Christian Formation
CHRISTIAN FORMATION
In the Episcopal Church, we refer to formal paths encouraging spiritual growth as Christian formation. This term identifies a life-long process of maturing in faith. Though it includes elements like Sunday school and Bible study, it is more than Christian education. Through Christian formation, we explore beliefs, engage scripture, and develop our understanding of their role within the Church and the broader world.
“I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do;” (Isaiah 42:16, NIV)
One of our duties to God as Christians and Episcopalians is to “set aside regular times for worship, prayer, and the study of God’s ways.” [BCP page 847] We have a variety of Christian education programs available at Saint Thaddeus Episcopal Church to help you in the study of God’s ways. No matter what your age or where you are in your spiritual journey, there is certainly something for you among our offerings.
Please call or email the church office to confirm times and offerings.
CHILDREN’S CHAPEL
“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6)
St. Thaddeus Episcopal Church offers Christian Formation for children in our Children’s Chapel time during the 11:15 service (10 AM in the summer). After the “Song of Praise” at the beginning of service, children participating will follow an acolyte across the churchyard to the Chapel of the Holy Apostles. After Children’s Chapel, the group comes back to the main service so that all can participate in Holy Eucharist. Lessons are taught by a rotation of wonderful, trained volunteers who are passionate about sharing the Good News with the next generations of believers. Our curriculum from StoryMakers NYC is open and accesible to a wide age range, and children 3K – 5th grade are encouraged to join us!
StoryMakers is a curriculum developed by Melina Luna Smith in Manhattan, New York City. Mel recognized that the next generation needed a fresh approach to Sunday School. With a background in Behavioral Health and with an artsy twist, StoryMakers was created to meet the social-emotional needs of kids, all while tucking the word of God into the hearts of “StoryMakers.” The organization values the creative image-bearing nature we all possess, and invites kids to embody God’s story through a playful approach. Through art, fun facts, and story, the Gospel imagination is brought to life. Each adventure guides kids through a story from the Bible, highlighting redemptive narratives with the intention to assure kids that God is with them and for them always.
(For more info please check out storymakersnyc.com, or email Jay Jones at jay@stthaddeus.org.)
ADULTS
There are currently two adult formation classes on Sunday, as well as a Wednesday morning group. Periodically on Wednesday evenings there is dinner followed by a program at the church.
The Rector’s Forum
The Rector’s Forum features a variety of shorter, multi-week topics of study and discussion, and is usually led by one of the clergy. The forum meets in the Chapel of the Holy Apostles on Sundays from 10:15 am to 11:00 am. (The Forum is on hiatus for the summer, but check back here for a list of upcoming topics!)
The Drop In Class
This class meets on Sundays from 10:15 to 11:00 am. Our study is informal and typically focuses on one book. Call or email the church office to see what we are currently reading. (This class is on hiatus for the summer.)
Sunday School Bible Study
St. Thaddeus offers an adult Bible study on Sundays. The class runs from 10:15 to 11:00 am, where we study the books of the Bible in the order they appear. We meet in the Cheetham Parlor of the Stevenson-McClelland building. Though no preparation is needed, you can call or email the church office to learn book we are presently studying. (This class continues through the summer, meeting at 9:00 am.)
Wednesday Evening Dinners
At various times throughout the year, St. Thaddeus offers programs on various topics related to church life and our faith. Recent series have included presentations on
- six ideals found in Les Miserables,
- the formation of the downtown Aiken churches, and
- how to disagree morally.
Dinner is typically provided, though a donation is suggested.