Adult Sunday School Class – Faith Matters
The adult Sunday School class meets each Sunday from 9:00-9:50 in the Parish Hall. The class name, Faith Matters, denotes the two-fold emphases of the class. Faith Matters (verb) indicates that the class participants hold as important the Biblical and historical traditions of Christianity. Faith Matters (noun) indicates those items in daily lives with which as humans we struggle and to which the Biblical literature and historic traditions can bring light and clarity.
It is the class practice to provide a comfortable meeting place in which adults may examine and express views and beliefs (sometimes orthodox, sometimes not so much) about contemporary issues with openness and tolerance to others who may have different understandings. Some of the past class topics include: what it means to call the Episcopal faith a “Faith for thinking People;” Fear of Others, a book by William Willimon; atonement and the penal substitution interpretation of the death of Jesus; end of life Issues, a conversation with experts in the medical and health professions; The Misunderstood Jew, a book by Amy Jill Levine; the Kingdom of God and the American Dream, a look at the impact of capitalism on Christianity; a close look at the passion narrative in the Gospels (during Lent).
The curriculum is created by the class. Normally, at the end of May, the members suggest topics or themes for the following year beginning in September. Each topic is explored for four to six weeks. Consideration of the issues or topics always include what the Biblical witness and the historical traditions of Christianity contribute to an understanding or clarity of a discussion item.
In the three months of summer, the class is more informal. Each week members bring an issue, concern or topic for discussion each Sunday.
The class is led by Bill Rich, Ph.D., retired faculty, Elon University.
Book Bunch
The Book Bunch meets Tuesdays at noon to discuss books of faith. Past books range from Richard Rohr’s dense, spiritual guide Falling Upwards to Anne Lamont’s short, joyous Help, Thanks, Wow!.
This group is so much more than just a book club! The members of this group act as a support system and prayer partners for each other. They also participate in community service projects as a group. Previous community service projects include throwing a Valentine’s Day party for the residents of Ekklesia Senior Living Community and writing love notes for home-bound recipients of Meals on Wheels.
Contact Deacon Carol Eaton if you are interested in joining.
Education for Ministry (EfM)
Education for Ministry, commonly referred to as EfM, is a four-year program of reading, study, and reflection for laity, designed and authorized by the School of Theology at the University of the South, Sewanee. The EFM program is preparation for the ministry to which we all are called. It is that vocation for which we pray at the end of the Eucharist: “And now, Father, send us out to do the work you have given us to do, to love and serve you as faithful witnesses of Christ our Lord.” (EfM.sewanee.com)
EFM begins its ninth year at St. Andrew’s in the fall of 2018. Participants meet once a week for thirty-six weeks, a schedule with breaks for various holidays during the year. Although EFM is a four-year program, participants are asked only to commit to one year at a time. Each year is independent of the others with readings changing annually from Old Testament (year one) to New Testament (year two) to Church History (year three) and Christian Theology (year four).
In addition to readings in the Bible, a reflection guide and two additional books are used for weekly assignments each year. Learning objectives are set by the individual participants who normally spend six or more hours weekly in preparation for the group meeting. A major emphasis is the development of skills in theological reflection, a major underpinning of a Christian ministry. A study group consists of at least six and no more than twelve persons plus either one or two mentors. A seminar fee is required for materials. The Diocese of East Carolina and St Andrew’s have some limited scholarship funds as well as a monthly payment plan.
For more information on the program, see EfM.sewanee.com.