We take formation seriously at Emmanuel. Here are a few highlights of previous experiences we've taken part in....
Seeing Jesus through the Windows
Part of the exceptional beauty of Emmanuel Memorial Episcopal Church stems from the design and placement of its stained glass windows. Not only do the windows fill the church with light and color, but they also tell a story. In a series of five classes at 9:10 AM on each Sunday in Lent, we will journey through the story of Jesus together as seen in the windows that surround us. The story of Jesus includes anticipation, announcement, humble birth, special visitors, and an early sense of purpose. It’s a story of a father’s blessing and a mother’s love. It’s a story where human meets divine, where miracles happen, and where agony disrupts. It’s a story of death, new life, and triumph.
"Praying the Collects"
The short prayers we call Collects are a distinctive part of Anglican liturgy and theology. In this class, offered at 9:10 AM on the four Sundays in February, brief videos from scholar, writer, and seminary dean Ellen Wondra will help us understand the meaning and structure of these prayers so we can use them more effectively. Discussion and exercises will also be included. This program served as part of the preparation for Confirmation.
"Binge-Read of the Gospel of Mark": An all-ages event where we ate a simple Lenten supper in silence while members of our community read the entire Gospel of Mark to us, followed by discussion and debrief.
“Appreciating Tonight’s 1662 Evensong” with Mark Dirksen, covering spiritual and artistic themes and music to be included in that evening's 4pm Evensong.
"Seeing Matthew": a visual introduction to our Gospel for Year A, in a memorable graphic format that will help you appreciate what is going on with Sunday’s lectionary readings.
"The Book of Psalms": Often referred to as a “School of Prayer,” the Psalms not only enable us to verbalize our thanksgiving and joy, but they also give us a vocabulary and language to express our pain, grief, rage, and doubt when we enter into seasons of life that are difficult. They give us permission to express what is in the depths of our souls to the God from whom no secrets are hid. Through a combination of lecture, small group discussion, activities, and personal reflection, our hope is that at the end of the course, you will be able to read and pray the Psalter with a greater and deeper understanding.
"Experiments in Christlikeness": We’ll use material developed by Jan Johnson to look at three specific characteristics of the beautiful life we see in Jesus. What is he like? What would we be like if we were becoming the kind of person who acts as he does? How can we try out specific things that help us connect with him in order to become that kind of person? If you’ve wondered about the How-To of living the way Jesus describes, this program is for you!