Christian Education Course Catalog
2007 - 2008

Message from Christian Education Co-Directors

As our beloved rector Paul Abernathy wrote, “Christianity, according to Danish philosopher Søren Kierkegaard (1813–1855): entails becoming contemporary with Christ, i.e., as the apostles, sharing in (not shunning) life’s suffering.” Kierkegaard did not agree with prevailing theological thought that Christianity was about believing certain things about Christ or Christianity. According to Kierkegaard, Christianity is all about behavior rather than belief.

Last year our community began wrestling with the subject of Engaging with The Other. As is our way at St. Mark’s, we found no simple answers, but were captivated by the questions that arose from our discussions: Who is The Other? Who am I? How do we differ? What do we have in common? Why do certain differences matter so much? How do our differences affect behavior? Am I challenged to act openly, lovingly and respectfully when The Other does not do the same?

This year the co-directors have compiled a fascinating array of classes that will dig deeper into these questions. Adult classes will be offered on Sunday mornings and afternoons in addition to week day evenings. And, during Lent, the entire Parish will be able to participate in a class on Exodus during sermon seminar time in the nave.

For our young children, from 3-½ to 9 years of age, our Sunday school program is the popular Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. This method uses a Montessori-like teaching approach to help the children learn about the depth of God’s love, the life and parables of Jesus, and elements of the Eucharist.

For children 9 years and above we, offer a Sunday school program using the Functional Christian Education method created by Episcopalian theologian Charles Penniman. Func Ed attempts to create an understanding of the Bible and traditional teachings of the church by beginning with the exploration of our life experience and our stories. In addition to Func Ed, this year, in keeping with the parish focus on Engaging with the Other, our Sunday school teachers and youth group leaders will be focusing strongly on service to others.

More than 100 members of our parish have chosen to share their time, talent, energy, and creativity by participating in our Christian Education program this year. We are extraordinarily grateful for their kindness and generosity of spirit.

Martha Connor-Donnelly
David Evelyn
Bill Jordan
Marilu Sherer

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