Episcopal 101 Confirmation
Confirmation classes will be held January 13 through April 15 at 10:15am. Confirmation will be Sunday, April 28 at 10:00am.
Beginning Sunday, January 13, a series of 12 classes is being offered to adults and youth who wish to make a public affirmation of their faith by either being confirmed or received into the Episcopal Church and for those who wish to reaffirm their faith.
The first three classes were “The Anglican Ethos” on January 13, and “Wild Water and Full-Body Prayer: Rituals in the Episcopal Church” on January 20 and 27. Additional topics to be covered include how the Episcopal Church works, what we believe as Episcopalians, our liturgy and music, The Book of Common Prayer, and the sacraments. The remaining nine classes will be held in the chapel on Sundays at 10:15 a.m. (except for February 3, the day of the Annual Meeting, and Easter Sunday, April 21) in conjunction with classes for youth confirmands.
Sunday Morning Adult Forum
Every Sunday from 10:15-11:00am, we offer classes for adults on the Bible, the Christian faith, Anglican identity, and personal spiritual practice. These are sometimes in a large lecture-style format, and at other times, are organized as small group book studies.
Small Groups
St. Paul’s hosts a wide variety of formational small group gatherings for adults that meet throughout the week. We meet to build friendships and practice our faith together as a part of a meaningful, committed community.
Faith & Justice
Through monthly lectures, notable speakers, book studies, and parish-wide events, we learn together about the challenges we face in addressing racial equity and economic disparity, both locally and beyond.
Spirituality Institute
This deeper-dive intensive allows for one to grow closer to God through spiritual practice, theological study and small group reflection concluding in an annual pilgrimage.
Class Recordings
“The Anglican Ethos” was presented by the Rev. D. Dixon Kinser on Sunday, January 14, 2018. (Due to a recorder malfunction, the January 13, 2019, class on the same topic was not recorded.)
“Wild Water and Full-Body Prayer: Rituals in the Episcopal Church” was taught by the Rev. Darby O. Everhard on Sunday, January 20, 2019.Part 1 of
“Wild Water and Full-Body Prayer: Rituals in the Episcopal Church” was taught by the Rev. Sara C. Ardrey-Graves on Sunday, January 27, 2019.Part 2 of
“Church History” was taught on January 22, 2017, by Nick VanHorn. (Nick’s February 10, 2019, class was not fully recorded.)
“Anglican Church History,” taught by the Rev. D. Dixon Kinser on Sunday, February 17, 2019.
“The Book of Common Prayer: History and Theology,” taught by the Rev. John E. Shields on Sunday, March 10, 2019.
“The Book of Common Prayer: Practical Use,” taught by the Rev. Darby O. Everhard on Sunday, March 17, 2019.
“Stewardship,” taught by the Rev. Sara C. Ardrey-Graves on Sunday, March 24, 2019.
“Episcopal Polity,” taught by the Rev. D. Dixon Kinser on Sunday, March 31, 2019.
A review and recap of the Episcopal 101 series, taught by the Rev. Sara C. Ardrey-Graves on Sunday, April 7, 2019.
Confirmation, Reception, Reaffirmation: Which is right for you?
Confirmation is a mature, public affirmation of your faith, celebrated by the prayers and laying on of hands by our bishop. It is a celebration of your baptism and your desire to live out your faith in the Episcopal Church. If you were baptized as a child (in any denomination) but never did confirmation, this rite is for you.
Reception is for those who have been baptized and confirmed in a Christian denomination that has a ritual of confirmation (such as Methodists, Catholics or Lutherans) who wish to join the Episcopal Church.
Reaffirmation of Faith is for those who have been baptized and confirmed in the Episcopal Church, but in a church other than St. Paul’s.
Registration
All are welcome to attend any of the classes, but if you wish to be confirmed or received or to reaffirm your faith, you must complete a registration form on or before Sunday, January 27. To register or ask questions about any aspect of your decision to join the Episcopal Church, contact the Rev. Sara C. Ardrey-Graves at (336) 723-4391, ext. 1211.