Epiphany of Tempe

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2009
Annual Meeting Report

Christian Education

Ministry for Children

Sunday Church School is provided for children Pre-K (age 3) through 12th grade during the regular school year (mid-August to May). Children participate in the 10:00 a.m. service and attend their classes immediately after receiving Communion while the adults continue with the service and have some social time. Church School ends at 11:45 a.m. Children at the 10 a.m. service are also invited to leave Church during the sermon to participate in a time of faith-building stories, songs and prayer.

The Church School uses curriculum from several different publishers, choosing what best suits the children’s needs at each grade level. Pre-K uses God’s Gifts, which provides a gentle introduction to the wonders of God’s world. The kindergarten/1st grade, 2nd/3rd grade and 4th, 5th and 6th grade classes use Living the Good News. This lectionary based curriculum offers an in-depth look into the Gospel lessons and the sacraments of the Church.

Church School children are involved in the 10:00 a.m. service to mark special days and seasons of the church year. Activities include carrying banners they have made, singing, reading prayers they have written, and presenting plays.

Several service projects each year help involve the Church School children in Outreach. During Lent, the children raise money for the Heifer Project which provides animals to hungry people around the world. After Halloween, a “Tithe of Treats” brings in candy to be shared with the needy. At the St. Nicholas Day party the children make ornaments for a Sock Tree, an Outreach project that gathers socks for the homeless.

Young Epiphany Stars (YES) is our fellowship group for 4th, 5th, and 6th graders. They gather once a month after church for a fun activity such as bowling or a picnic.

Ministry for Teens

7/8 grades Our Junior High class studies themes centered on God, Jesus, prayer, and growing from childhood to adolescence. In the spring eighth graders will be preparing for their Rite-13 ceremony which is a celebration of the end of childhood and the beginning of the journey to adulthood. There are also a variety of service projects (such as volunteering at Paz de Cristo) and fun activities (such as bowling) offered to our young teens often on Sunday after church.

9-12 grades The High School classes use selections from “Talk Sheets” a Youth Specialties publication which helps teens see how the Christian faith relates to issues they face in their daily lives. As with the 7/8 graders, there are a variety of service projects (such as decorating bowls for Tempe Empty Bowls charity auction) and fun activities offered to our older teens.

Sacramental Preparation

The Episcopal Church offers communion to all baptized persons regardless of age.

We Gather Together: Families preparing for Holy Communion is the class for children in 2nd or 3rd grade and their parents offered in the fall which looks closely at the sacrament of Holy Communion. Classes meet for eight weeks culminating in a special Eucharist on All Saints Sunday.

Preparation for Confirmation is offered to teenagers in the tenth grade and above. A series of classes with the Rector prepares students to participate in a Regional Confirmation celebration with the Bishop in the late spring.

Summer Programs

Summer Children’s Chapel is offered during June and July to children in grades PreK (age 3) through sixth grade. The children join together in a simple chapel service where the children act as acolytes and readers. Children rejoin their families in church at the Peace for Communion and the rest of the service.

Camp Epiphany is Epiphany’s Vacation Bible School for children age 3 through entering 6th grade. Themes vary, but music, crafts, and fun are permanent. Camp is usually held in mid to late June on the church grounds.

Summer Overnight Camping opportunities are made available to Epiphany families through the Diocese. Most sessions are held at the diocesan camp, Chapel Rock, in Prescott, AZ.

Education for Adults

The Adult Education committee offers a variety of classes and opportunities throughout the year. Included are formational, instructional, experiential, and churchmanship programs. All persons are invited at any time to join in.

The Adult Confirmation and Inquirer's Class is offered to those who are interested in knowing more about the Episcopal Church, its history and practice; and/or are interested in being confirmed. The Rector leads this class at times to be announced.

Bible Study Group meets each Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. All are welcome for an hour of study, discussion and fellowship centered on the Bible and other religious themes.

During Lent a program is held on Wednesday evenings in conjunction with a meatless pot-luck and Stations of the Cross. Topics vary year to year.

Additional events and classes are announced in the Adult Education Brochure, the weekly bulletins, the monthly newsletters, and posted on the Christian Formation bulletin board.