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I hope this email finds you well. Below, as usual, you will find resources for formation, specifically for the seasons of Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany. I hope that many of these will be useful as you begin to make or finalize plans for the upcoming Formation season.
Currently, I am on maternity leave and will return to my work as the Deputy if Christian Formation in late November. If you work with children and families or youth you can expect an e-mail from me about our December Zoom gatherings at that time.
In the meantime if you have a Christian Formation question, you can email the following members of the diocesan Christian Formation Committee:
Kris Spilker, kristines@stlukes-sa.net
The Rev. Reagan Gonzalez, reagang@stlukes-sa.net
The Rev. Nancy Springer, naspringer529@gmail.com
If you have a Confirmation Retreat question, contact the Bishop's Youth Commission co-chairs:
The Rev. Andrew Green, agreen@saintphilipsbeeville.com
Dawn McLendon, dawn@sthelenas.net.
God's Peace,
Suzanna Green
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Youth, Children, and Families | |
Advent Devotionals and Calendars | |
Several Advent Calendar and Devotional options are listed below. Many are printable documents to hand out to congregations on Sundays or during an Advent event. They could also be used for an intergenerational study at your church on Sundays or during the week. A few are online resources that could be shared on social media or in emails to youth and families or the entire congregation.
These take a little explanation, click here for ways to pray in color
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Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany Events | |
Advent Events:
Many churches kick off the Advent Season by hosting Advent wreaths making events. If your church is looking for additional intergenerational activities or a different event to try this year check out the ones below:
Christmas Pageant scripts:
Advent 4, Christmas Eve, or Christmas Day can be a great time for a pageant with your congregation. While many churches primarily feature children in their pageants, make yours intergenerational by inviting adults or youth to participate as readers or play roles alongside children. If your church is looking for a script for this year check out the ones listed below:
Epiphany Events:
The season of Epiphany can be a great time for intergenerational congregation events. Here’s a few ideas ranging from a full Epiphany Pageant to a take-home chalking of the door activity.
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Forma is The Episcopal Church's network for Christian Formation, and their annual conference will take place January 17-19, 2023 in Alexandria, VA and online. The conference theme is Called to Covenant. Four plenary sessions will focus on how we are called to "do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God," through Micah 6:8. If you are looking for a conference to attend, I highly recommend Forma. You can learn more about the diocesan Continuing Education grants available to both clergy and lay professionals who seek to expand their skills in areas of church ministry, at dwtx.org/resources. See the full retreat schedule and registration information at the link below. |
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Use these studies for Sunday school or a mid-week Bible study at your church.
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Check out these recommended Advent Devotionals for adults:
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Study Resources from the Rev. Mother Nancy Springer | |
Looking for a new adult study? The Rev. Mother Nancy, Associate Rector of St. Francis, Canyon Lake and Christian Formation Committee member, has customized study plans using The Bible Project, the Good and Beautiful book series, and the What If Jesus Were Serious book series.
Each plan includes an outline and instructions for use, beginning in Advent and continuing through Epiphany or even Lent. The Bible Project study is suitable for any season and includes a full year of lessons.
Click the link below to learn more.
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Happening #152 will take place at St. David's Church in San Antonio, November 18 - 20. Happenings are spiritual renewal weekends for older high school students, 10th grade through 12th grade. Weekends tend to fill quickly, so don't delay! It is a lock-in, so prepare to stay the entire weekend.
Click here for registration and more information.
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DWTX Youth Leader's Summit | |
Save the Date for a 1-day Youth Leader's Summit Saturday, January 21 at St. Helena's in Boerne.
This event is sponsored by the Bishop's Youth Commission. All youth leaders in the Diocese are invited! The day will include a guest speaker, lunch and snacks, breakout sessions, and time for fellowship and conversation with youth leaders from around the Diocese.
Look for more information to come soon!
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Midwinter Camps at Camp Capers | |
During the first weeks of January, Camp Capers offers three weekend overnight camp sessions for elementary, junior high, and high school campers. Mid-Winter Camp is a time for reuniting with friends, making new ones, growing and learning in faith, campfires, outdoor games, singing, worship, and more. Scholarships are available.
Registration will open on November 1, 2022. Questions? Contact Camp Capers, at camp.capers@dwtx.org, or visit dwtx.org/capers.
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DWTX Confirmation Retreat | |
Save the Date for the 2023 Youth Confirmation Retreat: April 21-23, 2023 at Mustang Island Conference Center. Hosted by the Bishop's Youth Commission this weekend retreat will introduce Confirmation topics and provide opportunities for beach time, fellowship, and fun.
Click here to learn more.
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Centered Small Group Study | Centered is the latest small group study from The Episcopal Church. It is a discipleship series guiding small, gathered communities to get deeply rooted in love with God and one another, so that they grow to look, act, and love more like Jesus. The experience includes an initial three-session training for group facilitators and a core of nine sessions. Click the link below for more information. | |
Help expand Christian Formation: Forward this email to a friend and invite them to subscribe to the Christian Formation email list for regular updates. | | | | | |
