Christian Education
“It is He whom we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone in all wisdom, so that we may present everyone mature in Christ.” — Colossians 1:28
Our goal is to be growing and maturing in Christ our whole life long, from the pregnant mother reading Bible stories to the child in her womb to the person in their 90’s saying, “I still have so many questions!” We value authentic inquiry at every age.
Adults
We don’t want you to park your brain at the door - we want you to bring it to church! Questions are enthusiastically welcomed. And we don’t always have the answers. But we can learn together.
Bible studies and other adult education opportunities are offered throughout the year; details are added for upcoming events as they become available.
October Education Opportunity: Challenging Theology in 1320 and 2025
700 years ago, Dante Alighieri wrote the epic poem "Comedy" –– called "The Divine Comedy" by its first readers. Comedy might be paraphrased not just 'happy ending' but 'positive whole' and 'glorious process' and 'beautiful vision.' Yet this poem has been terribly misunderstood by the general public. Its vision is relevant and useful for how we religiously deal with the scope of all reality and experience, or struggle with current issues of ethics or aesthetics. That is the thinking of our member Bill Moore after years of study, who will make three presentations in the conference room 9:00-10:00 a.m. on Sundays in October. You are invited to join us!
Oct. 5: The Beauty of the Trinity in the Ultimate Cosmos of Love
Oct. 12: The Process of Purgation as Adult Christian Education
Oct. 19: The Words "Image" and "Scale" as Helpful Tools for Theologizing
Children
All children ages 4 through the 5th grade are invited to join us for Godly Plan during the 10:30 service each Sunday morning during the school year. Godly Play is a Montessori-based approach to helping children explore their faith through story, wonder and play. Parents can drop off their children as they go into church, and the storyteller brings the children into the service at the passing of the peace so the family can participate in Holy Communion together.
Childcare is also available in the Education Wing during the 10:30 service, and children’s worship bags are available in the narthex for using during worship services.
Youth
Our youth ministry - known as “CrossTown” - is made up of students in the 4th through 12th grades from Good Shepherd Lutheran, St. Philip’s Episcopal, First United Methodist and Bethel “A” Baptist churches. We strive to provide a safe space for our students to learn, worship and play as they develop their own faith lives. During the school year, we meet regularly on Sunday evenings, rotating weekly between the churches. All 4th through 12th grade students are invited to join us for these times of learning and fellowship. Contact Children, Youth & Family Minister Abby Glass at abby@goodphilip.com for more information on all children and youth-related activities.
After School Art Program for Middle School Students
All 6th through 8th graders are invited to join us at Good Shepherd on the first Wednesday of each month for an art project led by a member of the Transylvania Community Arts Council. Students are welcome to come to Good Shepherd right after school and stay until 5:00 p.m. All snacks and art supplies are provided. Note that each participant must have a parent or guardian complete this form. You are welcome to invite your friends!
Confirmation Plans
Good Shepherd is partnering with St. Philip’s Episcopal on an exciting new approach to preparing our youth in grades 6 through 12 for the rite of “Affirmation of Baptism” also known as “Confirmation.” The details of the self-paced program can be found here, and the “Sermon Notes” form is available here.
