Providing opportunities for spiritual growth through Christian education is an important element of our church's mission.  Listed below are opportunities available every Sunday and throughout the week.  For more information contact the church office.

 
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.

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 2009.  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.

Focus on John: One of the primary purposes of the four gospels in our New Testament is to help the reader know and understand the story of Jesus of Nazareth.  The fourth gospel, the Gospel of John, is less biographical and more interpretative than the three other gospels.  This gospel continues to be important today because in it we find the clearest statement of who the Church understands Jesus to be.  Above all, this gospel challenges us to discover who Jesus is for us.  Join us in the Conference Room each Sunday for this series which includes a commentary on the Scripture passage, group activities, and thought-provoking study questions.  For additional information about the class, contact Mthr. Gail.

Christianity and Contemporary Issues: Interpreting the Bible and formulating theology is not just an exercise for scholars and the clergy. Christians are called to live out and apply their faith to everyday life, including dilemmas and choices where there are apparent conflicts.  The purpose of this adult study is to provide a place for us to wrestle with our understanding of the Christian faith and how it relates to the issues of our day. During the course of the study, we will seek to gain a deeper understanding of why there are conflicting views among Christians and in our culture.  In particular, we will explore and discuss the following contemporary issues:

· God and Politics

· Christianity and the Economy

· Christianity and the Environment

· The Healthcare Debate

· Christianity and Medical Technology

· Christianity and Homosexuality

· The Church and Same-Sex Unions

· Christians and Muslims: Can we get along?

Join us in the Parish Hall each Sunday for a “definitely-not-boring” study!                     

On Going Education

The Tuesday Bible Study Group  @ 10 am

Organized by lay members of Redeemer, this is one of the oldest ministries 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.


The Thursday Bible Study Group @ 6:30 pm

The meeting begins with a potluck meal, followed by the study.  Please contact the church office for more information. The group meets in the Redeemer Room (Parish Hall).