“God hasn’t finished with us yet” is a well known saying among Christians. At St. Paul’s, we take it as a reminder that our Christian education does not end with are always being formed and informed by our study of scripture, our study of our Christian tradition and our awareness of our spiritual journey and its twists and turns.

As support in that journey, St. Paul’s offered classes and opportunities to share with fellow seeker:

• Book Club is a monthly opportunity to discuss the world views of various authors from many backgrounds who take their spiritual journeys seriously. The books are chosen by the group. Members alternate as discussion leaders. Leaders: Helen Heinmiller and Pastor Maxine.
• Dialogue with the Scriptures meets weekly to explore the covenants of the Bible from the Garden of Eden through Jesus. Leaders: Alan Lindsay and Veronica Grosch.
• Men’s Bible Study meets twice a month to discuss books of the Bible chosen by the members. This meeting over breakfast allows men to share openly with other men on the challenges they encounter as men of faith. Leader: Kurt Mislick.

Education For Ministry (EFM)
EFM, is a program of theological education-at-a-distance of the School of Theology of the University of the South. Students sign up one year at a time for this four-year program. It covers the basics of a theological education in the Old and New Testaments, church history, liturgy, and theology. This year St. Paul’s will offer one EFM class. Students will meet  Tuesday evenings at 6:30 PM in the Lockwood Reilly building (next to the Parish Hall), under the guidance of Alan Lindsay.  For more information please contact the church office – 610-363-2363.

Confirmation Classes
Pastor Maxine has selected a new and exciting program for the Adult Confirmation class.  It is called Confirm not Conform. Confirm not Conform, or CnC, is a  confirmation program that takes confirmation seriously.  It exposes students to a wide range of topics, including Scripture, sacraments, creeds, heresy, the Episcopal Church, and other religions, and asks them to think through what they believe and why.

It is also a philosophy.  It’s about finding one’s own voice rather than simply conforming to an external standard.  It is a program that respects the work we do and trusts that if we put in the effort to articulate what we believe and why, we will make good choices about our next step in faith.

CnC is also, we have come to find, a congregational development program.  The entire church grows in faith by participating in Confirm not Conform, as mentors, parents, chaperones, or supportive onlookers who all make the commitment to support the students in their life in Christ.

More information about “Confirm not Conform” can be found at www.confirmnotconform.com .

The homepage of Confirm not Conform, a confirmation program that emphasizes giving youth a choice and a voice and giving adults a safe space to explore their questions and choices. We hope that you’ll look around, check out some of our materials and our philosophy, read some testimonials and some blog entries, and see what you think. Get some of your questions answered about CnC Youth and find out what’s different about CnC Adult.