St. David in the Valley Episcopal Church

Christian Formation Customary

Developed by the Christian Formation Task Force, 2018-2019

Christian Formation Customary

Rev., 2019

2

INTRODUCTION In the current life of the parish community of St. David’s, we seek to develop an approach to Christian Formation that enables us to more nearly embody Christ’s love through Christian Formation, as we encourage harmony, allowing any discomfort to lead to growth and innovation while respecting tradition. In this customary you will find formation experiences and resources for more program options to nourish this dream for years to come, thanks to the dedication and hard work of The Christian Formation Task Force (CFTF ). The CFTF was commissioned by the parish to develop an approach to Christian Formation which

• involves cooperation with other churches • teaches peace and non-violence • includes practical “how to” instruction/discussion/practices • includes in-depth book and Bible study • includes pilgrimage

The Core Values the Task Force developed, which guided their work, included:

• Community: friendships • Love: spirituality, social justice • Openness: acceptance, flexibility, growth, courage • Creative collaboration • Learning: curiosity

The Goal of the Task Force was: To develop a plan that captures the dream of the St. David’s community to engage in Christian Formation which is characterized by the core values stated above. To achieve this goal, members of the Task Force

1. researched and share in this customary a variety of programs and options from The Episcopal Church (TEC) and other churches, especially small churches (see below)

2. Seek to identify collaborative partners 3. Seek to identify people within the St. David’s parish community and beyond to lead

specific Christian Formation offerings

Christian Formation Customary

Rev., 2019

3

INTERGENERATIONAL CREATIVE EXPERIENCES

by Melba Cooper

Visual Art 1. Totem/Icon/Symbol Design process 2. Fairy/Angel figures 3. Mask – Gremlin/Friend – dealing with internal critic 4. Mandala Insight 5. Nature Clay vessels/hangings 6. Nature prints/cards 7. Observational Nature drawing 8. Paint/mural 9. Art and spirituality exhibit 10. Artist sharing – Pollination

Music

1. Drumming 2. Learn songs 3. Piano sing along favorites 4. Songs in Spanish

Drama

1. Skits 2. Maskmaking 3. Pageant for easter and Christmas

Wellness

1. meditation/yoga 2. Hands on Healing (Reiki training) 3. Non-Violence training (Season of Non-Violence program) 4. Study groups

Other

1. Movie night/ movie groups and discussion 2. Social media issues (child/parent issues) parental control info 3. Culture and language appreciation

Resource people: Melba Cooper (art), Ann Suggs (art, pottery), Haidee Wilson (art), Sara Curran (mandalas), Becky Bowman, George and Joan (pottery, nature walk), Nancie Wilson (drums), Chad Hallyburton (yoga)

Christian Formation Customary

Rev., 2019

4

Christian Formation Customary

Rev., 2019

5

Christian Formation Customary

Rev., 2019

6

CIVIL CONVERSATIONS PROJECT Main page: https://onbeing.org/civil-conversations-project/ Starting points: https://onbeing.org/starting-points/ Starter Guide: https://onbeing.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/8.5x11_BetterConversationsGuide_Final_WebReady.pdf

BETTER CONVERSATIONS: A STARTER GUIDE

This booklet, which was developed by Krista Tippet for her On Being radio show and podcast, is housed online due to its length. To view, download, or print this booklet please contact the church office.

RESOURCES Lesson Plans that work: http://episcopaldigitalnetwork.com/lessons/ Seasonal Resources for Christian Formation https://www.buildfaith.org/seasonal-resources/ Buildfaith- resource for developing a Christian formation curriculum https://www.buildfaith.org/ Bible Study: Year C | Episcopal Church https://www.episcopalchurch.org/bible-study/year-c 25 Ideas for Intergenerational Service (see PDF file also) https://www.crcna.org/sites/default/files/25_ideas_for_intergenerational_service.pdf Saintly Pumpkins | Episcopal Church- idea for Halloween/ All Saints Day https://www.episcopalchurch.org/posts/lifelongformation/saintly-pumpkins Ideas for Observing Candlemas | Episcopal Church https://www.episcopalchurch.org/posts/lifelongformation/ideas-observing-candlemas EDUCATION - Episcopal Migration Ministries https://episcopalmigrationministries.org/educate/ Holy Hikes ministry seeks God in nature by celebrating Eucharist one footstep at a time | Episcopal Church https://www.episcopalchurch.org/library/article/holy-hikes-ministry-seeks-god-nature-celebrating-eucharist-one-footstep-time To Serve Christ in All Creation: A Study Guide and Discussion Course for Province One | Episcopal Church

Christian Formation Customary

Rev., 2019

7

https://www.episcopalchurch.org/library/document/serve-christ-all-creation-study-guide-and-discussion-course-province-one About Sacred Ground | Episcopal Church- 10 week curriculum for dialogue on race & racism https://www.episcopalchurch.org/sacred-ground/about Advocacy Resources- 5 week Civil Discourse Curriculum https://advocacy.episcopalchurch.org/resources?0 Inter-Generational lesson plans http://episcopaldigitalnetwork.com/lessons/category/age/inter-generational/ Saints- Intergenerational lesson plans http://episcopaldigitalnetwork.com/lessons/special-lesson-plans/saints/ Environmental Resources- Christian formation http://episcopaldigitalnetwork.com/lessons/special-lesson-plans/environmental-resources/

04/2019