Formation: The Episcopal Way

Are you new to the Episcopal Church or looking to refresh your knowledge of our tradition? Or perhaps you’ve been attending the Episcopal Church for years but have never taken that next step towards making a commitment to Christ through confirmation and the laying on of hands by a bishop in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Join Fr. Derek for a two class series all about the Episcopal tradition. Classes will be right after Sunday service from 11:30am-1:30pm on September 17 and September 24. This class meets the requirements to be confirmed in the Episcopal Church (or received if you have already been confirmed in another tradition) and culminates with a special service of Holy Confirmation with Bishop Peter Eaton here at Good Shepherd on Sunday, October 8, 2023 at the 10:00am service. Please contact Fr. Derek or the office to sign up!

Details

Sundays, September 17 and 25

11:30 AM - 1:30 PM

Please let us know you will attend!

Find out more

GROW Sunday

GROW Sunday: Formation for Everyone

In-person events at 9:00 AM.

The Sunday Forum:

Join us on the third Sunday of each month at 9:00am for the Sunday Forum, a time of conversation and presentations on a wide range of topics relevant to faith and life at Good Shepherd. The next Sunday Forum will be held October 15th. Check back for more information!

Youth (and doughnuts!)

The Name Says It All

Meets in the Youth Rooms, a.k.a. "The Barn"

Youth grades 6 - 12 are welcome to join together for a time of casual conversation about Bible texts, current events and the life of faith. And yes, there will be doughnuts. You MUST check out this fantastic space for our youth!

Children's Sunday school

Sundays at 10:00

All kids in pre-K through 5th grade are invited to Sunday school -- an opportunity for your children to encounter God and leave changed. Sunday School happens every Sunday morning at 10 AM when your kids are invited to join others in God's Kingdom! Register online.

Spiritual Gifts Assessment

1. Discover Your Spiritual Gifts

This recorded presentation, from September's Grow Sunday, is the first step in discerning your unique attributes that help to build up the body of Christ as part of mission and ministry.

Watch the video and then take the Spiritual Gifts Assessment. Save your results for a later discussion.

2. Develop Spiritual Practices

By developing spiritual practices that resonate with our unique personalities, we draw closer to God. Many devout Christians weave their spiritual practices into a Rule of Life that sustains their relationship with God day to day.

3. Deepen Your Vocation

There are times when we are called to go deeper in our spiritual journey, to explore more fully the story of our lives in order to discern God’s purpose. Here we introduce the Enneagram, an ancient tool that describes your personality in terms of who you are and how you relate to God, to others, and to yourself.

Christian Formation

The Episcopal Way

This two-part preparation course is required for adults interested in Confirmation, Reception, or Reaffirmation. This class is also for anyone who is new to Good Shepherd or those who might be interested in learning more about the Episcopal Church. (Youth confirmation is a separate program addressed through our Youth Ministry program.)

Join Father Derek for this program on September 17th and 24th from 11:30 – 1:30 in the library. Bishop Eaton will visit Good Shepherd on Sunday, October 8, 2023

Confirmation

Confirmation is the public and outward affirmation of a mature commitment to Christ. To be confirmed, it is required that the candidate has been baptized and participates in The Episcopal Way preparation workshop.

The Bishop of Southeast Florida confirms participants as members of the Episcopal Church during a service on a given Sunday of the year. Watch the announcements for dates and times or request information from the office.

Reaffirmation

Reaffirmation is for those who have already been confirmed in the Episcopal Church and wish to restate their commitment to Christ. People may choose to reaffirm their faith for a variety of reasons, like returning to the church after a long period, or to show support to a loved on e who is being confirmed. It is required that candidates participate in The Episcopal Way preparation workshop.

Reception

Reception into the Episcopal Church is for those who have made a mature commitment to Christ in another denomination by a bishop through apostolic succession. Those who were confirmed and received by laying on of hands by a bishop may choose reception. If that element of a previous confirmation was not present, Episcopal confirmation may be a more suitable option.

Cursillo

Cursillo is a movement of spiritual enrichment throughout the Church and our parish. The Cursillo experience begins with a three day retreat at which participants engage in warm Christian community and receive enlightening readings about faith. For many, the Christian life which follows is enhanced and enlivened. You may request information about this group at the link below.