Recognizing that our journey towards a deeper relationship with God is lifelong and ongoing, we offer opportunities for Christian formation for all ages at St. Anne’s.

From our baptismal preparation for parents of new babies to our Sunday school classes on Sunday morning, children find a warm welcome here and an invitation to learn and to wonder about God and their faith.  A variety of curricula programs offers our children opportunities to come to know more about God and the stories of how God has been faithful to God’s people through the ages.

There are also a number of offerings for adults.  From Bible studies to Education for Ministry, to an Inquirers’ series for those who would like to learn more about the Episcopal Church, to series facilitated by lay leaders, there is also a variety of opportunities for adults to draw nearer to God and to find strength and support as they seek to look into God’s call in their lives.

At St. Anne’s we prefer the term “Christian formation” to “Christian education” because we believe we are formed – not taught-as Christians.  Our formation as God’s people is a lifelong process, from the cradle to the grave.  Not only are we blessed with clergy and seminary-trained lay leaders who have a passion for education, we are also blessed with a community of learners who are hungry for and committed to expanding their faith.

Through a variety of offerings, both short and long-term, meeting at different times during the week, we seek to enrich our relationship with God and equip ourselves as disciples prepared for ministry in the parish, the community, and beyond.

In the early 1970’s members of the faculty of the Episcopal Seminary at the University of the South began an adult education program which had the goal of providing education to lay Episcopalians that would prepare them to function as ministers in their daily lives.  EFM, as the course is now called, provides a basis of study of the Bible, Church History and Contemporary Theology, but, just as importantly, it supports students in developing ways to articulate their own faith, and in developing a foundation to be a minister in the world.

EFM is a four-year program, meeting from September to June.  Groups meet once a week for two and a half hours.  Year One is the Hebrew Scriptures; Year Two, the New Testament; Year Three, Church History; Year Four, Theology.  There are currently two EFM groups at St. Anne’s.  Contact the Rector for more information.

This multi-week program is designed for adults who would like to be confirmed in the Episcopal Church or received into the Episcopal Church from another denomination.  It will also be of interest to anyone who wants to find out more about the Episcopal Church and our Christian faith.

To find out when the next Inquirers’ Classes are scheduled, call the church office.

Adult education classes meet on Sunday, Tuesday, or Thursday evenings and focus on studies of scripture, church history, theology, Christian ethics, and comparative religions.

Contact Mother Jackie at the church office if you have any questions or have a suggestion for a future class offering.

Bible studies based on programs developed by Kerygma and led by the Senior Associate Rector are offered on Monday mornings and Tuesday evenings.  We will begin a new study in September.

Contact Mother Jackie at the church office for more details.

St. Anne’s is a community of readers.  A group meets on Monday mornings every six weeks.  Check the newsletter, bulletin announcements, e-news, and website for dates and times and for a brief introduction to the book.  The website has a list of books we have read if you’re looking for ideas.

This group meets at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday morning in the Library to study the Bible and to engage in a lively discussion among friends.

To find out more, contact the church office.

Always the high point of the fall, parish families gather at Shrine Mont, the Diocesan Retreat Center in Orkney Springs, Virginia, for a weekend of fellowship and spiritual renewal.

To find out more, call the church office.