Christian Formation for Adults

Sunday Mornings: Just Neighbors

To love your neighbor as yourself is one of scripture’s most basic teachings. But who is our neighbor? And how do we care for our neighbors in need? Just Neighbors is a curriculum that examines the underlying systemic causes of poverty and the difficulties faced by those who live in need. The adult Sunday School class will begin this series today at 9:30 in the Founders’ Room.

Tuesday Mornings – “Just Neighbors: Helping Communities of Faith Help Neighbors in Need.”

To love your neighbor as yourself is one of scripture’s most basic teachings. But who is our neighbor? And how do we care for our neighbors in need? This series examines the underlying systemic causes of poverty and the difficulties faced by those who live in need. The classes begin at 10 a.m. on September 14 in the parish hall.

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Christian Formation for Youth and Children

A Different Approach to Sunday School
For Children and Youth

This year we will be doing Sunday school differently. Think “mini Vacation Bible School”. Over the course of several weeks we will explore one story from the Bible through drama, art, games, music, discussion, science, and even the computer. Some activities will be done in groups with peers, others will be done individually at ‘stations’, while still others will be done with everyone together.

Michele Smither, Steve Richardson, Michelle Mundth, and Ellen Gallow will teach the first unit, Jonah: The Prophet who Ran Away from God.

This approach to doing Sunday school is called “Rotation Workshop”, and it has been used here at St. Dunstan’s before. One of the nice things about this model is that parents and other adults can commit to teaching a unit (usually 4-5 weeks) of Sunday school instead of a whole year. Teachers can also bring their own gifts to a unit. Do you enjoy doing art? Then volunteer to lead the art activities for a unit. Are you a scientist? Then help us figure out how to incorporate science activities and lead these. Please let Ellen know if you would like to be part of the planning/teaching team for future units: ellen@stdunstan.net.

All children and youth, ages 4 through high school, are invited to participate in Sunday school.

High school students: interested in being part of a planning/teaching team? Please talk with Ellen.

Sunday School Schedule

9/11    Age-appropriate reflections and activities
to commemorate the 10th anniversary of 9/11

9/18 - 10/23 **    Jonah: The Prophet Who Ran From God

** There will be no Sunday School on 2 October, due to the Blessing of the Animals

Progressive Christian education for all ages at St. Dunstan's

1. We take the Bible seriously but not always literally.

We understand the Bible to be the Word of God, written by faithful people in a specific historical and cultural context. Like those who originally wrote the Biblical stories, we strive to be in a faithful, authentic relationship with God. Doing this, however, requires that the Bible be interpreted so that we can understand its meaning for us today. Christian education at St. Dunstan’s begins with this premise and seeks to teach sound interpretive skills.

2. We value questions and doubts and believe that when these are accompanied by curiosity and courage a deepening of faith occurs.

We strive to create an educational environment that is both safe and stimulating, a place where questions are encouraged and doubts can be voiced and explored openly with others.

3. We are rooted by our traditions, engaged by our present, and open to God’s calling us into the future.

We provide opportunities to learn about the history of Christianity, including the Episcopal church with its rich liturgical traditions. We also provide opportunities for people to be informed about, reflect on, and respond to current issues such as environmental stewardship, immigration, and health care.

Rapid technological change and the global connections that it enables are transforming our society. We find ourselves living during a time that is exciting but sometimes confusing and intimidating as well. Christian education at St. Dunstan’s strives to prepare people of all ages to discern God’s call in the midst of these challenging times in order to find creative ways to live out and proclaim God’s message of compassion and justice as we move into the future.

4. We believe the Church is called to be an inclusive community, and we strive to respond faithfully to that call.

The life experiences and perspectives of all who participate enrich our educational offerings. Together, in community, we seek to know and serve God.

We invite all children, youth, and adults
to be part of Christian education at St. Dunstan’s.

Please join us!

• Read about Sunday School for children and youth
• Read about Sunday School for adults
• Visit the Mary and Martha's Place web site

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