Christian Education
Trinity Episcopal Church is deeply committed to education. We offer Education for Minister, Adult Forum, Rector's Bible Study, Sunday School and Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.
Christian Education in the Time of COVID-19
FOR CHILDREN:
Our Catechesis Director, Anne Gill, has made available some excellent resources for our children in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd which will be a valuable tool for the children and parents. Anne's letter to the parents is attached here and contains some links to various sites for those resources.
Dear Parents,
These are strange times that we are living in. Your children are at home for weeks, and many of you are too. Church doors are closed and the atrium will not be full of sweet voices each Sunday morning.
You may be wondering how to encourage your child’s spiritual formation while we are not worshipping together. Our leadership will address corporate worship soon, but I have put together some resources for parents to consider.
1.Set up a prayer table at home. Find a quiet place to set up a small table with a candle, Bible, religious picture, and/or prayer card with a short phrase (Peace or Silence). Learn more about setting up prayer tables here.
2.Read short passages of scripture together. In the atrium, the catechist reads short passages from the Bible and asks very simple, open ended questions such as “What did you hear?” or “What is God telling us?” Resist the urge to answer the questions. It is best to let the questions linger in their mind. They will continue to ponder the mysteries and there are no right or wrong responses. Some typical Lenten readings in our atrium include:
3.For the older child, a favorite Lenten study is looking at the way the different gospels tell the story of Jesus’ last week. Attached is a scripture chart on where to find each corresponding story. Read from each gospel and have your child compare and contrast how each author presents the story.
4.Pull out your Book of Common Prayer and pray Compline together each night before bed. It’s quite short and a nice way to end the day together! If you don’t have a BCP at home, it can be found online here.
Several weeks ago, on the last Sunday after Epiphany, your children created an ‘alleluia’ card. All of the children drew their own interpretation of the word ‘alleluia’. Once finished, they hid the paper somewhere in the atrium. Even I do not know where. But it is there…waiting our rediscovery when all of this passes. Elizabeth and I look forward to proclaiming ‘Alleluia’ with your children soon.
Peace be with you in these turbulent times. Do not hesitate to reach out if you need anything!
Anne
Annegill3479@gmail.com
251-599-3479
FOR ADULTS:
In this same vein, Bob Howard has amended Anne’s materials to offer Adult Catechesis. Those materials may be found HERE.
Our Catechesis Director, Anne Gill, has made available some excellent resources for our children in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd which will be a valuable tool for the children and parents. Anne's letter to the parents is attached here and contains some links to various sites for those resources.
Dear Parents,
These are strange times that we are living in. Your children are at home for weeks, and many of you are too. Church doors are closed and the atrium will not be full of sweet voices each Sunday morning.
You may be wondering how to encourage your child’s spiritual formation while we are not worshipping together. Our leadership will address corporate worship soon, but I have put together some resources for parents to consider.
1.Set up a prayer table at home. Find a quiet place to set up a small table with a candle, Bible, religious picture, and/or prayer card with a short phrase (Peace or Silence). Learn more about setting up prayer tables here.
2.Read short passages of scripture together. In the atrium, the catechist reads short passages from the Bible and asks very simple, open ended questions such as “What did you hear?” or “What is God telling us?” Resist the urge to answer the questions. It is best to let the questions linger in their mind. They will continue to ponder the mysteries and there are no right or wrong responses. Some typical Lenten readings in our atrium include:
- The Good Shepherd: John 10:3b-5, 10b-11, 14-16
- The Found Sheep: Luke 15:4-6
- Psalm 23:1-4
- The Last Supper: Luke 22:7-13, Mark 14:17, 22-24, 26
3.For the older child, a favorite Lenten study is looking at the way the different gospels tell the story of Jesus’ last week. Attached is a scripture chart on where to find each corresponding story. Read from each gospel and have your child compare and contrast how each author presents the story.
4.Pull out your Book of Common Prayer and pray Compline together each night before bed. It’s quite short and a nice way to end the day together! If you don’t have a BCP at home, it can be found online here.
Several weeks ago, on the last Sunday after Epiphany, your children created an ‘alleluia’ card. All of the children drew their own interpretation of the word ‘alleluia’. Once finished, they hid the paper somewhere in the atrium. Even I do not know where. But it is there…waiting our rediscovery when all of this passes. Elizabeth and I look forward to proclaiming ‘Alleluia’ with your children soon.
Peace be with you in these turbulent times. Do not hesitate to reach out if you need anything!
Anne
Annegill3479@gmail.com
251-599-3479
FOR ADULTS:
In this same vein, Bob Howard has amended Anne’s materials to offer Adult Catechesis. Those materials may be found HERE.
This is a four year program of study offered by the School of the Theology at the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee. Trinity is host for the program, while most participants are Trinity parishioners, we have had other Episcopalians and other denominations attend. Students learn the disciplines of biblical exegesis and interpretation, systematic theology, church history, ethics, liturgics, and ascetical theology. The first year includes the study of the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament), second year looks at the New Testament, third year is church history and the fourth year consists of theology, ethics, and interfaith encounters. There is an annual tuition, which includes textbooks. For information on this program, contact David Clothier at dmclothier51@gmail.com.
|
Adult Forum
Each Sunday at 10:30, a different class is offered for adults on some aspect of the Christian faith. Topics range from the study of themes such as faith and doubt; social justice concerns such as poverty and racism; or a discussion of certain works such as C.S. Lewis' Mere Christianity. The forums are usually led by the Rector and are conversational (not lecture based) in format. Encouragement is given to all members of the class to share their thoughts and reflections on the topics at hand. All are welcome. |
Adult Forum
|
Bible Study
This bible study meets nearly every Wednesday at 11 am prior to the weekly noon Eucharist. We engage in conversation about various books or themes in the bible.
This bible study meets nearly every Wednesday at 11 am prior to the weekly noon Eucharist. We engage in conversation about various books or themes in the bible.
Sunday School
This program is run by John Goff and is for children from 5th to 12th grade. They have lively discussions about the bible and Christian faith ideas.
This program is run by John Goff and is for children from 5th to 12th grade. They have lively discussions about the bible and Christian faith ideas.
Atrium
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
This is our Christian formation program for children ages 3 through the 4th grade. It is based on Sacred Scripture, liturgy, and the principles of Maria Montessori. Children gather in a prepared space called the atrium. The atrium contains beautiful, yet simple materials that aide the child in developing relationship with God and an understanding of life in the Church. This program runs Sundays from 10:30-11:30, September through May. Contact Anne Gill for more information at anne.gill@comcast.net
This is our Christian formation program for children ages 3 through the 4th grade. It is based on Sacred Scripture, liturgy, and the principles of Maria Montessori. Children gather in a prepared space called the atrium. The atrium contains beautiful, yet simple materials that aide the child in developing relationship with God and an understanding of life in the Church. This program runs Sundays from 10:30-11:30, September through May. Contact Anne Gill for more information at anne.gill@comcast.net