by Carolyn Dicer
Bishop’s Deputy for Program
In late August I had the privilege of hosting three Adult Formation Resource Open Houses in the different geographic areas of the Diocese. I spent most of the summer selecting a variety of materials that I believed would be of interest to the educators and clergy in our congregations and then took the show on the road. Being able to visit one on one with many people across the Diocese was both rewarding and a great education. All the people who attended, clergy, educators, stewardship chair persons, spiritual directors, and vestry members had much to contribute and share with each other. Host churches, Grace Church, Chattanooga and St. John's Church, Johnson City were exceptionally gracious in providing hospitality and support for my out of town trips. At Grace I was able to stay after hours and help with some with Rally Day preparations and at St. John's I donned a hard hat and toured the new church building.

In Chattanooga, the new Adult Formation Task Force determined that a primary task is to promote the mutual sharing of ideas, resources and programs. Here are just a few of the many ideas for Adult Formation I learned about. I hope you find them helpful.

All Saints, Morristown, has a special coordinator for young families who is planning education and fellowship offerings for parents and young families. Contact Kris Price.

St. Stephen's, Oak Ridge, will be using one of the books in "The New Churches Teaching Series," "The Anglican Vision" for adult confirmation. Rector Craig Kallio will be the facilitator.

Good Shepherd, Knoxville will begin the program year with a four week Bible Study, "Preparing for Sunday", a lectionary study produced by Living the Good News available on our Diocesan Web site at etdiocese.net/lectionary. Bob Newman is the facilitator.

St. Paul's, Kingsport, is offering a Sunday morning study using "The New Churches Teaching Series" "Opening the Bible." The series will be led by EFM graduates and students. This will be followed with a study on "Opening the Prayer Book," also part of "The New Churches Series." Contact Jennifer Hunter Christian Formation Coordinator.

St. Paul's, Chattanooga, reports that their adult programs have been strengthened since they began working together with the Children's Education Program. (Joel King)

Grace, Chattanooga, is offering a Wednesday eve program for all generations called "Aslan is On the Move!" This program is based on The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis and helps participants explore the deep power of faith and belief through a fantasy experience. (Contact Ann Swint)

St. Peter's, Chattanooga purchases multiple copies of Christian Parenting magazine for parents to pick up at the Church. (Contact the Rev. Margaret Mullen)

Thankful Memorial, Chattanooga, will be offering the year long Bible Study program "Disciple" on Wednesday nights led by the Rev. Pat Cahill, Rector.

Nativity, Fort Oglethorpe, began their program year with the video "Loose Connections" a drama by the Friends of The Groom. The point of the drama is strengthening our connections with God which will be their theme for the year. Rector Betty Latham will use the Andy Griffith Bible Study series during Lent. This series has had great reviews from St. Alban's, Grace, and St. Peter's.

St. Alban's, Hixson, subscribes to the lectionary Bible Study Resource, Synthesis CE and distributes it to parishioners every Sunday. Rector Hugh Jones has formed a new Adult Formation Committee to explore methods to enhance adult formation opportunities and deepen the entire parishes spiritual life.

St. Martin's, Chattanooga, is offering a week night workshop for parents and teachers on "Developing Capable Young People." This highly rated workshop is based on the book, Raising Self-Reliant Children In a Self-Indulgent World. Contact Lisa Stewart, Facilitator.

The New Church's Teaching Series
James E. Griffiss, series editor

Following in the footsteps of the two earlier teaching series of the 1950's and 1970's, these volumes seek to reveal the distinctive vision Anglicanism offers for the people of God today.

Each book includes a study guide and a list of additional resources.

The series is designed for wide parish use, including adult education, classes for inquires and newcomers, parish libraries, and study groups throughout the church year. Contact the Cathedral Bookshop for the list of titles or to place an order by eMail (bookshop@etdiocese.net) or phone (865.521.2910).

OnLine Resources for Christian Education

Sunday Lectionary Available on Line

The Diocese has placed a Sunday lectionary on the Website for use by congregational for Bible study groups or for individuals who wish to prepare for Sunday worship. It is produced by Living the Good News Curriculum and called Preparing for Sunday. Included are brief commentaries and reflection questions. To log on, go to etdiocese.net/lectionary.

Video Resource Program

The Diocese of East Tennessee is a member of the Video Resource Program at the Center for the Ministry of Teaching at Virginia Theological Seminary. Details and a database of over 2,000 videos are available on the diocesan Website at etdiocese.net/video