Newcomers Class
Newcomers class is an opportunity for friends and members of St. Michael's to come together in an environment of curiosity and learning about what it means to be a part of this faith community. As Episcopalian Christians, we have a distinct way of understanding the call to follow Jesus in our lives. Newcomers class provides a setting for your questions to be asked, and the stories that make up our faith to be told. The class is open to all, but it is especially helpful for those who may be relatively new to St. Michael's or the Episcopal Church, as well as those preparing to be baptized or have their children baptized, or those preparing to be confirmed or received into the Episcopal Church.
Newcomer’s Schedule Spring 2025
Our Spring newcomers class will meet on certain Sundays at 1:00pm in the Parish Hall. We will begin on April 6 with a potluck lunch.
April 6- Introduction and Opening Potluck
April 27- The Episcopal Church and the Bible
May 4- Instructed Eucharist and Sacramental Belonging
May 18- Church History and Structure
June 1- Welcome, Spiritual Grounding, and Action (St. Michael's values)
June 8- Confirmations, Receptions, and Gathering with the Bishop
Resources from the Class
Recommended Reading
The Good Book by Peter Gomes
The late Peter Gomes, minister of the University Church at Harvard opens the Bible. He examines what Scripture really says about women, LGBTQ+ people, and people of color. With compassion, humor, and insight, he gives readers the tools and understanding they need to make the ancient wisdom of the Bible a dynamic part of their modern lives.
The Common English Bible Women's Bible
Folks often ask what kind of Bible they should buy (there are a lot of options). This new edition of the Common English Bible is the most recent translation authorized for use in worship by The Episcopal Church. The Women's Bible edition has really helpful commentary addressing issues of justice, particularly around gender.
Book of Common Prayer
In the Anglican/Episcopalian Tradition we put the liturgies we pray together most often in a book called “The Book of Common Prayer.” Episcopalians do not have a shared "dogma." We stay instead that the rule of prayer is the measure of belief. We are united in prayer rather than by theology.
Transformed Lives: Making Sense of Atonement by Cynthia Crysdale
Even theologians have had different ideas about the theology of atonement; how are the rest of supposed to understand it? This book is a good place to start. Crysdale, whose background in both psychology and theology gives her a unique perspective, presents an overview of the history of the theology of atonement, addressing clearly the difficulties around this concept, and bringing us with her to a contemporary understanding.
