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Intergenerational Forum

Sundays, 9:15-10:00 am in the Guild Room. As its motto suggests, "Dedicated to further enhancing our spiritual journey," at the Intergenerational Forum we are interested in providing opportunities for education and discussion on topics that will challenge our spiritual life. We explore a range of subjects that fall within the broad areas of the history of Christianity, theology, current issues, and the relationship of Christians with their society. Realizing that people respond to different formats, we try to engage participants through various means, including presentations and guest speakers, discussions of videos, and panel discussions. All ages are welcome high-school age and older. Childcare is provided.

Beta Book Study Group

Wednesdays, 7:00-8:30 pm in the Guild Room. If you enjoy studying books from a faith perspective then the Beta Book Study Group is for you. Some of the past topics have been the Letter to the Philippians, C.S. Lewis' A Grief Observed, Philip Yancey's Reaching for the Invisible God and Bruce Feiler's Walking the Bible: A Journey by Land Through the Five Books of Moses. We don't have a set reading list; when we finish a work, we then decide what to read next and invite the parish to join us. If there's a book you've wanted to discuss with others, please bring your suggestions.

Parish Library

It is to the left before you enter the sanctuary. Besides housing books that may be checked out, the library also contains videos and audiotapes of recent Adult Forums. It also receives diocesan and national Episcopal magazines and newspapers. Free pamphlets on various subjects are on the racks to the left before you enter the library. Come in and browse.

Lenten Series

Wednesday evenings of Lent, Parish Hall One of the traditional responses to the invitation "to the observance of a holy Lent" (BCP p. 265) is to set aside time for reflection and study. We regularly offer a special series for the parish during Lent. It is preceded by a potluck dinner, and activities for children are also provided. In the past we have had programs on prayer, the concept of Jubilee, and the book of Genesis.

Baptism and Confirmation

These along with Reception and Reaffirmation of Baptismal Vows are important steps of faith when an adult is ready. For more information about them and the process of preparation, see Fr. Stephen and the parish brochure devoted to them.

Diocesan Opportunities

An advantage of the Episcopal Church's diocesan structure is that we have the opportunity to attend lectures, workshops, and retreats that are open to all Episcopalians who live west of the Cascades. Cursillo, a spiritual renewal movement, is active in the diocese and parish. A great way to be aware of what is happening around the diocese is to visit the diocesan website (www.diocese-oregon.com) or to read the monthly diocesan newspaper, The Oregon Episcopal Church News, which the parish library receives. To receive a free subscription, call the Close (503.636.5613).

Metro East Convocation is the geographical subdivision of the diocese within which All Saints resides. Its School of Ministry offers practical courses designed to enhance lay ministry. Past courses have included New Testament Greek and Training Youth Group Leaders. Upcoming courses are announced in the diocesan newspaper and on the diocesan website. For more information, contact the Rev. Marla McGarry-Lawrence, deacon at St. Michael and All Angels.

Christian Education for Children and Youth

Christian formation and education are important for all ages. Clergy, staff and volunteers at All Saints work together on this important ministry, providing age-appropriate venues for children to learn about and experience their faith.

Sunday Mornings

Four classrooms are offered on Sunday morning—Preschool/Kindergarten, grades 1-3, grades 4-6, and grades 7 and above. Classes begin at 10:15 a.m. and conclude at around 11:00 a.m., at which time the older children join their parents in church for Holy Communion. Parents of preschoolers can bring them into the service or leave them to play in the nursery, which is staffed from 9:15 until the conclusion of the 10:15 service. Church School classes do not meet on the fourth Sunday of the month. The special “Youth Sunday” service on that Sunday includes a children’s sermon and children and youth are encouraged to participate as acolytes, lectors or ushers. They also have the opportunity to sing with the Family Choir.

Curriculum

The Preschool/Kindergarten class and the 4th-6th grade class use the Episcopal Children's Curriculum, with content woven from four foundational threads: Old Testament, New Testament, Sacraments and Church. Themes this year include Creation, the Pentateuch, God’s Covenant with the people of God, Jesus as Healer and Miracle-worker, the Church in the New Testament and the Apostle Paul.

1st-3rd graders experience Godly Play, an approach that begins with the proposition that children “have a natural sense of God and that what they lack is the appropriate language to help them identify and express it so it can be explored and strengthened. Godly Play teaches children the art of using Christian language—parable, sacred story, silence and liturgical action—helping them become more fully aware of the mystery of God’s presence in their lives.”

7th grade and older use the Bible and the Episcopal catechism as the primary texts. This year’s focus is “Fruit of the Spirit”. Parents are warmly invited to drop in occasionally and participate with their child.

Programs for Families and Children

Programs for families and children occur throughout the year. The Sunday School year begins in the fall with an Ice Cream Social, where students and parents can meet teachers and other families.

The season of Advent begins with an opportunity to make a fragrant Advent wreath to use at the family dinner table. A special Children’s Breakfast also takes place in December. All children are invited to participate in the Christmas Pageant held the Sunday before Christmas, either as members of the Family Choir (attending weekly rehearsals after church in Dec.) or with minor roles they learn during regular Sunday School classes. A special service for families is held at 5 p.m. on Christmas Eve.

An Easter Egg Hunt follows the service on Easter morning and there are also special celebrations marking Pentecost and the end of the Sunday School year in June.

Church School Outreach

Opportunities for outreach are available to children throughout the year. During Advent children and their families are invited to deliver gifts to residents of a housing program that serves low income and disabled people in our neighborhood.

Children also participate in the annual giving project of the Diocese of Oregon. In past years they have raised money to purchase malaria-preventing mosquito nets for children in Africa and to fund clean water projects in Asia and Latin America.

Baptism, Special Communion, Confirmation

It is the custom in the Episcopal Church for parents to decide when their young baptized children will receive communion. To enhance lessons the children receive at home, All Saints periodically offers classes that educate the youngest members of our parish about the significance of Holy Communion. Instruction is also offered for those children who are considering baptism or who, baptized as infants, are intending to express a mature commitment to Christ in the sacrament of Confirmation.

For more information about Church School or the other programs mentioned in this brochure, contact Sunday School Coordinator Sarah Gibson at sgibsonpdx@aol.com or the office at 503-777-3829.

Bible Day Camp

All Saints collaborates with other area churches each summer to present a week-long Bible Day Camp. There is a half-day program for pre-schoolers and full day for elementary age. Older children participate as helpers. Camp staff is provided by Camp Lutherwood Ministries.

All Saints' Episcopal Church - Education