Christian Formation – Christian Formation in the Episcopal Church begins and ends with worship in liturgy — a word that means “the work of the people.” It continues in lifelong learning directed at the formation and sustenance of a loving, liberating, and life-giving relationship with God.
From the start, Christians gathered, prayed, and broke bread together. These actions are the outward sign of an inward faith that Christ’s love redeems humanity from sin by the promise of unity with God, at all times and in all places. The Church’s first sign and sacrament is Baptism, the one that gets us underway; Holy Eucharist is its second sign and sacrament, the one that brings us together, keeps us upright, and restores us when we fall.
The prime role of liturgy in the Episcopal Church is supplemented by other formation means: sermons, Bible Study, Contemplative Prayer and related practices, book studies, group and community service activities. In every case St. Stephen’s meets people where they are, seeking always to form youth and adults in developmentally appropriate ways.
Children & Youth Formation — “Godly Play” is offered at 10:15 AM on Sunday mornings to K-5th grade kids. It is a wonderful program teaching the stories of the Bible that includes interactive opportunities. It teaches the basis of our Christian faith and our liturgical foundation to our younger members. The class joins us in the Sanctuary for the communion portion of our Sunday morning liturgy.
The EYC (Episcopal Youth Community) meets every third Sunday of the month at 5pm in the Parish Hall, an activity that gives teens an opportunity to engage in service projects, fun activities, and meet together in a relaxed setting.
Adult Formation — St. Stephen’s Adult Formation seeks creative ways to advance life-long formation. At different times of the year we may offer Bible Study, Sunday Christian Education on various topics, book studies, as well as opportunities for contemplative practices (examples: weekly Centering Prayer/Lectio Divina group gatherings and walking the Abingdon Labyrinth in Advent and Lent).
All Are Welcome — We invite you and your family to join us in any of these Christian Formation offerings at St. Stephen’s. Most especially we welcome you to worship with us in “the beauty of holiness” and experience our Episcopal Church liturgies.
St. Stephen's Episcopal Church Welcomes You! 