"Christian Formation" is a churchy term for something which is also known as Sunday School -- except it's not just for children! We believe that we all have room to grow in our faith. Here's what Emmanuel currently has planned...
Children through 5th Grade
Our new venture is called "Children's Church" and will be held on the first and the third Sunday of the month during the 10am service. After the opening hymn, the children will be excused to go to the classroom with their teachers to do a project related to the Bible readings of the day. This is usually something arts-and-craftsy. The kids will come back in time to join their families for Communion. For those worshiping online, there is a Zoom link available for Children's Church.
Confirmation Class
We began a Confirmation Class for 7th and 8th graders just before the COVID-19 pandemic stopped us in our tracks. Stay tuned for further details on how and when we will be picking that back up.
First Communion
While we do not require children to attend a First Communion class in order to receive the bread and wine, we offer this class periodically in order to help them understand what happens during the service. It is designed for children around 1st Grade.
Adult Formation
No prior knowledge is assumed for any of our discussion topics. It is held after the 10am service on Sunday morning (so approximately 11:15am). Please contact us for a Zoom link if you are unable to attend in-person.
Lenten Formation Explores New Old Ways to Know God (ends on March 26th)
Come discover your new favorite way to imagine and experience God’s presence by learning time-treasured metaphors from ancient scriptures and historic theologians. Loosely based on Lauren Winner’s Wearing God: Clothing, Laughter, Fire and Other Overlooked Ways of Meeting God, our Lenten adult formation series will engage scripture, tradition, and our own experience. Join us for our last discussion on how we use smell (March 26) to grow in the knowledge and love of God.
Note: no formation on Palm Sunday or Easter (April 2 and 9).
Formation Series beginning on April 16th: Last Things First
Our prayer book tells us that “for God’s faithful people [in death] life is changed, not ended.” Come join us in Easter season as we celebrate Christ’s victory over death by challenging our assumptions and fears around planning for our own mortal end. Join us for one or more of our sessions!
April 16 - Death Cafe - an informal conversation about death and dying with Rev. Kate
April 23 - The BCP’s Theology of Dying - Rev. Dave will review the funeral liturgy and what it tells us about our beliefs around death.
April 30 - Meet a Death Doula - what is the process of dying actually like? How can we accompany each other and prepare our loved ones to accompany us through it? Join Alyssa Ackerman, a certified death doula, to hear more about her work and the process of dying.
May 7 - Meet a Funeral Director - what happens after we die? Join a representative from local funeral home Hallowell & James to learn the ins and outs of planning what to do with your remains after you pass.
May 14 - Planning Your Funeral - Join Rev. Kate to review our funeral service, and begin planning how you would like your life celebrated at Emmanuel.
May 21 - Making Your Estate Plan - Local attorney Joe Howard will walk us through the basics of estate planning and help you make a plan for your financial future.