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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.

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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

Videos for our Newcomers' Class
The Jesus Movement
03:58
Eucharist: The Rt. Rev. Michael Curry
07:51
Scripture: Dr. Ellen Davis
08:05
Stay Human With Barbara Brown Taylor and Jacqui Lewis
35:54
Talking about our Values: Welcome, Action and Spiritual Grounding
02:34

Recommended Reading

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The Episcopal Handbook (Revised Edition) by Tobias Haller

This little snarky book answers a lot of the common questions about The Episcopal Church. We recommend it to all participants in our Newcomers' class.

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How Can I Live Peacefully with Justice? Mike Angell

“How Can I Live Peacefully with Justice? is part of the “Little Books of Guidance” series from Church Publishing. It gives some of Mike's perspective on the function of faith in a life working for justice.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Walk in Love: Episcopal Beliefs and Practices by Scott Gunn and Melody Wilson SHobe

A good primer on basic beliefs/practices/way of being.

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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.

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Take this Bread by Sara Miles

Sara is a fantastic writer. This book is part memoir, part theology, part manifesto. She talks about encountering Christ in the Eucharist, being converted and then reaching out with her local Episcopal church, St. Gregory of Nyssa in San Francisco.

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Becoming Human: Brian Taylor

The former rector of St. Michael's succinct summations of what Jesus taught―Don't worry; Love everybody; Help the poor; Become simple; Face into conflict; Change the world; Forgive yourself for being human, and so on―provide the basis for this series of reflections.

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Leaving Church by Barbara Brown Taylor

For many in our pews, this book helped reconcile a decision to leave the church in which they were brought up, and to join in the holy mess of Episcopalianism.

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And God Spoke: The Authority of the Bible for the Church Today by Christopher Bryan

And God Spoke offers essential guidelines for everyone who wonders about the authority of the Bible, and who wants to read it with attentiveness and understanding.

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Shaped by Liturgy by Juan Oliver

Juan Oliver, former Custodian of the Book of Common Prayer and member of St. Bede's in Santa Fe, outlines why rituals and liturgy have great meaning in forming individuals and communities. His work is focused on topics such as the sacraments, worship, mystery and the sacred.

St. Michael & All Angels Episcopal Church

505-345-8147

office@stmichaelsabq.org

601 Montaño Road NW

Albuquerque, New Mexico 87107 

Our office is open Monday-Thursday
9am-3pm (Office closed Dec 24-Jan 1)

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