Christian formation is the lifelong process of growing in our relationship with God, self, others, and all creation. Through prayer, worship, study, fellowship, and service we can experience spiritual growth in our lives. On Sunday mornings throughout the program year, All Saints’ offers opportunities for all ages to study and learn as we seek to follow Christ.
Christian Formation for Children and Youth
On Sunday mornings, our Nursery is professionally staffed by Katie, Jane and Kristen and is available for children aged 0-3. Additional coverage is coming soon for 3-5 year olds.
EYC (Episcopal Youth Community) is our gathering of middle and high school students. We have monthly “Invite a Friend!” social events, participate in the Diocese of North Carolina retreats, engage in local community service, and go on various annual transformational experiences, such as mission trips and retreats.
Adult Christian Formation
Christian formation class for adults is offered most Sundays from 10:10-11:00 AM in-person and online via Zoom. You can check out the Weekly Word for more information on the current study and how to join in on the conversation.
Education for Ministry
Every baptized person is called to ministry. The Education for Ministry (EFM) program, under the auspices of the University of the South, located in Sewanee, Tennessee, provides people with the education and small group dynamics to discern and carry out that ministry. Lay persons face the difficult and often subtle task of interpreting the richness of the Episcopal Church’s faith in a complex and confusing world. They need the kind of theological education which supports their faith and which also trains them to express that faith in day-to-day events. Many people think that one must be ordained in order to be “a minister.” The fact is that all baptized Christians are called to be active participants in the church’s total ministry. The EFM program is preparation for the ministry to which each of us is called. It is that vocation for which we pray at the end of the Sunday Eucharist: “And now, Father, send us out to do the work you have given us to do, to love and serve you as faithful witnesses of Christ our Lord.”
Through study, prayer, and reflection, an EFM group moves toward a new understanding of the fullness of God’s kingdom. Christian tradition and collective experience are linked by the seminar sessions, where life and study meet. The group is grounded by regular weekly worship, facilitated by each EFM member on a rotation basis, which is so vital to the life of the group.
Students are given weekly lesson assignments to study with the help of resource guides and the internet. Students are responsible for setting their own learning goals. You would typically spend between two and four hours in study and preparation each week. During the seminar sessions, students have the opportunity to share their insights and discoveries as well as to raise and discuss questions which the study materials might pose for them. Through discussion and guided reflection, the seminars furnish an opportunity for students to deepen their understanding of the reading materials. In addition, students learn to think theologically through the development of skills learned in a method called theological reflection. Thirdly, by examining one’s own beliefs and its relationship to our present culture and historical tradition of our Christian faith, students learn what it means to be effective ministers in this challenging world.
Seminar groups work under the leadership of trained mentor(s) who contract to serve as facilitators and administrators. Mentors may be lay or ordained persons. Sue Gelarden and Dave Millar, both past graduates of EFM, have accepted the call to be respective mentors for the two (2) All Saints’ groups.
The tuition for one academic year or cycle in a sponsoring diocese, of which NC is, totals $350.00, to be paid in full before the beginning of the academic year. To assist students with financial needs, a tuition reduction provision is available on the basis of the total enrollment of the group(s), along with available discretionary funds.
Cursillo/Tres Dias
A Cursillo or Tres Dias experience is designed to help you live out the concepts of Christian thoughts, ideals, and faith through the discovery of your God-given gifts. In addition, the 3-day weekend equips each saint through small group sharing, accountability, and support to live out your unique calling to be a Christian leader in your daily life.
Information and registration forms are available online at www.nccursillo.org, or you can contact Dave Millar at dmillar@carolina.rr.com or cell at 704-796-0536 for additional information and instructions.