Have you ever wondered what journey God has planned for your life and whether you are on the right path? This is the question that Education for Ministry (EfM) is meant to assist in answering.

Each year there is reading on a piece of our tradition, i.e. the Old testament, the New Testament; Church History & the Church Today. EfM also brings people together in Christian community and love which is unique in our family. Biblical principles are brought into our lives and culture today, and through Reflection, our past, present and future as God’s Children are examined.

EfM is a program developed and administered through the University of the South at Swanee, Tennessee. While there is a cost to the program, St. Mary Anne’s has always believed that money should not be an impediment to participating in the program. Scholarships are available for anyone interested in being part of a very special program.

St. Mary Anne’s EfM group is set to begin on October 6th at 6:30PM in the Vestry House.

With the start of the new school year, SMA turns its focus to a new school year of Christian Education for both children and adults. We call it “Formation” and have “Adult”, “Child” and “Youth Formation” programs. Part of this formation programming involves Confirmation lessons for both young and mature adults.

Confirmation is a mature public affirmation of faith and a commitment to the responsibilities of Baptism. According to our faith we believe that in the course of Christian development, those baptized at an early age are expected, when they are “ready and prepared”, to make a mature public affirmation of their faith and a commitment to the responsibilities of their Baptism. This affirmation and commitment is made in front of the bishop; during which, they receive a laying on of hands. Many young adults participate in Confirmation, but adults of any age are also encouraged to participate.

So how does one get “ready and prepared”? We have study materials and also provide mentors to help. The next Confirmation, in front of our new Bishop, will be scheduled for early next year. If you are interested, please notify Fr. John.

Sunday school registration will be held at Hoopes Court on Sunday, September 11th between and after services.

Nursery school and grade school children can participate each week in Sunday school classes during our Education Hour( 9:15AM-10:15AM). This time period is conveniently held between our 8:00AM and 10:30AM Sunday Services. During our Education Hour, adult participants gather in the Parish Hall for coffee and an educational program, while  children move downstairs to the children’s classrooms for their instruction. In this way, families can fully participate in either worship service and also enjoy education and fellowship.

To see the new Children’s Education Calendar for the 2016-2017 school year, click here:http://www.stmaryanne.org/church-school-calendar-2016-2017/

Almighty God, heavenly Father, you have blessed us with the joy and care of children: Give us calm strength and patient wisdom as we bring them up, that we may teach them to love whatever is just and true and good, following the example of our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. (BCP, p. 829)