Holy Trinity Episcopal Church
Port Neches, Texas
Christian Education at
Holy Trinity
EDUCATION FOR MINISTRY (EFM)

    EDUCATION FOR MINISTRY (EFM)
    is a four-year course of study in
    theological bible study and reflection
    for lay persons created and
    sponsored by the School of
    Theology of the University of the
    South in Sewanee, TN. The seminar
    group is the nucleus of the EFM
    program. A group consists of six to
    twelve participants and a trained
    mentor meeting weekly over the
    course of a nine-month academic
    year. These meetings are usually two
ADULT FORUM ON SUNDAY MORNINGS

    From the beginning of September until the
    end of May, Adult Christian Education -- or
    Adult Forum -- meets in the Parish Hall from 9:
    30 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. between the 8:15 a.m.
    and 10:30 a.m. Sunday services.  Topics vary
    from Bible study to church history to personal
    spirituality to contemporary Christian topics.  
    Although usually led by the rector,  other
    people step forward from time to time to lead
    the group based on their own expertise or
    training. The setting is informal, the learning
    is collaborative and the discussion is lively.  In
    the great Anglican tradition, all questions are
    welcomed and taken seriously.  Great fun is
    had by all . . . and God is present!
Kids Krossroads SUNDAY SCHOOL
FOR PRE-K TO 6TH GRADE

    During the summer of 2004, many
    people at Holy Trinity worked very
    long and hard to transform the
    children's Sunday School rooms into
    a variety of workstations.  In
    September of 2004 we introduced Kid
    s Krossroads, a new way of doing  
    children's Sunday School.  Based on
    a new,  popular and ecumenical
    program called the  Workshop
    Rotation Model®,   Holy Trinity's Kids
    Krossroads is grounded in two
    important beliefs.
    First, we believe that children need repetition in order to learn and remember.    Kids Krossroads is organized
    around 4-5 week rotations in which the same Bible story is taught each Sunday of the rotation.

    Second, we believe that our children learn in many different ways.  Kids Krossroads rotates our children through
    different workshops or learning centers.  During a single 4-5 week rotation, the children will attend a different
    workshop each Sunday.  In each workshop they will  address the same Bible story in different ways utilizing each
    one of their senses.

    The workstations in Holy Trinity's Kids Krossroads

  • The Story Tent
  • Creation Station
  • Fun Fare
  • Holy Word Studio
  • Our Daily Bread

    Kids Krossroads meets each Sunday morning from 9:30 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. between the 8:15 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
    Sunday services.  Holy Trinity strives to be a safe and nurturing place where all our children find a welcoming
    faith community.  It is here among friends and family that the children are introduced to the strength and
    responsibility of the Christian journey.  It is a safe environment to begin to explore questions that matter.  Living
    out our baptismal promises, the rearing of our children in the faith is one of our parish’s primary missions.

    Childcare is provided.

    For more information, contact Pat Sherwood at 735-3930 or pasherwood47@gt.rr.com
SUNDAY SCHOOL FOR
JUNIOR HIGH  AND HIGH SCHOOL

    Every Sunday morning at 9:30 a.m., a dedicated
    group of Junior High and  High School age students
    meet for Bible study and fellowship.  They spend
    this time talking about their faith and the challenges
    of making the life transition from childhood to
    adulthood.  They talk about strengthening their own
    personal faith and values . . . to know who they are
    and what they believe . . . so they can face a world
    which is indifferent or even hostile to people of
    faith.  They learn how to build the spiritual
    disciplines which will sustain and feed them for a
    lifetime.  

    In addition, from time to time, this group comes
    together at other times.  They like to party
    together.  A highlight of the year is their Spring
    Lenten retreat at the Boy Scout camp near
    Woodville.

    For more information, contact Judith Rucker at 722-
    1410 or  judithrucker@sbcglobal.net
    and half to three hours in length. A participant commits to only one 9-month year at a time. An EFM group
    may have participants  from all four years of study which creates a dynamic atmosphere for learning and
    sharing.

    The EFM program is centered around three areas of focus: study, prayer, and reflection.  By using these,  
    EFM groups move toward a new understanding of the fullness of God's
     kingdom.

    Study - Participants are given weekly assignments to study with the help of resource guides. They are
    responsible for setting their own learning goals. In the seminars members have an opportunity to share their
    insights and discoveries as well as to discuss questions which the study materials raise for them.

    Reflection - Theological Reflection is the hallmark of EFM. The goal is to learn to think theologically. By
    examining their own beliefs and their relationship to our culture and the tradition of our Christian faith,
    participants can learn what it means to be effective ministers in the world. In coming to terms with the notion
    that everything we do has potential for manifesting the love of Christ, we discover that our ministry is at hand
    wherever we turn.

    Worship - The seminar is supported by a life of prayer and regular worship. EFM groups are encouraged to
    develop a pattern of worship appropriate to their situations.

    Each EFM group works under the leadership of a mentor who has been trained by Sewanee and who
    contracts to serve as guide and administrator of the local EFM group.

    September, 2007 will find two EFM groups forming in Jefferson County.  One group will meet Tuesday
    mornings from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Port Neches and will be mentored
    by Fr. Cliff Rucker.  The second group will meet Tuesday evenings from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at St. Stephen’
    s Episcopal Church in Beaumont and will be mentored by Mr. Jim Johnson. Enrollment is done directly
    through the mentor. The fee for one 9-month academic cycle is $340 and is paid to The University of the
    South. If you would like more information about the evening group meeting at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church
    in Beaumont, EFM call Jim Johnson at 860-5459.  For more information about the day EFM group meeting at
    Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Port Neches, contact Fr. Cliff Rucker at 722-6238 or abbacliff@sbcglobal.net
Kerygma Bible Study

    Founded in 1977 with one course of study, the
    Kerygma Program’s quality resources continue
    stimulating faith and challenging minds! Kerygma
    courses will transform and revitalize adult Bible
    study in your congregation. With Kerygma,
    participants and leaders will:

  • Learn the basics and complexities of the Bible

  • Develop skills for interpreting Scripture

  • Apply learning from the Bible to personal and
    corporate life in today’s world
    Kerygma studies are for all learners from beginning to advanced.  The success of the Kerygma approach to
    adult Bible study is best explained by the enthusiastic classes which make the Bible relevant, promoting
    Christian growth through interaction with each other:

  • Active group sessions reinforce learning and create community.

  • The weekly is designed to create opportunities that stimulate discussion and illuminate the Biblical
    material through small group encounters. The results are often dramatic, encouraging life changes,
    personal decisions and building congregational unity.

  • Informed personal study ensures lively shared learning!

    Holy Trinity offers a fall Kerygma program and a spring Kerygma program during a weekday night.  The topics
    are alway different,  For more information about Kerygma or when the next one will be offered, contact Fr. Cliff
    Rucker at 722-6238 or abbacliff@sbcglobal.net
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    Holy Trinity Episcopal Church     2425 Nall St., Port Neches, TX 77651
         voice 409.722.6238                                   fax 409.722.2441
                                                                                                       worship@holytrinityportneches.org
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