Christian Formation

We ask God to guide our formation programs as we learn, pray and serve, demonstrating Christ’s love by being the church in the world.  We believe that Christian Formation is the way we evolve in our relationships with God and each other. Our goal at St. Paul’s is to LEARN through Scripture, worship and fellowship, to PRAY regularly and to SERVE every person with love and compassion, as Christ loves us. With this mission, we offer programs for people of all ages, including intergenerational projects that bring the parish family together. Here are the programs we offer regularly:

Adult Forum – Adult Forum meets on Sunday mornings at 9:30 a.m.. The rector and members of the St. Paul’s community, along with occasional guest speakers, share information on topics of importance in the Parish, the larger Church, and the World. Adults parishioners and teens can engage in open and meaningful discussion about the joys and challenges of our journey together.

Bible Book Club – Two years ago, we began an intentional read of the Bible, completing the task within the confines of the program year. It was a small group effort, well received. Last year, the focus was on the Apocrypha. This year, a group has been studying St. Paul’s letters. Small group discussions take place on Tuesday evenings from 6 – 7:30pm.

Children’s Chapel – Children from infancy to Grade 6 take part in Children’s Chapel, a pull out service from our family worship at 10:30 a.m. Worship and learning become one as a mini Episcopal liturgy is delivered in an age-appropriate context. Child care leaders bring our youngest ones up to Chapel as well. Participants join their families after the sermon for Communion.

Grace Learning Academy Weekly Chapel – St. Paul’s serves our in-house   pre-school with weekly Chapel sessions for all classes. Our formation team uses Godly Play, children’s literature and songs as the primary tools for teaching Scripture and Christian themes. Pre-school families are invited to all parish events.

The Active Gospel – Our Sunday class for children, grades 1 – 5, is centered around active strategies for understanding the Bible, including games, exercise, drama, music, art and more. Learning through doing promotes deeper understanding of any subject. This month is centered around the 5 Marks of Love, a mission based curriculum being offered to the whole parish family for Lent.

Vacation Bible School  Summer 2017 – St. Paul’s will offer a full week of VBS this year! It will take place July 10 – July 15, 1 – 4 p.m., with participation at our 10:30 a.m. worship service on Sunday, July 16. The theme: Make me a channel of your peace! This program is open to children PK – 5. Registration begins Easter Day! The fee for the week is $25. More details will be available soon! Save the date!

Youth Mission Project 2017 – St. Paul’s youth, along with family members, other parishioners and invited friends, will spend a week working in the north and northwest neighborhoods of Dayton! The mission is two-fold: to learn about Dayton’s strategies to feed the hungry and then to be on the front line of the solution, growing/harvesting, gathering/preparing and getting food to those who need it. Registration for the project begins May 1.

If you have questions about any of our programs, contact Jean Berry, Director of Formation & Communications: jean@nullstpauls-dayton.org