Faith Formation Ministries

Sunday Mornings

Christian education is offered to all ages on Sunday morning from 9:40AM to 10:20AM following the parish breakfast. Adult Forum meets in the Parish Hall in the Ministry Center. The location of each of the children’s classes is posted outside of the Ministry Center and in the narthex of the sanctuary.

Children’s Sunday School. During the academic year, we use an Episcopal curriculum for ages 3 through sixth grade that engages children in the discovery of scripture, the traditions of the Episcopal Church, the needs of the world, and the ways in which Christians are called to serve. Children in first grade and up may participate in the Junior Choir, which meets from 9:30 - 10:00 on Sunday morning. After Choir, the children participate in Sunday School until 10:20AM

In the summer, the Children's Chapel takes the place of Sunday School, offering a story, songs, and crafts during the during the first half of the 10:30 service.

Youth on Sunday Morning. In addition to our Sunday evening program (which begins with a Contemporary Eucharist with music and preaching geared toward youth), middle and high schoolers are encouraged to participate in the Junior Choir on Sunday morning from 9:30 to 10:00 and to assist with the Sunday School program for younger children.

Adult Forum. Following breakfast during the academic year, the clergy, member of the congregation, or guest speaker, leads a program and discussion around a variety of topics relating to scripture, the life of the Church, or ways to live out our faith in the world. Adult forum meets in the Parish Hall.

Adult Education Class. Upstairs in the library in the Ministry Center, lay leaders take turns presenting provocative studies relating to religion or religious history. This class meets during the academic year.

Thursdays

Bible Study. The Rev. Lisa Hines, Locum Tenens, teaches an in-depth and ongoing study of the Bible on Thursdays at 10:30AM and at 7:00PM In the 2008-09 academic year, the class focused on the Gospel of Mark. In the 2009-10 academic year, the topic will be the Gospel of Luke. Participants are free to attend at either time in a given week. Notes are emailed to participants after each class, allowing them to keep up with our progress even on weeks where they must be absent. No one has any homework except the teacher, The class look closely at the social, economic and political context of the events described in the gospel, as well as the context of the gospel writer and his community, and draws from a variety of commentaries for new insights and deeper understanding of scripture.

And More …

Vacation Bible Camp. Each summer, children and their families gather each evening for a week of shared meals and puppet plays, crafts, music, and games inspired by a central theme.
   [ 2009 VBC Photos | 2008 VBC Photos ]

Library. St. Thomas maintains a library with hundreds of books and resources in the Ministry Center. Staffed by volunteers, the Library provides a wealth of material on faith, prayer, spirituality, the Episcopal Church, and more.

Confirmation Classes meet as needed over a 4-6 week period to prepare parishioners for confirmation. (Lisa Hines)

Corinna Strayer, Vestry Liaison