Christian Formation Opportunities
St. John’s Episcopal Church
Christian Formation Opportunities Spring 2016 Inside are opportunities for spiritual growth for parishioners of all ages. Read about our Sunday -morning offerings, weekday opportunities, and special events. We hope this flyer will help you and your family determine how you can be more active at St. John’s.
Adult Opportunities
Contacts: Evan D. Garner or J. Seth Olson (256-353-9615 or [email protected])
Sunday Mornings at 9:30 a.m. Every-Day Theology—Led by Seth Olson and Evan Garner (January 31 and February 7)
Choosing issues straight from the week’s news, we will read and discuss theologically interesting articles during this two-week class.
Theology & Film: The Human Condition—Led by Evan Garner (February 14-March 13) Using scenes from popular and not-so-popular films, we will explore the depths of the human condition during this Lenten series.
Wandering for 40 Days: Short Devotions on the Themes of Lent—Led by Seth Olson (February 21-March 13)
C.S. Lewis, G.K. Chesteron, Frederick Buechner, and many others will serve as co-journers on the journey through this penitential season when we ponder the great mystery of Christ’s life, death, and Resurrection.
Eight Great Bible Stories—Led by Evan Garner (April 3-May 22) We teach them to our children, but we often fail to read these larger-than-life stories as adults. For eight weeks, we will reexamine some important and familiar texts.
Knowing Me, Knowing God: Using the MBTI to Explore Spirituality—Led by Seth Olson (April 3-May 22) Using the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) and the work of Malcolm Goldsmith, we will engage in spiritual conversation around how our personality types shape our view of the world, the Church, and God.
Weekday Offerings (call the office or visit our website for information) Rector’s Bible Study, Mondays at 10:00 a.m., in the Library Men’s Breakfast & Bible Study, Tuesdays at 7:00 a.m., in the Parish Hall Yoga Level 2, Tuesdays and Fridays at 8:00 a.m., in the Downstairs Yoga Room (SE Corner) Men’s Wednesday Cursillo Reunion Group, Wednesdays at 7:45 a.m., in the Library Yoga Level 1, Wednesdays at 8:30 a.m., in the Downstairs Yoga Room (SE Corner) Centering Prayer and Lectio Divina, Thursdays at 9:00 a.m., in the Library Theology on Tap, Thursdays at 5:15 p.m., at The Brick, 112 Moulton Street SE Men's Friday Cursillo Reunion Group, Fridays at 7:00 a.m., in the Library
Lenten Wednesday-Night Series (February 17-March 16) at 5:30 p.m. For five Wednesdays during Lent, we will gather for dinner and afterwards guests will offer their own meditations on a particular Lenten theme of their choosing.
Spring Wednesday-Night Series (May 4-May 18) at 5:30 p.m. For three Wednesdays we will meet together for dinner and something different: a shared Eucharist, a cook-out, and our Children and Youth Banquet. Make plans to join us for the end of the school year.
Children’s Opportunities Contact: Sally Marsh (256-353-9615 or [email protected])
Sunday Mornings at 9:30 a.m.
Infants and Toddlers up to 3-years-old will meet in the nursery during worship services beginning at 9:00 a.m.. Sunday school will be held from 9:30 until 9:45 a.m. with age appropriate stories and crafts. Nursery care will be available during special events as well. We ask that adults please ring the bell at the door when dropping off children. This is for the safety of the children and our nursery workers. Please check the weekly newsletter for more details.
3 and 4-years-old (potty-trained) will meet downstairs and will continue learning what “God Wants Me to Be….”
Lower Elementary (Grades K-2) will meet for Sunday School in the downstairs where they will explore the New Testament through arts and crafts or building with LEGO®.
Upper Elementary (Grades 3-5) will discuss the lectionary readings for the day and how it relates to their lives.
Children’s Church is offered during the 10:30 a.m. service children 3rd grade and younger are invited to attend a more child friendly Gospel lesson. Children follow a cross during the sequence hymn and walk to the downstairs chapel. They return during the Peace. For the younger children “Busy Bags” are available in the Narthex, and children’s bulletins and colored pencils are available for older children.
Other Opportunities
Carnegie Carnival Mardi Gras Parade Saturday, February 6: Before we enter the season of Lent, we will join with our community and support this fundraiser. The children and their friends are invited to decorate our two trailer floats on the day of the parade starting at 1:00 p.m. in St. John's parking lot. The parade starts at 2:00 p.m. Please let Sally know if you will be attending.
Lenten Wednesday-Night Series: 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday nights, February 17-March 16—The children will meet downstairs after dinner to learn about Passover and end their studies sharing a Seder Meal.
Palm Procession: Children will process with palms during the 10:30 service on Palm Sunday, March 20.
Parish Retreat at Camp McDowell—April 15-17. Come for the weekend or for one day.
Stewardship of Creation Sunday: A program for all ages on Sunday, April 26 at 9:30 a.m.
Children and Youth Banquet: 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 18. This is a time for the entire parish to reflect on the past year’s endeavors in children’s and youth ministry and recognize all the volunteers that made our programs a success.
Summer Camp at Camp McDowell: Registration is open! Camp is for rising 1st through 12th graders. Parent/ Child camps available for 1st-3rd graders. Camp McDowell: http://campmcdowell.dioala.org/
Vacation Bible School – Save-the-Date: June 20-23
Youth Opportunities Contact: Kristin Blackerby (256-353-9615 or [email protected])
Regular Schedule Sundays
Youth Sunday School (resuming Jan. 31) from 9:30-10:15 a.m. On Sunday mornings, youth split into two
classes—one for Junior High (grades 6-8) and one for Senior High (grades 9-12). Junior High will continue to use the “Rite-13” curriculum, which is designed to build self-esteem in the context of the Christian community. Senior High will continue to use the “Episcopal Curriculum for Youth,” which helps older youth respond to relevant issues using scripture within the context of the Episcopal Church.
EYC from 6:00-7:30 p.m. On Sunday evenings, youth gather in the Parish Hall for EYC (Episcopal Youth Community), beginning with dinner provided by parents or other parishioners. This weekly event is the primary gathering of the youth at St. John’s. It is a time for the youth to come together to deepen their relationships with Christ and with each other. After dinner, youth will move into a combination of program and fellowship, typically closing with a youth-led evening service of Compline. Occasionally, the youth will meet in a different location for parish and diocesan special events, which are listed below and in the semester newsletter. Announcements and reminders will be sent closer to these dates.
Wednesdays
Wednesday Night Program Series (beginning Feb. 17) from 5:30-6:45 p.m. On the Wednesday evenings that the whole parish meets for its series, youth will eat dinner with the parish and then retreat to the EYC room for program and fellowship. Dates this spring are Wednesdays from Feb. 17 to Mar. 16 and May 4 to May 18. For the first series, youth will have their own Lenten program downstairs, then will join the whole parish for the latter series.
EYC Dinners (beginning Jan. 13) from 5:30-6:45 p.m. On the Wednesday evenings that the parish DOES NOT meet for program, youth will gather for dinner and fellowship at a casual restaurant. Our location will be announced in the week prior to the dinner.
Special Events for Youth
EYC Ski Trip – Jan. 15-18 in Winterplace, WV, with youth from St. Mary’s on-the-Highlands, Birmingham, Nativity and St. Thomas, Huntsville, and Trinity, Wetumpka.
Super Bowl Party – Feb. 7, immediately following the 5pm Service. Games, food, & the game on the big screen! EYC Soccer Tournament – Feb. 28 vs. Nativity and St. Thomas, Huntsville.
Parish Retreat – Apr. 15-17 at Camp McDowell – invite your family!
EYC Lock-in – Mar. 4. We will have an evening of little sleep and a lot of fun, here at the church! (date TBC)
Youth Sunday – May 8 at the 10:30 service. All youth will be invited to take a role in the Sunday worship service. Children and Youth Banquet – May 18 at 5:30 p.m. This is a time for the parish to reflect on the past year’s
highlights in children’s and youth ministry and recognize all the volunteers that made our programs a success.
Rite-13 Ceremony– May 22 at the 10:30 service. This liturgy recognizes the beginning of the journey to adulthood for our youth who are turning 13 this year.
Diocesan Events: Winter Weekend – Jan. 15-18 at Camp McDowell for 7th & 8th grades Diocesan Convention Youth Lock-in – Feb. 5-7 at Camp McDowell for 9th-12th grades Happening #68 – Mar. 4-6 at Holy Trinity, Auburn for 10th-12th grades Rites of Spring – Apr. 1-3 at Camp McDowell for 9th-12th grades
St. John’s Episcopal Church 202 Gordon Drive SE Decatur, AL 35601 (256) 353-9615 office (256) 350-0514 fax Website: stjohnsdecatur.dioala.org Facebook: facebook.com/stjohnsdecatur Twitter: @StJohnsDecatur
Weekly Calendar
Special Events St. John’s Annual Meeting January 24 Only Service at 10:00 a.m. Annual Meeting and Vestry Election Begins in the Nave at the Close of the Service Covered-Dish Brunch & Reports to Follow
Sundays 8:00 a.m. 8:45 a.m. 9:00 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 10:30 a.m. 5:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m.
Holy Eucharist (Rite I) Parish Breakfast Nursery Opens (through 10:30 service) Sunday School Holy Eucharist (Rite II) Evening Eucharist EYC
Mondays 10:00 a.m. 6:00 p.m.
Rector’s Bible Study EfM (call church if interested)
Tuesdays 7:00 a.m. 8:00 a.m.
Holy Week Services March 21-March 25 Services Every Day
Men’s Breakfast & Bible Study Yoga Level 2
Wednesdays 7:45 a.m. 8:30 a.m. 12:10 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 6:45 p.m.
Men’s Cursillo Reunion Group Yoga Level 1 Holy Eucharist w/ Prayers for Healing Supper & Programs (see schedule) Choir Rehearsal
Parish Retreat April 15-17 At Camp McDowell
Thursdays 9:00 a.m. 5:15 p.m.
Centering Prayer & Lectio Divina Theology on Tap at the Brick
Fridays 7:00 a.m. 8:00 a.m.
Men’s Cursillo Reunion Group Yoga Level 2
Parish Work Day 8:00 a.m. on March 12
Shared Episcopal Eucharist May 4 At Rhodes Ferry Park with Covered-Dish Supper Ascension Day Service 5:15 p.m. on May 5 Children and Youth Banquet 5:30 p.m. on May 18
Christian Formation Opportunities Spring 2016 Inside are opportunities for spiritual growth for parishioners of all ages. Read about our Sunday -morning offerings, weekday opportunities, and special events. We hope this flyer will help you and your family determine how you can be more active at St. John’s.
Adult Opportunities
Contacts: Evan D. Garner or J. Seth Olson (256-353-9615 or [email protected])
Sunday Mornings at 9:30 a.m. Every-Day Theology—Led by Seth Olson and Evan Garner (January 31 and February 7)
Choosing issues straight from the week’s news, we will read and discuss theologically interesting articles during this two-week class.
Theology & Film: The Human Condition—Led by Evan Garner (February 14-March 13) Using scenes from popular and not-so-popular films, we will explore the depths of the human condition during this Lenten series.
Wandering for 40 Days: Short Devotions on the Themes of Lent—Led by Seth Olson (February 21-March 13)
C.S. Lewis, G.K. Chesteron, Frederick Buechner, and many others will serve as co-journers on the journey through this penitential season when we ponder the great mystery of Christ’s life, death, and Resurrection.
Eight Great Bible Stories—Led by Evan Garner (April 3-May 22) We teach them to our children, but we often fail to read these larger-than-life stories as adults. For eight weeks, we will reexamine some important and familiar texts.
Knowing Me, Knowing God: Using the MBTI to Explore Spirituality—Led by Seth Olson (April 3-May 22) Using the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) and the work of Malcolm Goldsmith, we will engage in spiritual conversation around how our personality types shape our view of the world, the Church, and God.
Weekday Offerings (call the office or visit our website for information) Rector’s Bible Study, Mondays at 10:00 a.m., in the Library Men’s Breakfast & Bible Study, Tuesdays at 7:00 a.m., in the Parish Hall Yoga Level 2, Tuesdays and Fridays at 8:00 a.m., in the Downstairs Yoga Room (SE Corner) Men’s Wednesday Cursillo Reunion Group, Wednesdays at 7:45 a.m., in the Library Yoga Level 1, Wednesdays at 8:30 a.m., in the Downstairs Yoga Room (SE Corner) Centering Prayer and Lectio Divina, Thursdays at 9:00 a.m., in the Library Theology on Tap, Thursdays at 5:15 p.m., at The Brick, 112 Moulton Street SE Men's Friday Cursillo Reunion Group, Fridays at 7:00 a.m., in the Library
Lenten Wednesday-Night Series (February 17-March 16) at 5:30 p.m. For five Wednesdays during Lent, we will gather for dinner and afterwards guests will offer their own meditations on a particular Lenten theme of their choosing.
Spring Wednesday-Night Series (May 4-May 18) at 5:30 p.m. For three Wednesdays we will meet together for dinner and something different: a shared Eucharist, a cook-out, and our Children and Youth Banquet. Make plans to join us for the end of the school year.
Children’s Opportunities Contact: Sally Marsh (256-353-9615 or [email protected])
Sunday Mornings at 9:30 a.m.
Infants and Toddlers up to 3-years-old will meet in the nursery during worship services beginning at 9:00 a.m.. Sunday school will be held from 9:30 until 9:45 a.m. with age appropriate stories and crafts. Nursery care will be available during special events as well. We ask that adults please ring the bell at the door when dropping off children. This is for the safety of the children and our nursery workers. Please check the weekly newsletter for more details.
3 and 4-years-old (potty-trained) will meet downstairs and will continue learning what “God Wants Me to Be….”
Lower Elementary (Grades K-2) will meet for Sunday School in the downstairs where they will explore the New Testament through arts and crafts or building with LEGO®.
Upper Elementary (Grades 3-5) will discuss the lectionary readings for the day and how it relates to their lives.
Children’s Church is offered during the 10:30 a.m. service children 3rd grade and younger are invited to attend a more child friendly Gospel lesson. Children follow a cross during the sequence hymn and walk to the downstairs chapel. They return during the Peace. For the younger children “Busy Bags” are available in the Narthex, and children’s bulletins and colored pencils are available for older children.
Other Opportunities
Carnegie Carnival Mardi Gras Parade Saturday, February 6: Before we enter the season of Lent, we will join with our community and support this fundraiser. The children and their friends are invited to decorate our two trailer floats on the day of the parade starting at 1:00 p.m. in St. John's parking lot. The parade starts at 2:00 p.m. Please let Sally know if you will be attending.
Lenten Wednesday-Night Series: 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday nights, February 17-March 16—The children will meet downstairs after dinner to learn about Passover and end their studies sharing a Seder Meal.
Palm Procession: Children will process with palms during the 10:30 service on Palm Sunday, March 20.
Parish Retreat at Camp McDowell—April 15-17. Come for the weekend or for one day.
Stewardship of Creation Sunday: A program for all ages on Sunday, April 26 at 9:30 a.m.
Children and Youth Banquet: 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 18. This is a time for the entire parish to reflect on the past year’s endeavors in children’s and youth ministry and recognize all the volunteers that made our programs a success.
Summer Camp at Camp McDowell: Registration is open! Camp is for rising 1st through 12th graders. Parent/ Child camps available for 1st-3rd graders. Camp McDowell: http://campmcdowell.dioala.org/
Vacation Bible School – Save-the-Date: June 20-23
Youth Opportunities Contact: Kristin Blackerby (256-353-9615 or [email protected])
Regular Schedule Sundays
Youth Sunday School (resuming Jan. 31) from 9:30-10:15 a.m. On Sunday mornings, youth split into two
classes—one for Junior High (grades 6-8) and one for Senior High (grades 9-12). Junior High will continue to use the “Rite-13” curriculum, which is designed to build self-esteem in the context of the Christian community. Senior High will continue to use the “Episcopal Curriculum for Youth,” which helps older youth respond to relevant issues using scripture within the context of the Episcopal Church.
EYC from 6:00-7:30 p.m. On Sunday evenings, youth gather in the Parish Hall for EYC (Episcopal Youth Community), beginning with dinner provided by parents or other parishioners. This weekly event is the primary gathering of the youth at St. John’s. It is a time for the youth to come together to deepen their relationships with Christ and with each other. After dinner, youth will move into a combination of program and fellowship, typically closing with a youth-led evening service of Compline. Occasionally, the youth will meet in a different location for parish and diocesan special events, which are listed below and in the semester newsletter. Announcements and reminders will be sent closer to these dates.
Wednesdays
Wednesday Night Program Series (beginning Feb. 17) from 5:30-6:45 p.m. On the Wednesday evenings that the whole parish meets for its series, youth will eat dinner with the parish and then retreat to the EYC room for program and fellowship. Dates this spring are Wednesdays from Feb. 17 to Mar. 16 and May 4 to May 18. For the first series, youth will have their own Lenten program downstairs, then will join the whole parish for the latter series.
EYC Dinners (beginning Jan. 13) from 5:30-6:45 p.m. On the Wednesday evenings that the parish DOES NOT meet for program, youth will gather for dinner and fellowship at a casual restaurant. Our location will be announced in the week prior to the dinner.
Special Events for Youth
EYC Ski Trip – Jan. 15-18 in Winterplace, WV, with youth from St. Mary’s on-the-Highlands, Birmingham, Nativity and St. Thomas, Huntsville, and Trinity, Wetumpka.
Super Bowl Party – Feb. 7, immediately following the 5pm Service. Games, food, & the game on the big screen! EYC Soccer Tournament – Feb. 28 vs. Nativity and St. Thomas, Huntsville.
Parish Retreat – Apr. 15-17 at Camp McDowell – invite your family!
EYC Lock-in – Mar. 4. We will have an evening of little sleep and a lot of fun, here at the church! (date TBC)
Youth Sunday – May 8 at the 10:30 service. All youth will be invited to take a role in the Sunday worship service. Children and Youth Banquet – May 18 at 5:30 p.m. This is a time for the parish to reflect on the past year’s
highlights in children’s and youth ministry and recognize all the volunteers that made our programs a success.
Rite-13 Ceremony– May 22 at the 10:30 service. This liturgy recognizes the beginning of the journey to adulthood for our youth who are turning 13 this year.
Diocesan Events: Winter Weekend – Jan. 15-18 at Camp McDowell for 7th & 8th grades Diocesan Convention Youth Lock-in – Feb. 5-7 at Camp McDowell for 9th-12th grades Happening #68 – Mar. 4-6 at Holy Trinity, Auburn for 10th-12th grades Rites of Spring – Apr. 1-3 at Camp McDowell for 9th-12th grades
St. John’s Episcopal Church 202 Gordon Drive SE Decatur, AL 35601 (256) 353-9615 office (256) 350-0514 fax Website: stjohnsdecatur.dioala.org Facebook: facebook.com/stjohnsdecatur Twitter: @StJohnsDecatur
Weekly Calendar
Special Events St. John’s Annual Meeting January 24 Only Service at 10:00 a.m. Annual Meeting and Vestry Election Begins in the Nave at the Close of the Service Covered-Dish Brunch & Reports to Follow
Sundays 8:00 a.m. 8:45 a.m. 9:00 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 10:30 a.m. 5:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m.
Holy Eucharist (Rite I) Parish Breakfast Nursery Opens (through 10:30 service) Sunday School Holy Eucharist (Rite II) Evening Eucharist EYC
Mondays 10:00 a.m. 6:00 p.m.
Rector’s Bible Study EfM (call church if interested)
Tuesdays 7:00 a.m. 8:00 a.m.
Holy Week Services March 21-March 25 Services Every Day
Men’s Breakfast & Bible Study Yoga Level 2
Wednesdays 7:45 a.m. 8:30 a.m. 12:10 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 6:45 p.m.
Men’s Cursillo Reunion Group Yoga Level 1 Holy Eucharist w/ Prayers for Healing Supper & Programs (see schedule) Choir Rehearsal
Parish Retreat April 15-17 At Camp McDowell
Thursdays 9:00 a.m. 5:15 p.m.
Centering Prayer & Lectio Divina Theology on Tap at the Brick
Fridays 7:00 a.m. 8:00 a.m.
Men’s Cursillo Reunion Group Yoga Level 2
Parish Work Day 8:00 a.m. on March 12
Shared Episcopal Eucharist May 4 At Rhodes Ferry Park with Covered-Dish Supper Ascension Day Service 5:15 p.m. on May 5 Children and Youth Banquet 5:30 p.m. on May 18
