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 SUNDAY SCHOOL
“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 Children’s Christian Formation class, The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd meets on the second floor of the Stevenson-McLelland Building on Sundays from 10:00 – 11:00 AM beginning in September. Children ages 3-12 years of age are encouraged to join. The class is held in “The Atrium,” a place set apart and specially prepared for children to be still, learn about and fall in love with Jesus.
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd began its development in 1954 by Sofia Cavaletti, a Hebrew and Scripture scholar, and Gianna Gobbi, a Montessori guide. In working with children Sofia observed the unique way young children abide in the presence of God and already have a relationship with Him. She noted the gift this experience is to the adult who stops and watches. It is the role of the catechist (one who provides religious instruction and formation) to be a humble and patient observer – taking a step back after proclaiming the Word and allowing the child to make discoveries on their own. In this model the Word itself can do its work on the child without the adult getting in the way. For more information on Catechesis of the Good Shepherd visit http://www.cgsusa.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 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.
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.
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.