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A Christian catechumenate program at St. Paul for adults who:
Read Pastor Williamson's:   Lent BASIC Annual Retreat
"Receiving God’s Grace through Word and Sacrament" CLICK HERE to see
pictures
from the March 16-17, 2012 retreat. |
Starting this Spring ....
New Testament: Luke
April 3 - May 15 The
Gospel of Luke invites us to explore the story of Jesus and his mission
as God's Chosen One (Messiah). From the joyous accounts of Jesus' birth
in a manger in Bethlehem to the stark images of his crucifixion at
Golgotha to the "eye-opening" meal at Emmaus, we are invited into a
remarkable story. Luke describes how God has broken into our world and
history by sending the one who is Messiah and Savior. In these seven
sessions, you will explore key texts in the life of Christ and search
for the meaning and truth revealed in them.
Enroll as an Inquirer for the Spring unit HERE Stop by the church office to pick up your Learner's Guide for the Gospel of Luke by Dr. David Tiede (Cost $10) Future Units in BASIC 2013-2014
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The
Basics on BASIC
What’s a catechumenate? An ancient process, dating back to the second century, of becoming one with Christ and his church. Used by some to prepare for baptism and others to recommit to baptismal living, St. Paul’s catechumenate (from the word catechesis, which means teaching) in many ways resembles that period of intentional faith formation which for our youth we call “confirmation.” Is BASIC an acronym for something? Why, yes. It stands for Brothers And Sisters In Christ. What exactly will I be learning? Over the course of two years, in six units — two longer Fall units and four shorter Winter and Spring units (before and after Lent) — you’ll gain a BASIC competency in the overarching story of the Bible, Lutheranism, Prayer and other faith practices, Christian theology, and go more in depth in one Old Testament book and one New Testament Gospel. Who will teach these classes? St. Paul’s pastors, with support from lay catechists, will guide large group time (approx. 50min), but we’ll also be learning from each other through the friendships we develop in our small groups (approx. 40min, with new groups forming each unit). What if I’m not sure about jumping into a two-year process? BASIC is designed to be flexible. You can participate in a single unit without having committed to the whole. You can also enter the process at the start of any unit and still get all the BASICs, which are arranged in a two-year rotating cycle. |
When does BASIC take place?
Wednesday evenings from 6:45 - 8:15 pm What about dinner? What about my kids and family? Community dinners, periodically served by catechumens, are available from 6:00-6:45pm. Children in K-8th Grade are welcome at KAMP--a midweek youth group focused on service, teambuilding and praising God that runs concurrently with BASIC. Other adult ministries also taking place on Wednesday evenings include Senior Choir and Jubilation Ringers (handbell choir). How much does it cost? Most units involve at least one coursebook ($15-25). All are encouraged to sponsor a Lutheran Study Bible for another catechumen. There is also a modest cost for a weekend retreat each year in Lent. Assistance is available for any who have need. What happens at the end of the BASIC process? On Pentecost Sunday each year catechumens who have completed the two-year process are given an opportunity to affirm their baptism and be “sent out” equipped to use their God-given gifts to love and serve. Some may continue into more advanced courses; others may serve as catechists for future classes of BASIC. How do I register?
(mwilliamson.stpaul@sbcglobal.net) 630 668-5953) or any member of St. Paul’s Adult Faith Formation Team. |
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