Welcome to 2017. I have great hope, and grace-filled expectations, for our congregation in the coming months.
One of those expectations has to do with the continued strengthening of our efforts in the areas of the Christian education and spiritual formation. When discussing what signs pointed to the life of a thriving church at our Annual Meeting back in October, I included these:
- When the congregation is growing in it’s understanding of what it means to live as Christians, following Jesus more nearly, day by day. This is the true nature of discipleship.
- When we are faithfully connecting our children, youth, and young adults to the Gospel (Good News) about Jesus Christ.
These goals will not be achieved by way of osmosis. In order to thrive, we will need to invest our time, talents, and participation. Thus, in addition to Church School at 9:30 AM on Sunday mornings, here are some other opportunities you can look forward to:
A Confirmation Class for all teenagers in the eighth grade and above will begin with an introductory session on Sunday, January 8 at 9:30 AM. It will culminate with Bishop Ted Gulick’s visit to Trinity on Sunday, May 7. These discussions will help each participant better understand and appreciate what we mean when we call ourselves “Christians”. Rachel and I will take turns leading the class. For further information, please contact The Rev. Rachel Rickenbaker.
An Inquirer’s Class for adults interested in being confirmed will also be offered. This will take place primarily in the context of a weekend retreat (a Friday evening and then all day on Saturday.) I am presently looking at the weekend of April 7 and 8, with Palm Sunday being April 9. Please contact me if you think you would like to take part.
The Christian Parenting Class will continue in the New Year. Various topics will be covered. This discussion coincides with our Church School, meeting from 9:30-10:15 AM on Sunday mornings.
On Sunday mornings during the Epiphany season (January 8-February 26), I plan on offering an Introduction to the Good News about Jesus. Specifically, we will discuss both the background and the major themes found in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. If ever you wanted to understand what these texts are about, and where they come from, but were too shy to ask, here’s your opportunity. We will also meet on Sunday mornings from 9:30-10:15 AM.
During Lent, Rachel will lead a class for adults on Sunday mornings at 9:30 AM, while yours truly will lead a program on Wednesday evenings in conjunction with a simple supper. More details will be forthcoming.
In addition to the above, our Wednesday morning Bible Study continues. We meet from 10:30 AM until 11:45 AM in the living room of Peard House. I also plan on continuing with the Pilgrim Course on Monday evenings. I am certain other opportunities will arise and we will keep you posted!
Yes, our lives are incredibly busy. Nonetheless, if we believe that our faith in God is important, and our growth in the same is our goal, then spending time together in conversation about the essentials is required. Indeed, our souls, and our lives, depend upon it! I look forward to our time together in the months ahead.