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Christian education and formation is an important part of the life of Episcopal Church of Our Savior. In the many educational opportunities offered at COS, people of faith of all ages can explore what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ and be formed into the likeness of Christ for service in the world. Check-out what’s available and plan to join us on this journey together.
SpiritFUSION
The primary program of Christian Education and Formation on Sunday mornings at Church of Our Savior is called SpiritFUSION. SpiritFUSION is an interdenominational, international, lectionary-based (that is, uses the Revised Common Lectionary, the three year cycle of readings assigned to each Sunday of the church year) curriculum for ages 7 through adult.
Honoring experiential learning and the process of discovery over rote learning, and taking into account the multiple ways people learn, SpiritFUSION makes use of art, music, poetry, literature, crafts, storytelling, and guided imagery, among other things, to explore the focus text for the week. SpiritFUSION then helps learners apply their discoveries to their own lives.
SpiritFUSION “fuses” worship and learning in some critical ways. Each learning session begins and ends with worship. Further, some of the music and liturgical elements of the learning session are used in the worship of the congregation, and the focus text for the day’s learning becomes the focus text for preaching in worship. SpiritFUSION also fuses learning across the generations so that children and adults engage the material together and learn from each other as they discover God’s way in the world.
Join us in this journey of discovery every Sunday from 9:15 to 10:15 in the Fireside Room.
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
Church of Our Savior offers a curriculum called Catechisis of the Good Shepherd both on Sunday mornings (ages 3 to 6 ) and Wednesday evenings (age 3 to 2nd grade). Using the same method of discovery and experiential learning as SpiritFUSION, the Catechesis provides children an opportunity to explore Bible stories and the worship of the church. In addition to the Catechesis curriculum itself, learning will also be enhanced with material from SpiritFUSION, including music, art, and activity sheets that engage the themes of the day.
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd meets from 9:15 to 10:15 each Sunday morning, and from 6:00 to 7:30 each Wednesday evening.
Wednesdays.com
Wednesdays.comis a Christian formation program for all ages at Episcopal Church of Our Savior. The name has a meaning, of course. “Wednesdays” means, well, Wednesdays, as in the day of the program. The .com part of the name stands for “cultivating our minds” or “community.” Take your pick. Both accurately describe the goal of the evening: to cultivate our minds, and indeed, not our minds only, but also our hearts, spirits, and stomachs together as a community of faith.
The flow of the evening is simple. We begin with a meal at 5:30. This is a time for fellowship with one another as well as for service to the community. The homeless and those with limited means are invited to join us for the meal.
The meal concludes by 6:30, however, the learning begins between 6:00 and 6:15. At 6:00, children aged 3 through 2nd grade come together for a second engagement with the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. At 6:15, upper elementary youth, grades 3-5, middle school/confirmation youth, Sr. high youth, and adults gather for various learning opportunities specific to each age.
At 7:30, all ages gather in the church for Holden Evening Prayer, a beautiful and contemporary setting of evening prayer written by Marty Haugen, which reimagines the ancient prayer form using engaging melodies and creative instrumentation.
2011-2012 Wednedays.com Adult Formation Offerings
Darwin, Divinity, and the Dance of the Cosmos
September 7, 14, 21, 28, October 5, November 30, December 7, 14, and 21, 2011
Based on the book of the same name by Bruce Sanguin, who is a minister at Canadian Memorial Church & Centre for Peace in Vancouver, British Columbia, we will explore the topic of Ecological Christianity. Weaving together the latest scientific understandings of the universe with biblical narratives and frequently overlooked strands of the Judeo-Christian tradition, Sanguin creates an ecological and truly evolutionary Christian theology. The first part of this course coincides with the observance and celebration of the Season of Creation in SpiritFUSION, our Sunday morning Christian formation offering. Father Jeffrey Nelson
End of Life Issues: Dying Well
October 12, 2011
The first in a six part workshop that examines end of life issues, this session will give a broad overview of the topic, theologically rooting it in the hope that is ours in Jesus Christ our Savior, and introducing each weekly theme.
This session will be facilitated by members of the Church of Our Savior Legacy Society: M. L. Martin, Steven Kay, Tim Thompson, Chuck Salestrom, and Sharon Meyer.
End of Life Issues: Creating a Will
October 19, 2011
One of the most necessary yet often confusing end-of-life issues is creating a will. This session will offer an outline for making one’s will a testament to one’s faith, and offer guidance for the various options available in the will-writing process.
Steven W. Kay was born in Omaha on December 27, 1953, and baptized and confirmed at Church of Our Savior. He was educated through the North Platte Public Schools, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and Creighton University School of Law. Steve has been practicing law in North Platte since 1978. He has been very active in the church, both at the local and diocesan levels.
End of Life Issues: Five Wishes—Creating a Living Will
October 26, 2011
Faced with serious medical issues, what are your wishes with regard to medical treatment? Do you wish for medical professionals to be aggressive in their treatment of you or are there limits as to the type of treatment you would like to have. Further, what do you want your family to know about you, what you believe, and how you live your life? This session will make use of the Five Wishes form to help you think through your desires for medical treatment at the end of your life.
Dr. Janet Bernard-Evans is a family physician with Family Medicine Associates in North Platte. Currently a member of the Vestry at Church of Our Savior, Janet has served in other capacities as well, particularly sharing her musical talents as a vocalist and organist.
End of Life Issues: Burial Options
November 2, 2011
What are one’s burial options? Are cremation and burial with embalming the only possibilities? Are there other possibilities? This session will deal with all the burial options available to a person according to Nebraska state law and ways to decide what is right and comfortable for you. Adams-Swanson Funeral Home
End of Life Issues: Memorials, Bequests, & Endowments
November 9, 2011
Have you ever considered remembering your church in your will? Are you familiar with all the ways you might leave a portion of your estate as a legacy for the ongoing ministry and maintenance of the parish? This session will look at the reasons and ways you might wish to gift your parish in your will.
Nathan Wyatt is an Investment Officer with the Investment Service Center, located at Gothenburg State Bank. Nathan has much experience doing workshops on investments, and particularly bequests and endowments, for churches and other non-profits.
End of Life Issues: Planning your Funeral or Memorial Service
November 16, 2011
How do you want to celebrate the new life that is yours in Christ upon your death? Do you have favorite hymns or other music that you want to be a part of your funeral or memorial liturgy? Certain Bible or other readings? Often, families of the deceased are asked to make these decisions, yet often they don’t know the wishes of their loved one. In this session, participants will be given the opportunity to record their wishes and place them on file with the church and other important people in their lives. Father Jeffrey Nelson
So, you want to be an Episcopalian…?
October 12, 19, & 26, 2011
This three week course offering is designed for those who wish to join Church of Our Savior on Sunday, October 30, 2011. Topics include: Episcopal Church history, worship, governance, spirituality and practice, and more. Father Jeffrey Nelson
Living the Questions
January 4-February 15, 2012
Many thinking people know that Christianity has something good to offer humanity. They want to salvage Christianity from thoughtless doctrinalism. What is needed is a safe environment where people have permission to ask the questions they've always wanted to ask but have been afraid to voice for fear of being thought faithless. Living the Questions offers both seekers and "church alumni/ae" convinced that Christianity still has relevance in the 21st century such a forum to help them explore the future of Christianity and what a meaningful faith can look like in today's world. Father Jeffrey Nelson
Ris’n with Healing in His Wings: Healing as a Spiritual Discipline
February 29, 2012
The ministry of healing is an important part of the total ministry of Church of Our Savior. Each Thursday, the community gathers for the Holy Eucharist and the Laying on of Hands and Anointing with Oil for Healing. But, what is the ministry of healing? And how can it become a vital spiritual discipline, both for the individual and the parish? Father Jeffrey Nelson
Ris’n with Healing in His Wings: Spiritual Healing
March 7, 2012
Though it seems incredulous, many people have been wounded by the church, the very organization that is to promote love, reconciliation, forgiveness, and healing in the world. Still, we hear stories of those who have been abused by predatory priests and pastors, those who have been removed from the membership role of their congregations for various reasons including divorce, sexual orientation, holding wrong doctrine, or simply having questions about the faith. What happens when the spirit is wounded and in need of healing? This session will explore spiritual healing and its necessity in the church. Father Jeffrey Nelson
Ris’n with Healing in His Wings: Psychological and Emotional Healing
March 14, 2012
Throughout life, we all face times of brokenness, not merely physical brokenness, but psychological and emotional brokenness as well. Transitions and changes in life, traumatic experiences such as the loss of a loved one, the loss of a job, divorce, illness, violence, and more can sometimes make it difficult to cope with life. How is one healed from these hurts? This session will examine psychological and emotional healing and its relationship to the ministry of healing in the church.
Shari L. Shore is a licensed mental health therapist and has been in practice for over 25 years. She enjoys working with marital counseling, family therapy, and individuals. She has been involved in Christian youth group leadership for 15 years. She recently joined the Church of our Savior.
Ris’n with Healing in His Wings: Physical Healing
March 21, 2012
Often, when people think of healing, they primarily think of physical healing, which, of course, is one kind of healing. In this session, a physician who is also a person of faith offers his understanding of healing and its connection to the ministry of the church.
Dr. David Lindley has been married to Helen for 24 years and has two children, Simon and Rebecca. An English trained physician, he has practiced medicine for 24 years, currently as a family practice physician in North Platte. David is a life-long Anglican whose hobbies include skiing, biking, hiking, fishing, golf, music, and travel.
Ris’n with Healing in His Wings: Intercessory Healing
March 28, 2012
Each Sunday, we pray on behalf of others for their healing, guidance, support, and general well-being. Is it not also feasible to stand on behalf of others and receive the laying on of hands and anointing with oil for their healing? The Gospels are filled with stories of people who approach Jesus on behalf of sick children or servants. This session will examine intercessory healing, healing on behalf of others.
The Rev. Tom Wiles is the pastor of First Baptist Church in North Platte. Raised in a family of Southern Baptist pastors, Pastor Wiles received his education in Texas and served congregations in Texas and Arizona before accepting the call to North Platte. He is married to Linda who is a teacher in the North Platte Public School System.
So, you want to be an Episcopalian…?
March 14, 21, & 28, 2012
This three week course offering is designed for those who wish to join Church of Our Savior at the Great Vigil of Easter, Saturday, April 7, 2012. Topics include: Episcopal Church history, worship, governance, spirituality and practice, and more. Father Jeffrey Nelson
Living the Questions (Conclusion)
April 18-May 16, 2012
Many thinking people know that Christianity has something good to offer humanity. They want to salvage Christianity from thoughtless doctrinalism. What is needed is a safe environment where people have permission to ask the questions they've always wanted to ask but have been afraid to voice for fear of being thought faithless. Living the Questions offers both seekers and "church alumni/ae" convinced that Christianity still has relevance in the 21st Century such a forum to help them explore the future of Christianity and what a meaningful faith can look like in today's world. Father Jeffrey Nelson
2011-2012 Wednesdays.com Schedule for Children and Youth
September 2011
07 Let’s grow together!
14 Let's grow together!
21 Let's grow together!
28 Let's grow together!
October 2011
05 Let’s grow together!
12 Let's grow together!
19 Fall Break (Let's rest!)
26 Let's grow together!
November 2011
02 Let’s grow together!
09 Let's grow together!
16 Let's grow together!
23 Thanksgiving Break (Let's rest!)
30 Let's grow together!
December 2011
07 Let’s grow together!
14 Let's grow together!
21 Christmas Break (Let's rest!)
28 Christmas Break (Let's rest!)
January 2012
04 Let’s grow together!
11 Let's grow together!
18 Let's grow together!
25 Let's grow together! |
February 2012
01 Let’s grow together!
08 Let's grow together!
15 Let's grow together!
22 Ash Wednesday Liturgy (Let's worship together!)
29 Let's grow together!
March 2012
07 Spring Break (Let's rest!)
14 Spring Break (Let's rest!)
21 Let's grow together!
28 Let's grow together!
April 2012
04 Tenebrae Liturgy (Let's worship together!)
11 Easter Break (Let's rest!)
18 Let's grow together!
25 Let's grow together!
May 2012
02 Let’s grow together!
09 Let's grow together!
16 Let's grow together!
23 Summer Break(Let's rest!)
30 Summer Break(Let's rest!) |
Adult Bible Study
On Tuesdays at noon, a number of adults gather in the library to study the readings for the Sunday following. Completely led by lay people, the study gives participants a foretaste of the themes for the upcoming Sunday and allows them a more in-depth look at the readings from historical, linguistic, and theological perspectives, thereby enhancing their experience in worship.
Women’s Guilds
Church of Our Savior has two women’s guilds: St. Margaret’s Guild and St. Bridget’s Guild. Both groups meet monthly for fellowship and study, each choosing a topic of interest to explore monthly.
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