Christian Formation
The Episcopal Church is said to be a three-legged stool with the legs being scripture, tradition, and reason. Reason refers to our own intelligence and experience. We don’t seek one “correct” answer; rather we’re encouraged to wonder and ask questions as we pray and learn.
Current Series
The Lenten discussion series: "Mortality and Immortality"
Every Wednesday, March 12 - April 9
6:00pm - Lenten Soup Supper & 6:30pm - 7:30pm - Study / Discussion
March 12 - Session 1: Understanding Christian Perspectives on Death
Theological Reflection: Explore the Christian understanding of death as a transition rather than an end, drawing from John 11:25-26 where Jesus says, "I am the resurrection and the life."
Discussion: How does our faith shape our views on death?
Activity: Reflect on the Burial Office from the Book of Common Prayer (BCP), focusing on the theological affirmations about life after death.
March 19 - Session 2: The Importance of Talking About Death
Theological Reflection: Discuss the importance of acknowledging mortality, referencing Philippians 1:21, "For to me, living is Christ and dying is gain."
Discussion: Why is it important to discuss death with family and friends?
Activity: Share experiences of how conversations about death have impacted personal or family life.
March 26 - Session 3: Planning Your Funeral Service
Theological Reflection: Reflect on the role of liturgy in the funeral service, emphasizing hope and resurrection, as seen in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14.
Discussion: What elements would you like to include in your funeral service?
Activity: Review hymns from the Episcopal Hymnal 1982, such as Hymn 335 "I Am the Bread of Life," and discuss their significance.
April 2 - Session 4: Making Practical Arrangements
Theological Reflection: Consider the stewardship of life and resources, inspired by Matthew 6:19-21 about storing treasures in heaven.
Discussion: What practical steps can be taken to ease the burden on loved ones?
Activity: Begin drafting a will or an advance directive and discuss the importance of these documents.
April 9 - Session 5: Living with Hope and Purpose
Theological Reflection: Explore living a life of purpose and hope, drawing from Romans 14:7-8, "For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord."
Discussion: How can we live fully in light of our mortality?
Activity: Set personal goals for living a meaningful life and discuss how these align with your faith.”
Previous Series
January 15, 22 and 29. Episcopal 101
Episcopal 101
Learn the basics of the Episcopal faith, the liturgical approach to worship, the traditions of the church, and gain a better understanding of what it means to be an Episcopalian.
Everyone is welcome. Please come to listen, learn and absolutely come to inquire and ask questions.
The sessions begin at 6:00pm with a light meal (pizza) followed at 6:30pm with teaching and discussion time. (Sessions will end around 7:30pm.)
Again, all are invited to join us!
Previous Series
(and on-going church strategic initiative)
“Nowhere”
(A year long initiative dealing with housing insecurity)
As a result of a congregation-wide brainstorming session and discussion held in August 2024, we have an on-going study exploring housing insecurity (i.e., homelessness).
After a successful series of presentations and discussions all through the fall, involving several guest speakers, and in conjunction with our internal discussions, we are currently planning our “next steps” with this critical topic of concern, and will be pursuing these “next steps” as we move ahead in 2025.
Our goal is to determine how we as a church can address the needs in Hartwell, Hart County, and the neighboring communities in northeast Georgia. While ultimately, we hope to determine the best approach, we as a congregation could take, we also invite all interested community members to offer their expertise, their talents, and their voice in this endeavor.
Please check back on the website for further information and details.
Previous Series
Parables from the Gospel of John ~ Wednesdays at 6:00pm ~ April 24, 2024 – May 29, 2024
We’re excited and privileged to have Dr. R. Alan Culpepper as our guest instructor.
He is the retired founding Dean of the McAfee School of Theology at Mercer University and a widely renowned New Testament scholar and theologian. The series covers material from his latest book, The People of the Parables.
All are invited to join us!
