Journey Inward

Growing in the Knowledge and Love of God

Central to our Anglican tradition is the belief that individual spiritual growth is best nurtured in small gatherings where the questions and insights of others can sharpen our own. St. Thomas provides ample opportunities for you and your kids to ask questions and share insights with others at St. Thomas.

Christian Formation for our Children
All children are deeply loved and cherished by God. At St. Thomas, we want to make sure that your kids learn this truth deep in their hearts, so it will last them a lifetime. We have many educational, fun and ministry opportunities to teach young people about God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit, plus the love that God has for all of God’s people.

Toddlers / Ages 2 to 3
Beginning about two years of age, our toddlers and preschoolers are introduced to our Christian traditions and stories. The nursery is available for younger children while their families are in Christian Education.

Godly Play / Ages 4 to 6
Our Montessori-style education teaches four to six year olds the stories of the Bible and the traditions of the church. This class uses a specific technique of biblical storytelling and special playthings to tell the stories. Then all children have a chance to make an artistic response to what they’ve heard in class that day. This class draws out the innate spiritual curiosity of young children.

Primary / Ages 6 to 9

Using the Episcopal curriculum, Living the Good News, for first through third graders, this class begins to investigate the lessons to be learned from the Holy Scripture and about the Episcopal Church in a fun setting.  This class extends the spiritual curiosity and artistic response from Godly Play.

Intermediate / Ages 9 to 11
Using specific Episcopal curriculum designed for nine to twelve year olds, this class dives more deeply into the lessons to be learned from the Holy Scripture, and more about the Episcopal Church. A variety of hands-on activities supplement this educational and fun class.

Rite-13 / Ages 12 to 14

This class, for twelve to fourteen year olds, learns first to form a community amongst themselves. They begin the process toward earning their status as responsible, knowledgeable, mature adults of faith and in life. This class has two adult mentors and in addition to holding class on Sunday mornings, meets at other times for fun events and fundraisers. Newcomers and guests are always welcome.

J2A / Ages 15 to 16
Journey to Adulthood or "J2A" is a continuation of Rite-13 and is for fifteen to sixteen year olds. With the companionship of two adults, participants learn about self, society, sexuality and spirituality. This class prepares those who are interested for Confirmation. At the end of the two years of J2A, the class makes a sacred Pilgrimage. Newcomers and guests are always welcome.

YAC / Ages 17 to 18
Young Adults in Church or "YAC's" continues J2A and is for ages seventeen to eighteen. With two adult mentors, the participants design their own learning, outreach, social activities, and take their places in the ministries of the parish. Newcomers and guests are always welcome.

Ministry Opportunities
Children and youth are welcome and encouraged to serve God by helping in our worship services. Young lay ministers can sing in the choir, serve at the altar as an acolyte, serve as a lector by reading Scripture, help the congregation as an usher and/or work with the altar and floral guilds to help prepare the altar or flowers for worship. Our Outreach Commission invites young people to help others in time of need. Youth have volunteered at the Food Pantry and participated in the CROP walk, for example. Training and appropriate maturity are required for all of these ministries. Please speak to Fr. Dave Ferner or Archdeacon Alice Goshorn if you are interested.

Adult Forum
Help yourself to some coffee and join us on Sunday mornings between 10:10 and 11 am for study and discussion of a variety of interesting and relevant topics. Scripture, tradition and reason all play a role in our lively and sometimes controversial topics. You’ll stay wide awake, we promise.

PCIR or Preparation for Christian Initiation or Reaffirmation
PCIR is a process of instruction, action, and reflection designed to create sacred time and space for encountering the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is modeled on the catechumenate of the early church in which converts to the faith were prepared for Baptism. It begins in the fall and continues through Eastertide. The class is designed for the following: newcomers to St Thomas or to the Episcopal Church, adults who wish to deepen their faith, adults preparing for Baptism or Confirmation, and adults preparing to sponsor an infant’s or child’s baptism.

EFM or Education for Ministry Every baptized person is called to ministry. EFM provides people from all walks of life with the education "to be" Christians and to carry out their ministry. All Christians need a Christian education which supports their faith and which prepares them to express that faith in day-to-day choices, actions and events. A world-wide program developed by the School of Theology of the University of the South, EFM teaches that the foundation for bringing Christ to the world lies in a Church empowered by an active, theologically articulate laity. Thousands of persons have completed this four-year program. Participants enroll one year at a time, can transfer almost anywhere in the USA and in many foreign countries, and can obtain 18 Continuing Education Units per year from the University of the South by participating at St. Thomas.

The Lenten Series
St. Thomas parishioners and guests will gather together on five Wednesday nights in Lent (March 4, 11, 18, 25 and April 4) to share a light meal, plus discussion of an engaging topic relevant to all Christians in today’s world. (see the home page for more detail about our Lenten Series and to see our Lenten Worship schedule.)