play which has a carefully structured Montessori format. While we realize that emergencies do occur, we hope that we may live courteously with one another when possible.
Special Sundays for the month of January
• The Feast of the Epiphany, January 6th
On this day, we celebrate the beginning of the season of the Light—the times when the manifestation of Jesus is underlined for us in Scripture. We retell the story of the Magi from the east who came following the light of the star, bringing gifts to the Gift. We celebrate Christ revealed for all the nations of the world.
• The Baptism of Our Lord, January 13th
The Light of Christ has come into the world and has been given to us in our own baptisms. How will we allow this Light to shine on the darkness of our lives so that we may see him better this year and see our path of mission and ministry more clearly? This is a Baptismal day for the Church—please let Mother Gail know if a baptism is desired.
•Annual Parish Meeting, January 20th
While not a high holy feast day, this is important in our life together as the Body of Christ in this place.
Adult Christian Education
There will be two opportunities for Sunday Morning Adult Christian Education this fall.
• Mother Gail and Deacon Steve will lead a group that explores Simply Christian, a new book by Bishop N.T. Wright. This will include a 10 minute weekly video presentation by Bishop Wright and follow-up discussion. Books and participants guides will be available, but not required.
• A Bible Study of the Gospel of Matthew, the gospel for the upcoming church year. Leadership and curriculum are still under construction—watch your mail and e-mail for final details.
Both groups will meet from 9:15 – 10:15, except on Breakfast Sunday, when class begins at 9:30. Places will be announced when we know the number of participants. See you Sunday, September 9th at 9:30 AM, after breakfast!
On Going Education
Tuesday mornings (during the school year) @ 10 am – 11:30 am
Tuesday Morning Bible Study- organized by lay members of Redeemer, one of the oldest ministries at Redeemer and consistently one of the largest. All are encouraged to visit and see how we engage and deepen our faith! Coffee, lively discussion, and good laughs are in plentiful supply! We meet in the Redeemer Room (Parish Hall) and the class welcomes new members at any time.
Musings In The Spirit - an Informal Summer Class
While the Tuesday Bible Study Class is on vacation this summer, a new informal class will gather Tuesdays at 10 AM to read and reflect on selections from Martin Smith’s new book, Compass and Stars (Seabury Books 2007).
“These informal musings and reflections... are designed to help us get our bearings in the life of the spirit today. *** Whether he is writing about the spirituality of shopping or social justice, vocational discernment or channel-surfing, these pieces will both delight and make us think.” [From the book’s cover.]
Martin L. Smith is senior associate rector and theologian in residence at St. Columba’s Episcopal Church in Washington, D.C., and former superior of the Society of St. John the Evangelist [Cowley Fathers]. The author of several books on spirituality, including the classic A Season for the Spirit written for the Archbishop of Canterbury, he is a noted speaker, retreat leader, spiritual director, and columnist.
The informal class which begins Tuesday, June 5th, will be led by Ed Fordyce, and will meet in the Redeemer Room or the Library, depending on attendance. The Book Store has been asked to order a limited supply of Compass and Stars, which normally retails for $12. You are likely to want your own copy if you plan to attend!
The Thursday Bible study group will follow Lenten studies
The Thursday evening Bible Study Group is wrapping up it’s study of the Book of Ruth.
We will be participating in the home study group program throughout Lent, however, we will continue to meet in the Redeemer Room on Thursday Evenings (6:30 PM).
We will be studying the same Lenten curriculum as the home groups in case that may be convenient for you to attend.
We will continue our potluck suppers but will probably scale it back just a bit in celebration of Lent
We will be hosting the home study group wrap-up soup supper on Thursday, March 13th.
The Thursday Evening Bible Study group is just starting a study of Ruth and will follow that with a look at Esther.
We always serve a tasty potluck supper and then follow it with the Bible study - food for both the body and the soul.
Please join us anytime. We always have plenty of food and books for visitors.
Adult Confirmation
Mother Gail will teach a series of 5 Adult Confirmation Classes this summer.
It looks as if the Bishop will be here for Confirmation in the late Fall. If you would like to be confirmed, or received from the Roman Catholic or Lutheran traditions, or reaffirm your commitment to Christ, please let her know.
Classes will meet either on Sunday afternoons and/or Wednesday evenings in July and August, depending on what works best for the group.
Baptism Classes – by arrangement with the rector.
Foundations Classes – 6 weeks receding next Confirmation date. To be announced.
