Christian Formation is a lifelong process of growth and development, with Christ and in Christ. It is not just the acquisition of skills or knowledge, or just one of the activities or occurrences in a person’s life; Christian formation is the continuing activity that gives shape and meaning to everything in the life of a Christian.

St. Paul’s offers many opportunities for Christian formation, ranging from informal study groups to multi-year study courses to silent contemplative prayer and reading. Click here to view this week’s formation schedule.

Formation on Sundays

St. Paul’s offers Christian formation to our youngest parishioners from age 3 through 12th grade through Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (Pre K—5th grade), Journeys Through Scripture (6th—8th grade), and Ponticus (high school). All classes meet at 10:15 a.m. on Sundays through the school year except as otherwise announced. Click here to learn more about formation for children.

The Rector’s Forum is a weekly class, held during six months of the year at 10:30 a.m. on Sundays, led by Father Sloane and guest speakers. The Forum offers teachings on a variety of topics which seek to cover “the basics:” the Book of Common Prayer, Anglicanism, church history, Scripture, Rule of Life, spiritual healing, sin and forgiveness, prayer, and issues of church and society. It is a good introduction to Christian Formation for adults at Saint Paul’s and ideal for those who are unable to commit to regular or extended classes or groups. Click here to learn more about the Forum.

The Adult Discussion Group meets on Sundays between 10:30 and 11:00 a.m., with a summer hiatus.  A wide range of topics that are of general interest are discussed. The Group currently is considering T.S. Eliot’s essay Christianity and Culture that addresses the influence of Christian culture on political life in democratic societies. For more information contact Richard Best, best.luchs@verizon.net.

Formation on Weekdays

Mondays: St. Paul’s monastic spirituality group, Hic et Nunc (Here and Now), invites you to come share in the appreciation and growth of Silence, holiness, devotion, and fellowship on Monday evenings. Click here to learn more about Hic et Nunc.

Tuesdays: The Religion & Science Book Study seeks to understand historical and current issues in the relationship between science and the various forms of the Judeo-Christian religious tradition. Through readings, discussion and understanding we hope to reinforce for ourselves the harmony between the scientific and spiritual world views. Come and join a fun and rewarding learning experience. Click here to learn more about the Religion & Science study group.

Wednesdays: Pilgrims in Christ, or just “Pilgrims,” is a nine-month catechumenate offering formation in the basics of Christian faith and practice, in the context of the Anglican tradition. It is the normal preparation at St. Paul’s for Baptism, Confirmation, Reception into the Episcopal Church, or reaffirmation of Baptismal vows. Click here to learn more about Pilgrims.

Wednesdays in Lent: During Lent the parish clergy lead a special five-week evening program of prayer and study, with a simple meatless potluck dinner. In 2012 the series will be titled “Ite, missa est” (Latin for “Go, it’s the dismissal”), led by Fr. Andrew Sloane. We shall look at the essential and authenticating link between Anglo-Catholic sacramental worship and the ministries of outreach and mission.

Fridays in Lent: The Children’s Lenten Program is an annual family-oriented program that runs for five Friday nights in Lent from 7:00 to 8:30 pm.  The program includes an hour of multimedia presentation and intergenerational activities, including drama, discussion, crafts, and small group interaction. In 2012 we will continue the annual series “Through Lent with C.S. Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia.”  This year Fr. Humphrey will lead us through The Last Battle.