In order to describe the purpose
of a Christian Education in a parish we could borrow the expression
that it is “faith seeking understanding”. To seek meaningfully
means that we do not have all the answers and that we should certainly
not be discouraged to ask questions.
We are really
seeking to understand our story and we turn to the Church to see
it lived out and to foundational documents- the Christian Scriptures-to
do so. The only real value of any of this is that it should result
in our living more authentic lifestyles as Christians. Our programmes
will not chase an illusion of “orthodoxy”; nor will
they result in your feeling that your knowledge of the “facts”
makes you a superior Christian. It will not show how you are right
and others wrong, nor will it be something of a final exam in order
to get into heaven.
Our programmes will reflect the fact that Christian
experience happens
1) during our one-on-one time with God;
2) when we share intentionally with likeminded Christians;
3) when we worship together with other Christians.
ADULT
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
For the first
half of 2010 there will be three foci:
1) Finding Jesus, discovering self.
This is the title of a book jointly written by Caren Goldman (Jewish)
and William Dols (Episcopalian priest). Quoting their words as well
as a review on the book: it “invites you to make fresh discoveries
about the two people named in the title: Jesus and yourself”;
“no matter what your religious and spiritual beliefs are now
or what your lack of them has been”; “For others- those
who have followed or now follow different spiritual paths, other
wisdom keepers, or no path in particular - this may be your first
encounter with a man whose life, death and relationship to the Divine
influenced the course of history in unique and profound ways”
Requirements: Buy the book and read (or re-read) the scripture passage
associated with the chapter assigned for that day; along with the
commentary. [Book costs about $25]
Group study sessions: Each of the following Saturdays from 9 am
to 12 noon
1. Leaving home- January 23rd
2. Beginning the journey- February 27th
3. Living with wilderness- March 27th
4. Returning home- April 17th
5. Weathering storms- June 20th
What will happen at the group session?
We will go back over points of general interest from the scripture
and from the commentary. We will watch the recommended movie together
and discuss how it relates to the other readings; we will have time
of meditation and prayer and we will share refreshment.
2) LENTEN
STUDY.
We will
continue the “NOOMA” video series by Rob Bell on the
following dates. The session will begin with BCP Evening prayer
at 6.30 and the video series will continue from 7 pm
Wednesday 24th February
Video summary: NAME. We all compare ourselves to others. We spend
our lives wondering what others think and say about us. Some of
us even wish we were someone else. W question why we are the way
we are and not the way we wish we could be. Some of have let the
expectations of others dictate who we have become. We act a certain
way to be accepted but know that we have been untrue. But why are
we so concerned with what other people think, say or look like?
What does it say about us if we are unable to accept who we are?
Maybe if we really know our true selves, we would not give so much
attention to other people’s lives and live more in tune with
the life God wants for us.
Wednesday 3rd March
Video summary: YOU. Some of the central claims of the Christian
faith are the source of many discussions and heated debates. But
are we always debating the right things? Maybe some of our discussions
would change significantly if we had more insight into the actual
circumstances that surrounded the first people of the Christian
movement - if we had a better understanding of the Christian faith
that we typically perceive to be unique isn’t really that
special at all. And at the same time maybe we don’t always
put enough emphasis on the things that truly should matter in our
lives.
Wednesday 10th
March
Video summary: RHYTHM. What does it mean to have a relationship
with God? What does it look like? For a lot of us it’s a hard
thing to fully understand. If God is an infinite spirit with no
shape or form, how can we possibly relate to that? And what about
Jesus? He said he came to give everyone life in its fullest.He
came to show us how to live. Maybe it is through trusting Jesus
and living the kind of life he taught us to live - a life of truth,
love, justice, compassion, forgiveness, sacrifice - that we have
a relationship with God. Maybe the way we live every day, every
single choice we make, determines how in tune with God we are.
Wednesday 17th March
Video summary: SUNDAY. Why do we do the things we do? Why do we
go to church or give money away? Because we are supposed to or because
we think God needs it? Do we honestly put on our best clothes for
an hour once a week, stand and sit at all the right times, and sing
all the appropriate songs for God’s sake, or because it will
make us look better to the world around us? We’re tired of
all the empty rituals and routines. And so is God. God hates it
when we call ourselves Christians but ignore the things he really
cares about. He hates it when we go through hollow religious routines
out of some feeling of duty, or obligation. God doesn’t want
the meaningless rituals. God wants our hearts.
3. PARISH
SPRING CONFERENCE
Saturday 5th June
Theme: keeping faith in the midst of change
Method: Power point presentation followed by group discussion
Time: 9 am to 1 pm
Timetable: As in previous years, this conference will be worked
in around the celebration of the Eucharist
For whom? For all members of the body of Christ at St. Georges from
18 years and up.
ARCHIVES
The
Archives are located and displayed in the Archive Room that is located
under the Sanctuary. To get to the Archives proceed down the stairs
off of the Gallery, and follow the long corridor to the east end
and the Archive Room entry is located off of the Choir’s lounge
area.
Under the care
of the Parish Archivist, Ruth Park and assistant Archivist, Linda
Bazowski, (2005) the treasures of our past are preserved.
Recent activities
included producing the displays for the 80th anniversary of our
present church, with displays prepared on the incumbency of each
of rectors since 1924.
New storage
cupboards and displays were recently added and now showcase our
past in an interesting, attractive and user-friendly fashion.
The Archivists
are currently engaged in updating the parish history from 1994 to
the present.
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