Minds to Think
CHILDREN
Pre-K - 5th Grade
Sunday School
The Sunday School program at St. Margaret’s is a vibrant community of learners, meeting from September – May during the 10 o’clock hour each week. We explore the Bible and liturgy season in a rotation class model. All ages learn the same lesson each week in their age appropriate classes and language. This helps families take the message home and can talk about what their whole family is learning each week. Our teachers are a committed, caring group of adults who do an exceptional job of engaging their students on Sunday mornings. They each offer their unique gifts for encouraging and uplifting children in their belief in God and membership in the church.
YOUTH
11-18 years
For Sunday School we use the Journey to Adulthood (J2A) curriculum for our youth Sunday school program. J2A offers a meaningful way for our teens to develop relationships with God, the church, their peers, and adults in the congregation. This phase of youth formation blends action and contemplation in teaching young people faithful living. To prepare them for adulthood, they learn six basic skills: active listening, negotiation, assertion, research/information management, partnership, & leadership. The program also helps them understand and affirm Christian living. During this time, and as a mark of their growing independence, the students are invited to undertake an Urban Adventure and a holy pilgrimage. The students begin to be recognized as young adults, rather than children.
Ages 11-13
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A two-year cohort
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Includes the Rite 13 ceremony
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Uses serious and fun activities, reflection, and discussion
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Introduces Bible study, prayer, service projects
Ages 13-15
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A two-year cohort
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Helps develop critical thinking
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and responsibility
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Introduces new ways of engaging with scripture and prayer
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Concludes with the Pilgrimage experience
Ages 15-18
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A two-year mentor-based cohort
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Emphasis on discernment and vocation
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Robust Bible studies and focus on service to the church and community
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Concludes with the 4Ward ceremony
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Including our Youth
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Acolytes: Youth at the age of 11, they begin to learn the role of Book Bearer. At age 14, they begin to learn the service of Crucifer and continue to serve through high school graduation.
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Lay-Readers: Youth are invited to train as a reader for Sunday lessons as they feel called.
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Youth Sunday is every 5th Sunday in a month. The Youth take over and lead the entire service.
ADULTS
Adult Formation Classes
(Parish Hall, Vestry Room, and Zoom): Sundays 10:10 a.m. – 10:50 a.m. Contact: paulinerj64@gmail.com These classes meet every Sunday except for special events, and focuses on deeper study of the Bible, Church history, tradition, and theological topics. For a list of upcoming offerings, click here.
Education for Ministry
Every baptized person is called to ministry! Education for Ministry (EfM) invites participants into small, mentored groups that provide the framework for understanding life and shaping actions as Christian faith is deepened. EfM provides a four-year curriculum that develops a theologically informed, reflective, and articulate laity.
For more information visit: efm.sewanee.edu
Deepen your Faith
Adult Forum - (Parish Hall): Select Wednesdays
5:45 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. Contact: paulinerj64@gmail.com
All are invited to hear speakers from various professions, interests, or vocations who share their knowledge, expertise, and related experiences.
Centering Prayer (Zoom): Wednesdays 1:00—2:00 p.m. Contact: paulinerj64@gmail.com Contemplative practice and spiritual readings followed by group discussion. People of all faiths are welcome.
Lectio Divina - (Zoom) Tuesdays 8:15 p.m.—9:00 p.m.
(Currently on hiatus) Contact: jeff@stmargaretsga.com. Lectio Divina means “divine reading” and is more of a practice than a class. Participants gather online for check-in, a brief prayer, listen to a short passage of Scripture, and then share what we hear God saying to them. There is little preparation—just an open heart to listen. All are welcome, and opportunities for growth and multiple groups are possible.
Episcopal 101 - (Sept 14 - Nov 9) Contact: jeff@stmargaretsga.com Led by Fr. Jeff Jackson, this bi-annual class is for newcomers, explorers, questioners, and those seeking to deepen their understanding and faith. Topics cover introduction to the Episcopal Branch of Christianity, including Scripture, worship, church, history, prayer, and vocation. This is a class for all who wish to become new members through Baptism, Confirmation, Reception, Reaffirmation, or to transfer from another church.