Christian Formation
Epiphany 2010
The new year will bring new opportunities for members of all ages to learn and grow in faith. Here’s what’s getting under way during the season of Epiphany:
Children
Sunday School for children ranging from preschoolers to teens is held every Sunday at 11 am at St. Thomas’ Church, Croom (Upper Marlboro). Sunday School is held in the “Church House” office building during the first part of the 11 am service. We use the Episcopal Church’s “Lesson Plans for Small Churches” as our curriculum. The children then rejoin their families in the church for Communion. Everyone who is baptized—no matter what his or her age or prior faith journey—may receive Communion.
Children’s Choir
The Sounds of Praise Choir invites the children and youth of the parish to have fun while singing, learning lively songs both traditional and contemporary that help us explore our relationship with God. The choir will sing in church on the first Sunday of every month. For more information, please contact Ms. Tommy Rogers, the Sounds of Praise director; Mr. Dan Dufford, the parish’s organist; or the rector.
Confirmation for Youth
For tweens and teens ready to make a commitment to their faith, the rite of Confirmation is offered. The next Confirmation class for youth in St. Thomas’ Parish will begin in the Fall of 2010; please see the rector if you are interested. The Confirmation service in the Episcopal Diocese of Washington is held at the Washington National Cathedral. It is a wonderful experience, gathering members from around the Diocese in a beautiful worship space to affirm (and re-affirm) our commitment to God.
Adults
Scheduled to begin in February 2010, we’ll hold a class based on the new book “Your Faith, Your Life” by Jenifer Gamber and Bill Lewellis. The class will run for 6 sessions (with 2 make-up or additional sessions available). “Your Faith, Your Life” is an invitation to adults of any age who want to explore and deepen their faith within the context of the Episcopal Church. Please see the rector if you are interested.
Confirmation for Adults
If you are ready to make a mature commitment to your faith, or you were confirmed in another Christian tradition and wish to be received into the Episcopal Church, May 15, 2010 will be a special day for you! That is when the next Confirmation service in the Episcopal Diocese of Washington will be held at the Washington National Cathedral. Participation in the above-mentioned class using “Your Faith, Your Life” will be the Confirmation class for adults this spring at St. Thomas’ Parish. Please contact the rector for more information.
