We use the term “formation” to refer to Christian education, but it means more than just education. “Education” implies a finish – a person graduates and receives a diploma or certificate and moves on to the next stage of life. “Formation” implies a continuous, life-long journey – always questioning, wondering and learning. We are constantly being formed as Christians as we strive to define our personal relationship with God and seek a closer relationship with Him. At Christ Episcopal Church, we are strongly committed to Christian Formation and the opportunities to find spiritual fulfillment.
Formation at Ponte Vedra Beach
Children
Godly Play – Three-year olds through 1st grade
The Godly Play model is a hands-on approach that introduces children to religious education. It is designed so they can experience the religious language rather than just repeating it, and learn more about God and how He relates to their world.
Holy Moly – 2nd and 3rd grade
Using the “Holy Moly” curriculum, 2nd and 3rd graders learn a new Bible story each week, from the Old Testament in the fall and the New Testament in the spring. The Bible is used as an integral part of this program. Videos, discussion, play and other fun activities enhance the learning process.
Connect – 4th and 5th grade
Students explore the Bible by focusing on different themes and working their way through the Old Testament one year and the New Testament the next. There are exciting activities built around a Bible story each week, followed by exploration and discussion.
For more information on the Children’s Formation offerings, contact The Rev. Greg Brown at gbrown@christepiscopalchurch.org.
Youth
Middle-school students delve into the curriculum “LINC: Living in Christ,” examining the latest movies, music and news to enable us to look at our culture through Biblical perspectives.
High school students participate in a variety of discussions about faith and life. We also offer unique worship and formation opportunities such as C-Life worship on the beach, weekly breakfast gatherings at a local diner, service projects and exciting mission trips here and abroad.
For more information on Youth Ministry, please contact Nate Huddleston, Director of Youth Ministry, at nhuddleston@christepiscopalchurch.org.
Adults
Adult Formation at Christ Church offers a great variety of topics on different days and times, with a continuously refreshing curriculum. Examples include:
Sunday Bible Study
An early morning Bible study meeting on Sundays at 9:00 a.m.
Rector’s Forum
A multi-generational gathering of Christ Church members who come together on Sundays for a “holy conversation” with our Rector about our spiritual lives.
Welcome to Christ Church (Newcomers)
Offered throughout the year and over four consecutive Sundays, this class provides an introduction to Christ Church and what it means to be an Episcopalian.
Behind the Bible
Our clergy offers a class on the basics and background of the Bible, exploring themes that run throughout the many books.
Discover future readings in the Bible Challenge brochure.
Raising Spiritual Children
A class for parents that addresses the difficulties of raising children today.
Rector’s Bible Study
Led by our Rector, this Wednesday morning Bible study engages participants in stimulating conversation around Scripture.
Take the Bible Challenge
Group discussion revolving around the previous week’s readings from the Bible Challenge at the San Pablo campus.
Wednesday Evening Book Club
A spirited discussion surrounding the study of best-selling books that immerse spirituality with educational reading.
Women in the Word
Participants in this class embrace lessons and readings from contemporary spiritual curriculum. Classes are held on Wednesday evenings and Friday mornings.
Men’s Bible Study
Every Friday morning, this group meets to study the Bible and enjoy fellowship.
Ministry of Mothers Sharing (MOMS)
MOMS is a group study session designed to offer mothers an opportunity to develop relationship skills and a more defined sense of their own spirituality.
Education for Ministry (EfM)
In a weekly small group setting, Education for Ministry leads participants through four years of study, covering major areas of theological education: the Old Testament, the New Testament, church history and theology.
Financial Peace
Over eight weeks, this class focuses on becoming familiar with the various financial realities of the world through a Biblical lens.
For information on Adult Formation at Ponte Vedra, contact The Rev. Greg Brown at gbrown@christepiscopalchurch.org.
Formation at San Pablo
Children at San Pablo creatively explore the Bible using the “Spark” series, an engaging curriculum that provides children the opportunity to learn stories of the Bible in sequence.
The Adult Forum at San Pablo takes place on Sundays following worship. A variety of themes and topics are addressed based upon current interests.
For more information about Formation at Christ Church San Pablo, please contact the San Pablo office at (904) 221-4777.
Formation at Serenata Beach
Sundays following worship, Bishop Chalfant leads discussion based upon each week’s Gospel lesson and current interests.
For more information about Formation at Christ Church at Serenata, please contact Bishop Chalfant at edwardchalfant@comcast.net.