Just a note about who we are and what we do. We serve middle school, high school and college age students that attend or are just visiting St. Francis Church. J2A is an acronym for JOURNEY TO ADULTHOOD. It encourages teens to explore the four areas of Self, Spirituality, Sexuality and Society, and learn to connect their faith to all areas of life. The teachers are receptive to discussion topics and encourage open dialogue. Come join us on this journey - you'll be glad you did.

JOURNEY TO ADULTHOOD (J2A) middle and high schoolers:

Teachers—George Davis and Martha Webb

Sunday Mornings 9:15-10:15 AM

Godly Play

Christian Education

 

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Godly Play teaches children the art of using religious language - parable, sacred story, silence and liturgical action - helping them become more fully aware of the mystery of God's presence in their lives.

Developed by author, teacher and Episcopal priest, Jerome W. Berryman, Godly Play is offered throughout the United States within denominations as diverse and varied as Catholic, Baptist, Episcopalian, Pentecostal, Lutheran, and Presbyterian. Designed for children aged two to twelve, Godly Play has been classroom tested since 1972. Deeply spiritual and highly creative, Godly Play is also used in schools, hospitals, homeless shelters, and retirement centers. Internationally, Godly Play classrooms are found in the United Kingdom, Finland, Germany, Canada, Tanzania, Australia, and in Spanish speaking countries.

At St. Francis, we are blessed to have an equipped classroom with the manipulatives to share these sacred stories and parables, while creating the space for silence and contemplation and awareness of the presence of God in our lives. The teachers serve as doorkeepers and storytellers, working as equal partners to structure a program which supports opportunity for spiritual growth for the children.

Our Godly Play teachers are:

Young Adult Education—Led By Jess Anne Cole

Sunday Mornings 9:15-10:15 AM

Adult Christian Education

Sunday Mornings 9:15-10:15 AM —Led by Richard Dyer

By the end of the first hundred years following Christ's birth, Christianity had spread through the Roman Empire and beyond, Judaism had undergone a radical change with the loss of the Temple and Jerusalem, and the writings of the New Testament had been completed. However, Christianity and Judaism were both still changing, still consolidating, still moving towards the positions we call "orthodoxy" today. Come and explore these beginnings with us. Learn how a garbage dump in Egypt influenced our understanding of Biblical Greek. Learn how the contents of a clay pot found under the cliffs along the Nile provided insights into competing versions of Christianity.

Explore the variations of Judaism revealed by the Dead Sea scrolls. Discuss the opinions and struggles of early Christians as they tried to deal with the early church in all its diversity.

Spend a half-hour with us on Sunday mornings (9:20 – 9:50) in the Children’s Chapel. We will discuss a variety of topics; there should be something for everyone. And, hopefully, we will reach a better appreciation and understanding of our faith.

Worship, Bible Study, and Fellowship Opportunities

Wednesday Nights — Childcare Provided!

· 5:30-6:00 pm

Evening Meal and Fellowship

Wednesday Night Dinner and Fellowship

This year, Elaine Trent, will be cooking and David Minarik is going to be her sous chef. Since the

Golden Rulers are saving the world one inch at a time, David and Elaine are planning to take everyone

on a culinary tour of the world. Once a month, they will prepare a dinner from a different culture

which will include a special dessert to celebrate all the birthdays in that month. David and Elaine are

very excited about this year. Elaine encourages everyone to see this as an adventure and try new

flavors. After dinner we have Bible Study then Eucharist. During this time the Golden Rulers do their

community service. Everyone is welcome to share dinner, fellowship, and worship. It’s great fun!

 

Please make your reservation on Sunday if you are attending on Wednesday night so they will know

how much food to prepare. The Reservation Sheet will be on the table outside the Parish Hall.

 

· 6:00-6:45 pm

Children/Youth (Golden Rulers)—Ages 4-18—Led by Sonya Minarik

The Golden Rulers is a group of children whose purpose is to give back to their community . . . . to

'save the world - one inch at a time'. They serve in our local and surrounding communities, going to

those who are in need, giving of their time and efforts to make our community, and therefore, the world

a better place to live.

Draped in their bright t-shirts of gold, they have been seen anywhere from the fields, streets and homes,

to the retirement homes and the food pantry. This year, we plan to build on what was begun last

year. We will be incorporating some other outreach, including working at The Ronald McDonald

House, a home that serves as a refuge for families with serious medical conditions.

 

This group needs the older ages as much as the younger ages. The older ages serve as junior

leaders to assist with guiding the young, as well as giving their own services to the recipient of

services. ANY CHILD IS WELCOMED! So, children, invite your friends from school. The

parents will enjoy the varied adult classes offered. We begin each evening with a nutritious dinner,

our program. We then end the evening with worship together with our families at St. Francis

Episcopal Church. We conclude at approximately 7:45 p.m.

 

Adult Bible Study—All ages —“Theology in the Cinema” —Led by Fr. Joe

A study of the theological implications of select movies .

· 7:00 pm

Holy Eucharist with Prayers for Healing

(on the 1st, 3rd and 5th Wednesdays—Rite I, on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays—Rite II)

Everyone is invited! Bring your family and join us, there is something for everyone!