Adult Christian Education

Adult classes are regularly offered from 9:15 - 10:15am on Sunday mornings, except during the summer months. Several different class themes are offered during a year, such as contemporary issues, the Sunday lessons, Bible study and the faith and history of the Episcopal Church.

Children's Sunday School

Also held from 9:15 - 10:15am on Sunday mornings, for Kindergarten through 8th grades. We use the rotation model with Power Xpress curriculum for Children's Sunday School. We explore a Bible story during a five week period, each week with a different activity such as Cooking, Art, Drama, Media or Games. The kids anticipate their favorite activity. The story is repeated and explored in different ways. This helps them develop a lasting memory and understanding of the content.

Read about our recap of 2007-2008. There is no Sunday School during June, July and August. Sunday School resumes the Sunday after Labor Day. Download Sunday School Schedule for Fall 2008.

Nursery

A nursery is provided for babies and toddlers from 8am - 12noon on Sundays. The nursery is also available as announced for special events.

Vacation Bible School

Our Vacation Bible School has been an intergenerational event for the past couple of years. Held in late July, it is five to six sessions focused on a Bible theme or story. To encourage the entire family to attend the program together, we have scheduled our sessions on weeknights from 6 pm - 8 pm, offering light supper before starting the program.

First Communion

Classes are conducted to help parents prepare their children to receive communion.`

Alpha

Alpha is a ten-week opportunity to explore the relevance of the Christian faith for our lives today. It is a practical introduction to the basics of Christianity with loads of opportunity for debate and discussion. The style of Alpha is informal, friendly and non-pressured. Alpha is enjoyed and appreciated as much by those who have never set foot in a church as it is by those who once attended and by the regular church-goer. No matter what their background, whether investigating Christianity for the first time or revisiting their faith, participants get a lot out of an Alpha Course.

Confirmation/Inquirers

Young and older adults are prepared to make a mature, public affirmation of their faith and commitment to the responsibilities of their baptism. Classes begin in late summer in preparation for the Bishop's visitation during the season of Advent.

Cursillo

Cursillo is ...

...a weekend away from home during which you experience what Christian life is supposed to be.
...an opportunity to hear the Christian message fully, without distractions, in a nurturing environment
...a chance to find out who Jesus wants to be for you
...an occasion for God to let you know who you are to him

Cursillo is available to...

...any adult person who has been confirmed as an Episcopalian or who is regularly worshipping in an Episcopal congregation
...clergy who want to help enliven faith and ministry in their congregation
...lay people who are engaged in ministry to and through the church
...anyone seeking a deeper quality of faith and response to God's grace.

Cursillos in the Diocese of Tennessee take place in the Spring and in October. The weekends begin on Thursday evening and end on Sunday afternoon.

All weekends are held at DuBose Conference Center in Monteagle, Tennessee using Bishops Hall as residence. The atmosphere at Cursillo is relaxed. The purpose of the team running the weekend is to take care of your needs and to free you from distractions so you can focus on the Christian message and on your response to it.

Next weekend is October 23-26, 2008

God bless you as you explore this opportunity to experience God's love in a powerful way.

EfM

Education for Ministry, affectionately known as EfM, is a program of theological education-at-a-distance of the School of Theology of the University of the South. Students sign up one year at a time for this four-year program. It covers the basics of a theological education in the Old and New Testaments, church history, liturgy, and theology. Students meet regularly, usually once a week, in seminars under the guidance of trained mentors. The program grants a certificate at the completion of the four years and 18 Continuing Education Units for each year's work. Find out more ...