| 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!
- Childcare is provided.
For more information, contact Fr. Cliff Rucker
at 722-6238 or abbacliff@sbcglobal.net
CHILDREN'S CHURCH FOR
5-YEAR-OLDS TO 6TH GRADE
5-YEAR-OLDS TO 6TH GRADE
- In 2009 Holy Trinity moved from a 9:
30 a.m. Sunday School model for
children to a 10:30 a.m. Children's
Church Model. In today's busy
world, time is a premium for our
young families, so the new model
provides our kids Christian
Education while the parents attend
worship service at 10:30 a.m. The
curriculum used for Children's
Church is Godly Play. We believe
that Godly Play is New Testament
focused and makes the important
connections of faith that we want our
children to hold.
"Godly play" is a term coined by Jerome Berryman to describe an approach to children's spiritual formation that is
based on creating a sacred space in which to present the stories of our faith, wonder about them together, and
then allow the children open-ended opportunities, usually with art supplies, to engage the story on their own
terms. The stories are told very simply, with simple props, and without interpretation or moral instruction. After a
story is presented, the children and the storyteller wonder together about aspects of the story that draw their
interest. For instance, with the parable of the Good Shepherd, they might wonder together how the sheep felt as
they followed the shepherd. Or whether the sheep have names. Or how it might feel to be inside the sheepfold.
- This is play. It is Godly. It is meeting God along with children rather than teaching them what we adults think they
ought to know. Our faith stories are very powerful and offer plenty to think about even without our elaboration on
what they "mean." Godly play is often deeply satisfying for the adults who engage the stories along with the
children. What a gift for parents to bring to our families!
There are two Godly Play groups: 5-year-olds to 4th grade and 5th grade to 7th grade. The children come to
their respective classes at 10:30 a.m. and stay until about 11:15, or announcement time in the adult worship
service. At that time the children process in following the cross to participate in Eucharist with their families.
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.
- 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
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Home Christianity Episcopalians Our Parish Service Schedule Maps & Directions Calendar Ministry Schedule Web Links
HTEC-PN - 2007
Home Christianity Episcopalians Our Parish Service Schedule Maps & Directions Calendar Ministry Schedule Web Links
- Holy Trinity Episcopal Church 2425 Nall St., Port Neches, TX 77651
voice 409.722.6238 fax 409.722.2441
HTEC-PN - 2007
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