Ministry of Christian Formation
“…continue in what you have learned and firmly believed, knowing from
whom you learned it…” (2 Timothy 3:14)
Christian Formation is a lifelong process of being shaped by experiencing God through worship, fellowship, service to others, and education. Here we concentrate on activities that are primarily educational.
CHRISTIAN FORMATION COMMITTEE
An active committee of people interested in planning and supporting Christian Formation for every stage of the life cycle from baby to senior citizen can be an important ingredient in the success of this area of ministry. If you would like to serve on such a committee (a “Friends of Learning” team), your rector would like to hear from you!
Contact: The Rev. Libby Wade (270-443-1363)
EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT FUND
This fund was established in 2008 by a gift from a parishioner and a portion of the accumulated Birthday Funds for the purpose of supporting parishioners pursuing degrees or certification programs to enhance their ministry in the church or community. The vestry receives requests and makes decisions about disbursements. The fund has assisted a parishioner working on a Masters of Divinity at Virginia Theological Seminary and a staff member in a youth ministry certification program at Episcopal Theological Seminary of the Southwest.
Contact: The Rev. Libby Wade (270-443-1363) to apply for assistance or
Financial Secretary Trish Hines (270-443-1363) to make a contribution
ADULT LIBRARY
As a resource for both the congregation and the community, the newly renovated Adult Library seeks to offer reliable, helpful materials which will enable people to learn, reflect, and grow in their understanding of God. The Library contains over 2000 titles in many different categories, from faith and bible study to biography and fiction. The entire catalogue of titles can be browsed on our website www.gracepaducah.net.
Contact: Parish Administrator Kimberly Stevens (270-443-1363)
CHILDREN’S TREEHOUSE LIBRARY
The Children’s Treehouse Library was created in 1990 as a quiet place where children may more fully realize the presence of God within and around them through reading, quiet play, seeing, and listening. The library includes a reading loft and stained glass windows created by the children of Grace. Books may be checked out during office hours and on Sunday mornings.
Contact: Elizabeth Dorsey (813-679-0487)
SAFEGUARDING GOD’S CHILDREN
The Diocese of Kentucky mandates that all staff and volunteers working with children receive training in the prevention of sexual misconduct at least every three years. An excellent training program, Safeguarding God’s Children, was completed by a large group of people at Grace in 2005, 2008, and 2009. This training is also recommended for parents and anyone who cares about children. Online training is now available through the Diocese of KY.
Contact: Staff Liaison Stefan Jagoe (270-443-1363)
GODLY PLAY
Godly Play is an imaginative approach to working with young children. Rooted in the Montessori method of education, Godly Play assumes that children have some experience with the mystery of God’s presence in their lives. Its goal is to provide the language that children need to express and enjoy what they intuitively know. Working in a carefully prepared environment, leaders help children enter into sacred stories,silence, and sacred liturgy in order to discover God, themselves, one another, and the world around them. In the fall of 2010, we introduced a Godly Play group for young children (ages 3-7) on Wednesday nights and we continue to offer short series throughout the year. Godly Play for 3rd-5th Graders will be offered on Sunday mornings (after the 9:45a service) will begin in January 2012. Help is needed to create or purchase materials. A Training Weekend for storytellers and doorkeepers will be held at Grace January 13-14, 2012.
Contact: Will Black (270-443-1998), The Rev. Meghan Holland (270-443-1363)
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
Vacation Bible School is a summer program that offers a fun and exciting way for children to explore their spirituality and relationship with God. Grace Church sometimes partners with First Presbyterian Church and Broadway United Methodist Church to widen the scope of VBS. Traditionally VBS has been designed for preschool and elementary-aged youth, but 2008 saw the inclusion of programming for middle schoolers. Past VBS themes include “My Space in God’s Place,” “One God – One World,” and “You Are God’s Work of Art.” If interest warrants, VBS will return in 2012.
Contact: The Rev. Libby Wade or The Rev. Meghan Holland (270-443-1363)
COMMUNION CLASS
At least every two years parents and children (ages 4-8) meet with one of our clergy to explore the significance of the Eucharist, the meal we share at Christ’s altar each Sunday. This class is not a prerequisite for receiving communion, since all who are baptized are welcome to share the Eucharistic meal. It is, however, a time to more fully understand the symbolic actions, connect them with family meals and stories of biblical meals, and practice worship etiquette. Whether taught over several weeks during the Sunday School hour or as a Saturday workshop, this class is an excellent chance for parents and children to share an important experience in faith formation. Dates of future sessions will be published in the Lo and Behold and on the website.
Contact: The Rev. Libby Wade (270-443-1363)
CONFIRMATION & INQUIRERS’ CLASSES
Adults and teens interested in learning more about the Episcopal Church and considering making a mature reaffirmation of their faith through baptism, confirmation, or reception are expected to attend a 6-8 week series of classes led by our clergy and youth minister with the assistance of lay leaders. Others interested in a refresher course about the Church, the Book of Common Prayer, and the implications of our baptismal covenant for daily living are encouraged to attend the Adult Classes. Class dates vary each year in relation to the date of the Bishop’s Annual Visitation to Grace Church.
Contact: The Rev. Libby Wade (270-443-1363),
Youth Minister Stefan Jagoe (270-443-1363)
GIRLS OF GRACE
Several times a year, a series of afternoon gatherings or a Saturday event for young adolescent girls is held in someone’s home or at the church. The girls help choose the topic for the next series. Each meeting includes snacks, serious discussion, interactive learning, crafts, prayer, and plenty of time for enjoying each other’s company. Topics so far have included friendship, self-esteem, self-care, and relationships. The girls have often suggested that the boys need a similar class!
Contact: Girls of Grace Leader Julie Jaeger (270-443-8264).
If you are interested in a Boys’ Class, contact Stefan Jagoe (270-443-1363).
EPISCOPAL YOUTH COMMUNITY (EYC)
Grace Church not only believes that the youth are the future of the church,
but that they can and should play an active, vital role in the church at the
present stage of their lives, building the foundation for continued
involvement with the church through their adult years. With an emphasis
on those in grades 6 through 12, the youth ministry of Grace Episcopal
Church strives to mentor our young members through: 1) Creative
religious education – using non-traditional sources to help us understand
God’s purpose for our lives; 2) Community building recreation, such as
our annual lock-in and weekend getaways; 3) Showing others the face of
Christ in the world and being good stewards of all of creation through
activities ranging from combating hunger to caring for neglected animals
to helping keep our environment clean; and 4) Relational ministry – being
accessible to our youth not just on Sunday nights. One such avenue is
our utilization of technology such as Facebook and Instant Messaging,
providing a source by which they stay current about upcoming EYC
activities or, should the need arise, a safe place to talk with a trusted adult
about any issue. Volunteers are needed to cook or buy food for Sunday
night youth meetings and occasionally as drivers for trips. Check the
website for meeting times and dates.
Contact: Youth Minister Stefan Jagoe (270-443-1363)
or visit www.gracepaducahyouth.org
NURSERY
Three stonemasons, when asked what they were doing, replied as follows: “Laying a stone,” said the first. “Making a wall,” said the second. “Building a cathedral,” said the third. Three church nursery workers were asked what they were doing. “Babysitting these kids,” said the first. “Caring for the children,” said the second. “Sharing God’s love,” replied the third. Loving care in a safe and appealing atmosphere provides a first step in Christian formation for our youngest children. Two adult caregivers staff our baby/toddler nursery from 9:15 am-12:15 pm each Sunday morning. The nursery is open during other parish events as needed. A volunteer Nursery Coordinator is needed to take our nursery care to the next level of excellence.
Contact: The Rev. Meghan Holland (270-443-1363)
SUNDAY CHRISTIAN FORMATION
Children:
Quiet Bags – Activity kits for young children are kept in baskets at both entrances of the church. Their contents are designed to help children be more actively engaged in worship.
Good News Time – One of the ways we welcome young children is to provide a Bible story and activity time during the sermon on Sundays at the 9:45 am service. After the Gospel, children 3rd Grade and younger follow their adult leader to the Treehouse Library for this 20 minute session. April Cochran leads Good News Time during the school year. Teens, parents, grandparents, and any others who would enjoy spending time on a Sunday morning with young children are encouraged to volunteer during the summer months.
Bible Sunday – Each November, 2nd/3rd Graders are presented Bibles blessed during a worship service. Sunday School – Each year from September through May, classes are offered after the 9:45 am worship service for preschool – 5th grade. The number and division of classes varies each year according to the number of children participating and their ages. Themes studied recently include the Lord’s Prayer, the wonders of creation, what we do in church, helping others, and Bible stories from the Sunday lectionary. After studying the parable of the talents, older children engaged the whole congregation in a Market Day to raise money for helping with poverty. During Advent each year, Sunday School classes focus on the story of Jesus’ birth as they prepare for the annual Christmas Eve Nativity Pageant. Both teachers and students are always needed and welcome!
Sunday School – Each year from September through May, classes are offered after the 9:45 a.m. worship service for preschool – 5th grade. The number and division of classes varies each year according to the number of children participating and their ages. Themes studied recently include the Lord’s Prayer, the wonders of creation, what we do in church, helping others, and Bible stories from the Sunday lectionary. After studying the parable of the talents, older children engaged the whole congregation in a Market Day to raise money for helping with poverty. During Advent each year, Sunday School classes focus on the story of Jesus’ birth as they prepare for the annual Christmas Eve Nativity Pageant. Both teachers and students are always needed and welcome!
Teens:
EYC – Grace Church not only believes that the youth are the future of the church, but that they can and should play an active, vital role in the church at the present stage of their lives, building the foundation for continued involvement with the church through their adult years. With an emphasis on those in grades 6 through 12, the youth ministry of Grace Episcopal Church strives to mentor our young members through: 1) Creative religious education – using non-traditional sources to help us understand God’s purpose for our lives; 2) Community building recreation, such as our annual lock-in and weekend getaways; 3) Showing others the face of Christ in the world and being good stewards of all of creation through activities ranging from combating hunger to caring for neglected animals to helping keep our environment clean; and 4) Relational ministry – being accessible to our youth not just on Sunday nights. One such avenue is our utilization of technology such as Facebook and Instant Messaging, providing a source by which they stay current about upcoming EYC activities or, should the need arise, a safe place to talk with a trusted adult about any issue. Volunteers are needed to cook or buy food for Sunday night youth meetings and occasionally as drivers for trips. Check the website for meeting times and dates.
Sunday School – Topics of interest to teens and designed to engage them around life applications of biblical themes are offered by Stefan Jagoe and Donna Groves after the 9:45 am worship service on Sundays during the academic year. Information about teen activities and classes, as well as a youth sermon may be found on the youth website www.gracepaducahyouth.org. Adults: A wide variety of topics are explored in Sunday morning classes for adults. During the academic year and often during the summer, as well, one class is offered between the two services, while 2-3 classes are usually offered after the second service. The Lo and Behold and parish website are the best sources for details about upcoming classes. Your participation, leadership, and ideas for future topics are always welcome!
Contact: The Rev. Libby Wade (270-443-1363), children and adults;
Youth Minister Stefan Jagoe (270-443-1363), teens;
Parish Administrator Matt Jaeger (270-443-1363), adults
WOMEN’S RETREATS
Women’s retreats at Grace offer sacred space for prayer, study, reflection, and fellowship in a gracious and hospitable atmosphere. Most recent topics include “Courageous Women: Lives of Women Saints” (led by Louella Lyon, Mary Sisto, and Libby Wade) and an Advent Retreat based on Sue Monk Kidd’s book When the Heart Waits (led by Julie Jaeger and Libby Wade). These typically day-long retreats are always open to the community. Watch for announcements of future retreats in the Lo and Behold and on the parish website. Ideas for topics and leaders are always welcome. (If there is interest in a Men’s Retreat, that can be arranged also!)
Contact: The Rev. Libby Wade (270-443-1363), Julie Jaeger (270-443- 8264)
FAITH IN FICTION
The “Faith in Fiction” class is a thought-provoking look at short stories dealing with the complex nature of faith and unbelief. God: Stories edited by C. Michael Curtis of The Atlantic Monthly and the sequel Faith: Stories were among the compilations read and discussed by the group. Any and all are welcome to attend. Typically the class reads a couple of stories each week and meets on Wednesday nights or Sunday mornings for a lively discussion of various interpretations. Classes are announced in the newsletter.
Contact: Parish Administrator Matt Jaeger (270-443-1363), Gerry Gutfreund (270-898-8576)
FAITH IN FILM
Issues of faith abound in films: sin and betrayal, love and grace, ethics and regret, sacrifice and redemption. The “Faith in Film” series, brought to you by several area churches in conjunction with Maiden Alley Cinema, was started not only as a venue to show films that deal with matters of spirituality and faith, but also to provide a forum for discussion. Currently viewings are the second Monday of each month (March- October) at 6:30 pm and admission is $4.
Contact: Parish Administrator Matt Jaeger (270-443-1363)
LENTEN SUPPERS & PROGRAMS
On Wednesday evenings during Lent each year, we gather in the Parish Hall for supper and a program. Suppers are often potlucks built around the program theme of the evening. One year various expressions of spirituality such as Quaker silence and labyrinth walking were explored, and the evening ended with Compline in the church. Another year guests from various community organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, Project Hope, and Ministry on the River educated us about their work, and we completed hands-on projects to benefit those ministries. During another Lent, we “traveled” to various provinces of the Anglican Communion such as India, Sudan, Singapore, and New Zealand, learning about the region and experiencing worship from the prayer book of that branch of the Communion. Lent 2009 featured the series “Guest Starring…God” described on page 36. Nursery care and activities for children are provided upon request. Ideas and leaders for future Lenten Programs, as well as a supper coordinator, are welcomed.
Contact: Kimberly Stevens (270-443-1363), The Rev. Libby Wade (270-443- 1363)
CHRISTMAS EVE NATIVITY PAGEANT
During Advent each year, young people from preschool through middle school learn the story of Jesus’ birth by rehearsing a Nativity Pageant which forms the Liturgy of the Word for one of the Christmas Eve Eucharist Services. What better way to learn the story than by becoming a sheep, star, angel, shepherd, wise man, Joseph, or Mary! Children are needed as actors, readers, and musicians. Adults and older teens are needed to help with costumes, sets, cues, and stage management.
Contact: The Rev. Meghan Holland (270-443-1363), Julie Hideg (270-554-8992)
DIOCESAN CAMPS & CONFERENCES
All Saints, the Camp and Conference Center of the Diocese of KY on the Rough River in Leitchfield, KY, provides a place to celebrate God’s love in Christian community. A new dining room and inn built in 2007 increased the opportunities for relaxation, refreshment, and learning for all ages. The setting is rustic, yet comfortable, with air-conditioned rooms, a swimming pool, canoes and kayaks, basketball pavilion, labyrinth, outdoor chapel, and walking trails. Costs are very affordable. A typical year includes several weekend youth gatherings during the school year, week-long camps for children and youth in June and July, vestry retreats, Christian Formation Workshops, Parish Leadership Workshops, and more. Grace holds its Family Weekend there each summer. All Saints is also available for school groups, family reunions, and organizations outside the Episcopal Church. Diocesan events at All Saints are publicized in the Episcopal News and in the Lo and Behold. Visit the All Saints website for photos and general information (allsaints.episcopalky.org).
Contact: (Camp Brochures) Stefan Jagoe (270-443-1363 or 270-519-6019),
All Saints Program Developer The Rev. Meghan Holland (270-705-6252)
CURSILLO
This diocesan weekend each October at All Saints Center is for adults who want to deepen their Christian pilgrimage. It is a powerful four-day experience as part of a radically hospitable community. Teaching sessions by lay and clergy leaders amount to a short course in Christianity. Small groups provide ample time for response and reflection. Worship is carefully designed to inspire and lift one’s spirits. Total cost is $150 with limited scholarship assistance available.
Contact: The Rev. Meghan Holland (270-443-1363)
EDUCATION FOR MINISTRY (EfM)
EfM is an extension program of the School of Theology of the University of the South (Sewanee, TN). Designed to support the ministries of lay people in the everyday world, the course includes individual study, worship, discussion of reading assignments, and guided theological reflection. Over four years participants study Old and New Testament, Church History, and Theology. There are no tests or papers to write and participants register for one year at a time. In an environment of trust, the group explores ideas and personal beliefs in relation to culture, scripture, and the traditions of our Christian faith. During the academic year, two seminar groups each meet 2½ hours weekly with trained mentors. A diploma is awarded to those completing the full course. There is an annual fee of $350 with scholarships available as needed. Seminar groups are limited to 6-12 students. New students are enrolled each summer.
Contact: Monday Morning Mentors Nancy F. Black (270-442-9587) and The Rev. Meghan Holland (270-443-1363), Tuesday Evening Mentors
DIOCESAN SCHOOL OF MINISTRY (SOM)
The SOM is a two-year course of study for those seeking a better understanding of the many ways of doing ministry in the church. Meeting one weekend each month (September through June) at All Saints Center in Leitchfield, KY, the SOM offers a collaborative, adult-education approach to the formation of lay ministers and deacons for the communities served by the Episcopal Diocese of KY. Instructors include priests, deacons, and lay ministers from this diocese along with guest lecturers from seminaries. In between weekend sessions, students complete reading assignments, ministry projects, and papers. Tuition of $750 per year covers housing, meals and all other materials, except textbooks. Some scholarship assistance is available. Grace had one of the first SOM graduates. Applicants must be recommended by their rector and vestry. Enrollment for the third student cohort will begin in 2013.
Contact: Four Rivers Deacon The Rev. Dr. Rose Bogal-Allbritten (270- 293-9490),
The Rev. Libby Wade (270-443-1363),
The Rev. Richard Paxton (270-442-3857)
Sunday School – Each year from September through May, classes
are offered after the 9:45 a.m. worship service for preschool – 5th
grade. The number and division of classes varies each year
according to the number of children participating and their ages.
Themes studied recently include the Lord’s Prayer, the wonders
of creation, what we do in church, helping others, and Bible
stories from the Sunday lectionary. After studying the parable of
the talents, older children engaged the whole congregation in a
Market Day to raise money for helping with poverty. During
Advent each year, Sunday School classes focus on the story of
Jesus’ birth as they prepare for the annual Christmas Eve Nativity
Pageant. Both teachers and students are always needed and
welcome!
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