| PROGRAM |
OVERVIEW
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PROGRAM LEADER |
| Discipleship Formation
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Spiritual growth at St. John’s occurs when "facts" that we learn about God and his love for us move from our heads to our hearts.
Discipleship Formation includes Christian Education courses and programs that strengthens our commitment to and deepens our discipleship of Jesus Christ. These include Sunday School, Adult Formation, Young Adult Programs, Confirmation, and a variety of Bible studies.. |
Brenda Miller |
Vacation Bible School
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In 2009 St. John’s co-sponsored Vacation Bible School with the First United Methodist Church June 22-27 from 9:00 -12. The children from kindergarten to rising 7th graders came to o “CAMP E.D.G.E.” where they – Experienced and Discovered God Everywhere! We are preparing for 2010 and would welcome participants and volunteers. |
Katherine Doty |
Youth Group
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The EYC/MYF Youth Program meets two times a month from September through May. The program provides our young adults an opportunity to develope and participate in a community of their peers dedicated to drawing closer to Jesus Christ. Their activities include worship, scriptural reflection, community building, and fun. Following is a calendar of events. St. John’s and the First United Methodist Church are alternating as hosts for each event. If you would like to participate or assist in a program that St. John’s is hosting, please contact Brenda Miller. |
Brenda Miller and Jim Neuburger+ |
| Happening for Youth
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The St. John’s teens and young adults have the opportunity to participate in the Diocesan and national youth renewal movement known as “Happening,” as well as other youth conventions and conferences. In addition to attending as a participant they can additionally serve as staff members at these events, and assume leadership responsbilities in the Diocese and beyond.
Not only have these programs and conferences broadened the perspective of the individual young people attending them, they have kept our youth involved in and knowledgeable of attitudes and ideas from contexts far beyond Winnsboro, SC. |
Jim Neuburger+ and
Margaret Jennings Todd |
Baptism
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One of the essential sacraments of the Christian church, baptism is a first step toward a life in Christ at St. John’s, whether for infants, for older children, or for adults who have not been previously baptized into a Christian fellowship. Classes for parents of children to be baptized and their godparents are held periodically. The adult inquirers’ class and other sessions are available for interested adults. The joy and responsibility of a life in Christ are explained, and the significance of the reality of our new life with God symbolized by the ritual are explored. At the actual service of baptism, the newly baptized are welcomed by the congregation of St. John’s. |
Jim Neuburger+ |
First Communion |
One of the traditional rites of passage the first communion of a maturing child or new confirmand is a moment of great significance. There is a joyful celebration as the child begins to fully participate in the sacramental life of the Church - being fed by the presence of our Lord at our celebration of Holy Eucharist. |
Jim Neuburger+ and
Margaret Jennings Todd |
Confirmation for Youth
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Confirmation, one of the traditional sacraments of the Episcopal Church, a service in which the candidate as a young adul formally affirms to the bishop and our congregation the baptismal vows that were made by their parents on their behalf when they were young children. There is a period of instruction before this step is taken in order to explore and clarify their relationship with God in Jesus Christ and the Christian community of which they are a part. At a specially designated service, the candidates' declaration is welcomed by the “laying on of hands” by the bishop. It is for many a very moving experience as an entry into full participation in the life of the church. |
Jim Neuburger+
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