Advent Studies

Journeying the Way of Love

Please join us for the four Sundays of Advent after worship where we will be diving into Michael Curry’s Advent study Journeying the Way of Love. All are invited to participate, even if you miss a Sunday. We will be meeting in the Friendship Center. This is a great way to center yourself and remember that during this time of the year when we can get lost in the hustle and bustle, God calls us to slow down, wait, and listen. Please contact Rev. Andy or Fr. Rod for more information.

Living Compass – Living Well Through Advent

We live in tumultuous, challenging times. Our country is torn by widely divergent experiences and perspectives and our world is full of conflict. How do we pursue peace in our lives and make a difference in the world in which we live? Engage in the Living Compass program for Advent focused on peace.

A weekly discussion group facilitated by Lisa and Jim Sargent will be offered on Sunday evenings from 6:30-7:30 from December 1 – 22. It will be on Zoom. Please contact Lisa by e-mail at lisa@2sargents.com to sign up.

The Living Compass Advent booklets will be available free of cost at the church later this month.

There are multiple other ways to receive the booklet readings through Living Compass at https://www.livingcompass.org/advent

• Sign up on Living Compass’ website to receive a daily email of each reflection
• Download a free PDF file
• Purchase an e-book on Amazon for .99 cents.

All are Welcome

It is the belief of the Episcopal Church that education should be fostered at all levels and ages within the church. At St. Michael’s, we believe in life-long learning and because we all learn in a variety of ways, we offer opportunities to learn by reading, listening, discussing, experiencing, and being together in the midst of God. For our youngest, we teach with the help of the Godly Play experience. For youth, we offer opportunities to serve.

Education for Ministry

EfM Information

Have you heard people talking about EfM and wondered what it is? Education for Ministry (EfM) is a program of theological education of the School of Theology of the University of the South. Students sign up one year at a time, for this four year program.

The study is done in a seminar class which meets once a week throughout the academic year, about 36 weeks, under the guidance of trained mentors.

If you would like more information, please contact Janice Bowdler, janbowdler@comcast.net , or Ellen Cehand, harbawe1961@gmail.com. Financial assistance is available.

Community Builder

EfM is a small “community” of learners studying together. Although the course materials provide substantial academic content, the focus is on life as ministry and understanding what that ministry may be. People who join EfM grow in knowledge, ministry capability, and friendships. The first two years focus on the Old and New Testament, the third year on church history and the fourth year on ethics and philosophy. Graduates say that this program is always worth the time invested.

Deeper Understanding

EfM teaches you how to think theologically, deepens your faith, and your understanding of our Christian heritage. The bonds you will form in this small learning community will be deep and long lasting. The program is non-denominational and St. Michael’s class is open to members of other Christian communities.

Training & Licensing

The process for becoming a licensed minister includes discernment, Safe Church Training and ministry specific trainings provided here at St Michael’s and/or through deanery or diocesan workshops. Additionally, the Bishop of the Diocese of Northern California has included anti-racism training as a requirement for clergy, Licensed lay ministers and lay leaders in our congregations in an attempt to further educate our church on the negative effects of racism in our society and possible solutions to create a more just society. Please contact Rev. Andy for more information about trainings and licensing.

Adult Education