Lifelong Formation
Resources for Advent
The season of Advent begins November 30. Advent is a time when we prepare ourselves for the coming of Christ. It is meant to be a time of reflection and a time set aside to renew our connection to Christ. There are many, many resources out there, and there is no way we could cover all […]
SPEAK OUT SUNDAY is November 24
The United Nations has designated Monday, November 25 as “International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.” This kicks off the Center for Women’s Global Leadership’s 16 Days of Activism Against Violence Against Women, observed from November 25 through December 11. SPEAK OUT SUNDAY, November 24, is the faith community’s way of uniting with and amplifying […]
Introducing Faith Formation Academy
This week, Faith Formation leaders from across The Episcopal Church have been gathered at the Forma Conference for continuing education and networking. At yesterday’s plenary gathering, Forma officially introduced Faith Formation Academy, which will be offering a Certificate Program for Leadership in Lifelong Christian Formation and a Certificate in Youth and Family Ministry. The Certificate Program for Leadership in Lifelong Christian […]
How do you Engage the Bible?
The Office of Formation is involved with the Anglican Communion project, Bible in the Life of the Church. This project was commissioned by the ACC in 2009 and the Report Deep Engagement; Fresh Discovery was warmly received by the ACC in 2012. The Report not only offers a number of reflections of the place of Scripture across a […]
Ideas for Observing Candlemas
Today’s guest blogger is Jerusalem Jackson Greer, author of A Homemade Year: The Blessings of Cooking, Crafting and Coming Together. Her complete bio is at the end of the article. Bonfires and Tamales: Observing Candlemas I discovered the celebration of Candlemas three years ago while doing research for my first book, and fell instantly in-love with […]
What Lifelong Formation Means
Terminology in the church (and throughout the world) continually changes as we humans try to verbalize and articulate what we mean. Sometimes our language clarifies, sometimes it makes things too broad and inclusive so we aren’t sure what we are talking about, and sometimes it is helpful yet still needs clarification. Both the terms “Lifelong” and […]
Lenten Resources
2014 Lenten Calendar Illustrated by award-winning cartoonist Jay Sidebotham, an Episcopal priest, Join the Journey invites spiritual reflection through gentle humor and is a wonderful companion for the Lenten season. Episcopal Relief and Development Lenten Devotional We invite you to commemorate Episcopal Relief & Development Sunday on the first Sunday in Lent, March 9, 2014, or you may choose another […]
Marking Ash Wednesday and Lent
Ash Wednesday, March 5, is the day that Lent begins. It is a day of reflection for us to stop, pause, and examine our lives. What is it we want to change? What is it we want to do? This is a day set aside to remember we are a part of God’s creation and […]
Giving Our Children the Chance to Practice Difficult Things
Today we welcome guest blogger Cindy Spencer, who works in Children and Family Ministries at Saint Mark’s Cathedral and the Episcopal Diocese of Olympia. Cindy serves on the Lifelong Formation Council. It’s Lent again, the time of year when, as a minister to children and families, I begin to pick up on a distinct uneasiness within […]
Creative Ways to Engage Teenagers in the Lenten Experience
Today’s guest blogger is Mary Lou Crifasi, Director for Youth & Children’s Ministries at Eastern Shore Chapel in Virginia. Mary Lou serves on the Lifelong Formation Council. As Episcopalians we recognize Lent as a time of “self-examination and repentance; prayer, fasting, and self-denial; and reading and meditating on God’s holy Word.” (BCP, pg 265) We […]
