Church of The Epiphany Episcopal

Education for all ages Sunday mornings from 9:15 to 10:15: Sunday School, three youth groups, adult formation and nursery.  We have Vacation Bible School in the summer.  Check out our Bible Study and our Lenten Series.  Our Library is open during regular hours.

Christian formation is central to our mission here at Epiphany to manifest Christ’s love to the world.  We have educational and spiritual opportunities for people of all ages on Sunday mornings and during the week.

Sunday School:  From pre-school through sixth grade, from September through May, with dedicated teachers, children learn and grow in Christ through bible stories, activities, crafts and more.  Classes meet Sundays from 9:15 to 10:15.

Youth Groups:  We have three youth groups all following the Journey to Adulthood curriculum two year cycle.  Rite 13 is for 6th and 7th grades.  They meet on Sunday mornings and sometimes on other nights.  J2A is for 8th and 9th grades and meet on Sunday mornings and sometimes at other times for special occasions.  The YAC group is for 10th-12th grades and they meet at various times and places.  They organize and participate in a mission trip about every other year.

Youth Confirmation Class:  The years of J2A youth group are also the years when our teenagers participate in confirmation class.  The second year of J2A involves an additional confirmation class one Wednesday per month during the school year.  Confirmation takes place in the Spring followed by a wonderful pilgrimage trip in the Summer.

Adult Membership Class:  We have two classes every year for people who want to become members of our church.  They take place in the Fall and in the Spring.  Check with the church office and on this web site for dates and times.  A confirmation service by the bishop takes place at St. Mark’s Cathedral every Fall and Spring for people wanting to become Episcopalian.

Adult Forum:  Our Sunday morning adult study covers many topics every year and is held from 9:15 to 10:15 every Sunday morning September through May.  Grab a cup of coffee and come check it out!

Nursery Care:  Our nursery is open from 9 to noon every Sunday morning for infants through age three.  The adult staff and teen helpers are there to keep your little ones safe and happy.

Vacation Bible School:  Vacation Bible School takes place for one week every August, Monday through Friday.  Every year we have an exciting adventure and learn a lot about God and the Bible.  Children from 3 to 11 are invited to participate and many adult volunteers make this a memorable week for all.

Library:  Check out great books, videos and DVDs from our professionally run library here at Epiphany.  It is located just off our main gathering area in the narthex.

Thursday Morning Bible Study:  Covering a wide range of topics and books in the bible, our Thursday Morning Bible Study group is a great place to grow in spirit!  We meet every Thursday morning from 9:30 to 11:00 AM from September through May.  Come and join us!

Alpha:  Alpha is a great starter course on Christianity and a great place to grow in spirit with others, grappling with the big questions of God and living a Christian life. Call for dates and times of the next class.

Via Media:  The basics of being Episcopalian come alive with this class.  Videos showing people from Episcopal churches around the country speak about different issues and how we respond to them as Episcopalians.  Great for new and long-time members alike!  Check with the office to see when this class will next be offered.

Men’s Group:  Our men’s group meets the third Saturday of the month, from September through May, in the church fellowship hall from 8:00 to 10:00 AM.   Prayer, study and support are shared by men of all ages, and breakfast is served!  You are invited to come.

Women of Epiphany:  Our women’s group meets for fellowship and programs.  All women are invited to come.

Lenten Series:  During Lent we meet every Wednesday night from 6 to 8:30 PM for a Lenten series.  Complete with worship, meals and study, this program is a wonderful way to get in shape spiritually for a very Holy Lent.

Commission Report

I am glad to be your Christian Formation Vestry representative.  Patti Buechele is helping me transition into the new position. Jane Kalin and Kevin Lynn will also be working with me.  Activities such as planning Vacation Bible School (VBS), Sunday School Teacher meeting, the yearend Sunday School Party and setting goals for the next year are underway.

The Youth Group met on March 12 to make Palm Crosses and fill Easter eggs for the Sunday School children’s Easter Egg Hunt on March 23.  All adult helpers and kids had a fun evening.

If you have question or want to play an active role in Christian Formation please contact me.

Adult Forum

Please come and join us for any and all of the following sessions.

March 30, 2008 -Identity Theft Information

April 6 -Introduction to Healing Touch -
 Martha Fairley

April 13 -Healing Through Massage -
 Verna Ittner

April 20 -The Basics of Ministry - Ted Nelson

April 27 - Hunger in Hennepin County
May 4 - Safeguarding our Children -
 Heidi Barnes

May 11 - Ministry to Those with Memory Loss  - Mildred Cox

May 18 - Blue House Orphanage

May 25 - No Adult Education

June 1 - Brainstorm for Adult Ed. 2008-2009