Education for Ministry (EfM)                                                                       

Mentors and session dates/times:

George Thacker—533-3005:                                                 2nd Monday, 5:30 p.m. Library Joffrion

Merrilee Allen—498-5060; Lee Coggins—534-9653:       2nd Tuesday, 6:00 p.m. Library Joffrion

Jeannie Robison—536-0202;    (joint)                        2nd Thursday, 9:00 a.m. St. Stephen’s   

  What is EfM?  EfM, Education for Ministry, is a four year program of theological education designed for the laity of the church. The program is committed to one year at a time and is structured as follows:  Year One, Old Testament, Year Two, New Testament, Year Three, Christian History from 30 CE to 1800 CE, and Year Four, Christian History form 1800 CE to present. The classes are set up as seminar groups comprised of 6-12 students, who are guided by “Mentors”. All members of the seminar group contribute to lesson reviews and Theological Reflection, which is an integral part of the program.

  Recently, the “Strategic Planning Commission for EfM at Sewanee’s School of Theology, developed the following mission statement for the program:  “We believe that a gracious God calls us into relationship to serve the world.  We invite people into smaller mentored communities that help us to understand our lives and shape our actions, as we deepen our Christian faith.  Through study, prayer, and theological reflection we discover and learn how to exercise our gifts in ministry.”

  If the above statement sounds of interest to you, then consider registering for a Fall EfM class. Classes begin the second week of September, and registration is in progress. For further information and registration you may contact any of the mentors listed above.

Cursillo    Off campus

Contact: Holly Ellis—536-1796

  The dynamic ministry of God’s Holy Spirit is alive and well through this program of spiritual renewal. The weekend retreats, which serve as the focus of Cursillo, have proved to be turning points for many parishioners in their spiritual journeys.

Spiritual Development

Under the direction of the Spiritual Development Committee, seeks to develop, promote and sustain programs that will awaken church members to the relationship between spiritual life and daily life. Through these programs, we seek to deepen and strengthen our commitments to regular spiritual practice, individually and corporately.

The Committee supports the following ongoing programs: Centering Prayer, the Nativity Labyrinth, Wednesdays at Nativity, Advent and Lenten Quiet Days, and a Lenten Retreat

Centering Prayer    Bibb Chapel

Contact: Betty Giardini—539-0973

Tuesday at 5:30 p.m., Thursday at 12:15 for Centering Prayer and Lectio Divina

Thursday at 6:00 p.m.

Centering Prayer is a contemplative prayer practice in which the mind and heart are open to God's presence and action within. It is a prayer of consent to God's will. Groups meet twice a week in Bibb Chapel.

The Nativity Labyrinth is a maze design painted on canvas that is used as an aid to prayer and meditation. When laid out, the labyrinth covers most of the floor in Ridley Hall. At first glance, the design may appear to be a maze. However, unlike a maze, a labyrinth offers only one path to follow, with no false choices. The Nativity Labyrinth is currently laid out for use on the fourth weekend in January, March, June and September on Friday evening (5 to 7 PM) and Saturday Morning (9 to noon). The labyrinth may be walked by one person or several at the same time. While there are no specific rules about how to walk it, someone is always present to discuss ways the labyrinth has been used by others. Groups within or outside the parish can make arrangements to use the labyrinth at other times.

For more information, contact 533-2455.

The Order of the Daughters of the King at the Church of Nativity is an order for laywomen who are communicants of the Episcopal Church, or churches in communion with it, or churches who are in the Historic Episcopate. Members undertake a Rule of Life, incorporating the Rule of Prayer and the Rule of Service. By reaffirmation of the promises made at Confirmation, a Daughter pledges herself to a life-long program of prayer, service and evangelism, dedicated to the spread of Christ's Kingdom and the strengthening of the spiritual life of her parish. For more information about The Order of the Daughters of the King at Nativity, contact Pat Sampson at 536-9391.

Wednesdays at Nativity is an October series of presentations on the spiritual aspects of life. Each program begins with Evensong at 5:30 PM followed by a catered supper and the featured program. Childcare is provided.

Advent and Lenten Quiet Days and a spring Lenten Retreat offer an opportunity for prayer and reflection. Schedules are announced prior to the sessions.

Nativity Library

In addition to these programs, a set of books has been collected for the Nativity Library that address topics related to the spiritual journey, spirituality and spiritual prayer practices. The library is located in Joffrion Hall on the first floor. For information on particular books, contact Jeanie Marsh, Nativity Librarian or a member of the Spiritual Development Committee.

Contact: Jeanie Marsh 882-9904