Christian
Education

 


2008 Confirmation Class & Sponsors

Sunday school classes are offered from September through May for children, age 2 - high school, and for adults. Other on-going Christian Education opportunities for adults include the Women's Spirituality Book Group, the Word in Words Book Group, and Education for Ministry. Information about these opportunities is available on the Adult Christian Education page below. Contact Beverley Elliott in the church office if you want more information. Click on the links below for details.

Although St. Bartholomew’s understanding of what and how we conduct Christian Education and Formation continually evolves, the following can safely be said at this point of our development.

St. Bartholomew’s seeks to be a vital and mature community of faith. To that end, the leaders of our Christian Education programs for children, youth and adult programs develop learning experiences that respond to the questions, challenges and needs that each person brings from their particular stage and circumstance in life. The hope is that all that happens in our life together as a Church, whether worship, study, social gatherings or service, will respond to these needs and questions of life and lead us to grow more deeply in our understanding and practice of Christian faith in daily life.

Parish education leaders believe that Christian formation begins with the conviction that God is working in each person’s life, inviting us into relationship with God and one another. The Baptismal Covenant & Catechism of the Book of Common Prayers, the traditions of the Anglican Communion & Episcopal Church, the particular identity of St. Bartholomew’s parish, and the ongoing revelation of the Holy Spirit in our midst, all shape our faith and our teachings.

We welcome you into the rich and exciting journey of becoming who you are called to be in Christ.

If you have ideas, comments or feedback around the programs and underlying assumptions and philosophies, or if you would like to be part of our teaching teams or planning committees, please contact the staff person associated with each of the areas below.


Summer Programs and Activities

Sunday mornings
¨ The Men’s Spirituality class meets weekly, 9:30 a.m. – 10:20 a.m. in the chapel. New participants are always welcome. The focus of discussion is wide and varied.

¨ Intergenerational (adult, youth and children that is!) summer classes on Sunday mornings July 22 and 29..

Benedictine Spirituality Group – First Saturdays of the month, 9-1 p.m.
For those in and beyond the parish; for those exploring Benedictine spirituality for the first time and those already living under the Rule of Benedict. The group meets in Amerson House (at the back of the St. Bart’s campus), on the first Saturday of each month from 9:00 a.m. till 1:00 p.m. Each month the program includes prayer, study of the Rule of Benedict and Benedictine spirituality, instruction and practice of Lectio Divina, introduction to Benedictine authors of note, and a community meal. The Reverend Paul A. Elliott, Th.D., OSB oblate, and rector of St. Michael and All Angels, Stone Mountain, leads the group.  If you are interested in attending, please contact Fr. Paul at rector@stmichael.cc. to indicate your interest and/or intention to attend.

Contemplative Centering Prayer Groups
Beginner and long-term practitioners are welcome. This method of prayer focuses on resting in God without words or images. Each group meeting includes a video presentation, discussion and then 20 minutes of silent prayer.

· Wednesdays, 6:00 – 7:15 p.m., Amerson House. Contact Lalor Cadley at (404) 320-3253 or lalorcadley@comcast.net for further information.

· Thursdays, 6:00 - 7:30 p.m., Amerson House. 11th step for 12-step programs. Contact Roberta Oster, robertaoster@bellsouth.net for details.

Monthly Taize service
This service of repeated short songs, scripture and silence is held on the second Monday of each month at 8 p.m. in the Meeting Room. The origin of the service is the Taize monastic community in southeastern France, founded in 1940. The community’s mission is to live a life of prayer and reconciliation. Ecumenical in nature, each year thousands of Christians from all over the world, especially young people, gather at Taize to pray, to search, to sing and find renewal. The Taize worship style has spread all around the world as people have returned home after their visits to Taize. Come experience. Contact Lisa Persons, lisawhite1@mindspring.com for further information.

Monthly CareGivers Meeting
This support group is for parishioners and non-parishioners alike, and meets on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 12:30 p.m. in the Taylor Room. People who are caring for a parent or spouse are finding this a wonderful place of support. The remaining dates for meeting over the summer are July 17 and August 21. Please contact Deacon Christina Dondero, (404) 377-5763 or christinadondero@bellsouth.net for further details. Bring a sack lunch if you plan to eat. Drinks supplied.

THE WORD IN WORDS BOOK GROUP
Beginning in mid-July the Word in Words Book Group will be reading “Disillusion” by C.J. Sansom and will be discussing the book in the regular August meeting scheduled for Monday, August 14, 7:30 p.m. in the Brooks Room. All are welcome and no reservations are required!