Due to the current pandemic restrictions, some of our classes are not currently meeting. Be sure to check with Christian Formation Director, Anne McEniry, at christianformation@stjamesfairhope.org before assuming any information regarding meeting dates &/or times on this website page is accurate.
Confirmation
Confirmation is one of the sacramental rites of the Episcopal Church in which candidates “express a mature commitment to Christ, and receive strength from the Holy Spirit through prayer and the laying on of hands by a bishop" (BCP, p. 860). Confirmation classes offer candidates an opportunity to “discover the meaning of Christian commitment in their lives, and explore ways that their Christian commitment can be
lived. This preparation may draw upon the baptismal covenant (BCP, pp. 416-417) and An Outline of the Faith (BCP, pp. 845-862).” Adult and youth classes are normally offered on Sunday mornings for six weeks.
St. James’ Library
The St. James Library has recently been transformed into an intergenerational resource center. It is now equipped with educational resources and a wide genre of books for all ages to meet the needs of our diverse congregation. If you are interested, Parish librarians serve in the library on Sundays.
For Children
Children’s Chapel ~ Age 5 through 4th grade
Following the Children’s Sermon, children follow the Clergy Cross to the chapel for Children’s Chapel. In the chapel, they have a structured time of worship and prayer. The children rejoin the main service in time for Communion. All you need to help is a heart to minister to children.
Communion Instruction
All children are welcome and encouraged to receive Holy Communion. Understanding the Eucharist is important and we encourage our children to learn more about Holy Communion. The classes are supplemental; taken when you feel your child is ready for a deeper understanding of our basic faith. Classes will meet from 4:15 until 5:00 pm on three consecutive Wednesdays, beginning in September. Check your Anchor Lines newsletter for specific dates.
Godly Play ~ Age 4 through 1st Grade
This imaginative method for presenting scripture stories to children helps them know God and the Bible instead of simply knowing “about” God or “about” the Bible. Godly Play allows children to experience the story in a gentle and creative way. Godly Play takes place during the Sunday School hour following the 9:00 service (approximately 10:20 - 10:50 am).
Spiritual Formation & Education Ministries
Living the Good News ~ 2nd through 5th Grade
“Living the Good News” is a lectionary based curriculum which allows children of all ages to connect to the Revised Common Lectionary scriptures and stories. Through art, drama, and prayer, the class participants get to not only learn the Gospel stories, but also to know each other.
St. James Episcopal School
St. James Episcopal School is a parish school providing early childhood programs for students 30 months through Kindergarten with school day and full day options. St. James Episcopal School stands as a vibrant expression of the Episcopal Church’s historic commitment to quality education for young children. Our mission is to educate the whole child, both mind and spirit, within a nurturing Christian environment. Learning is an
enjoyable experience and our goal at St. James is to ensure that our students become lifelong learners.
YouGroup ~ 5th and 6th grade
YouGroup is an exciting program specifically designed for St. James’ 5th & 6th graders and their parents. YouGroup meets in Green Hall on the first Wednesday evening of the month from 6-7:30 pm for fellowship, outreach, and service. Parent participation is required.
For Youth
EYC ~ Episcopal Youth Community
The EYC program provides a variety of fellowship opportunities for students in 7th – 12th grade. These opportunities involve service, worship, learning, and fun! EYC is split into two groups: Jr. High (7th and 8th graders), and Sr. High (9th-12th graders). EYC meets on Sunday evenings from 5:00 -7:00 pm.
Rite 13
A two-year program, Rite 13 is designed to celebrate the individuality of each young person, while exploring stories of God and God’s people. The classes are held on Sunday mornings following the 11:00 service from 12:15-1:15 in the Youth room. The program culminates with a liturgy that serves as a community expression of the passage from childhood to adulthood. This service is the tangible beginning of the young person’s individual spiritual journey.
For Adults
Cursillo
Cursillo (“Cur-see-yo”) is a three-day, life-changing weekend that introduces people to simple methods for nurturing and growing their relationship with Christ. It provides an experience of living in a Christian community centered in worship, prayer, study of scripture, and interaction with other Christians. Its mission is to build up our parish churches by encouraging and empowering its members to prepare for doing the work of the church: the spreading of the Gospel.
Financial Peace University
FPU is a nine-week, biblically based class that teaches step-by-step how to create a budget, pay off debt, spend wisely and save for the future. Participants watch Dave Ramsay’s DVD series and engage in discussion. Class time to be determined.
Men’s Monday Night Bible Study
St. James men meet in the classroom above Green Hall each Monday evening at 6:30 pm for an hour to discuss various Christian topics. Prep time for class is about one hour per week.
Rector’s Forum
The Rector holds a forum on Sunday mornings between the 9 & 11 am services. This group meets in the Chapel.
Small Groups Study & Fellowship
St. James began “Small Groups” last fall. We currently have 2 groups that meet at parishioners’ homes, (one meets on Friday evenings and the other on Sunday evenings) for fellowship and study. Each group meets once a month. We are looking to expand our program to four groups in the fall. Childcare is provided for participants.
St. Anthony’s Centering Prayer
Centering prayer is an ancient form of Christian meditation which was documented by Desert Fathers & Mothers in the third century AD, but whose roots date back to biblical times. St. Anthony’s Centering Prayer Group meets on Monday evenings at 6:30 pm in the Church.
Sunday Morning Adult Bible Study
On Sunday mornings, adults gather for an in-depth study of the different books of the Bible or other various
Christian topics. This group usually meets in the classroom above Green Hall.
Sunday Reading Round Table (The Lectionary)
This class meets on Sunday mornings to further discuss the readings appointed for the day from the Revised Common Lectionary. Location of this study to be determined.
The Order of the Daughters of the King®
After a period of study and discernment, DOK® members take lifetime vows of daily prayer, service and evangelism. The Mary and Martha of Bethany Chapter at St. James is a community that meets monthly for prayer and study, and members take an active role in service to the parish and community. New chapter presidents are elected in December.
Wednesday Morning Bible Study (WAMBS)
Offered on Wednesday mornings at 9:30 am in the Vestry Room, this Bible study chooses a variety of spiritual growth topics. Come early at 9 am for coffee and fellowship. The group study begins promptly at 9:30 am and lasts until 11:00. All are welcome.
Women’s Monday Night Bible Study
The Monday Night Women’s Bible Study meets every week at 6:30 pm in the Vestry Room. This group discusses books of the Bible and a variety of Christian topics. All women are welcome. The study begins at 6:30 pm and runs about an hour and a half. Class prep time/homework varies based on the individual study.
Women’s Retreat
St. James offers women’s retreats as an opportunity for spiritual formation, fellowship, and education. These retreats are open to all women parishioners.
