Click here for Children's Christian EducationIntergenerational ForumSundays, 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 GroupWednesdays, 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 LibraryIt 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 SeriesWednesday 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 ConfirmationThese 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 OpportunitiesAn 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 YouthChristian 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.
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
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