“…until all of us come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to maturity, to the measure of the full stature of Christ.”
Ephesians 4:13, NRSV
“Will you help these persons grow into the full stature of Christ and to love others in the power of the spirit?”
Book of Common Prayer, Baptismal Covenant, p. 305
“We will, with God’s help.”
The Essential Story
At St. Andrew’s, we have a recurring ‘essential story’ that is one way of telling the Christian story. It pops up in sermons often and is our training class for Baptism, Confirmation and Re-affirmation. Follow up groups called ‘Blooms’ continue the friendships developed in the class and give life-long support, and are on-going catalysts to spiritual and emotional growth and group actions.
The in-person nine-week class is offered twice a year.
The Rest of the Story
But there are many aspects of faith, practice, and life not covered in the basic teaching which we would like to offer to fill in gaps and to be relevant to people’s immediate lives. We call these collection of electives ‘the Rest of the Story.’ Some of these topics are stand-alone lunch speakers, others are book studies, and others short classes. These topics shift and grow over time and if you have other suggestions – please let us know.
The Four Loves
Especially for Children
Children need love, safety, structure, and ways to encourage their curiosity and natural spirituality. Carol Waltner, Director of Children’s Ministries, does all this and more. We desire kids to be integrated into the full life of the congregation as well as have opportunities for a Children’s Church experience each Sunday.
Especially for Youth
The middle years of growing up are beautiful and full of growth and change. Peers, community, and friendships become critical. Youth need deep friendships and increasing adult opportunities too. The Youth Church is a place acceptance and spiritual community. Just as with the younger children, we have many opportunities for sharing with the whole church family – of every age – in the life of the church.
Life Skills
Last Things – funeral planning, columbarium arrangements, and legacy giving.
Passing through Grief – now to survive after any significant loss.
Addiction Recovery – how to overcome coping patterns that become harmful. (San Antonio Alcoholics Anonymous)
Parenting Support – help no one gave us a manual!
Mental Health 101 – as important as physical health
The Episcopal Church
The Book of Common Prayer & the Church Year
History of the Episcopal Church and of St. Andrew’s
The Diocese and the Anglican Communion
How to raise kids in the Church
Religion and Spirituality
What about the other world religions?
Spiritual Practices for everyday life
General Christianity
Old Testament and New Testament
How the Bible came to be