Loading...On a rainy weekend at the end of April 16 Episcopalians from across the diocese met at All Saints’ Conference Center in Leitchfield to discuss the implications of the Charter For Lifelong Christian Formation for our diocese.
The Charter was approved at General Convention last summer, and by the diocesan convention in February. Now the job is to move it from a document to a useable tool for our parishes.
The group began by discussing each section of the charter: What does it mean to be invited to enter into a prayerful life of worship; or to be inspired by equipping disciples for life in a world of challenges; or to be transformed by reconciling oppressed and oppressor? They shared information about parishes that were doing some of these things very well as well as the frustration of falling short of these goals.
The above are three of the 12 points made in the charter. You may read the whole document in English or Spanish at www.formationcharter.com/Services.html.
At the end of our time together we decided on a plan to begin implementing the charter in the Diocese of Kentucky. Callie Hausman, Tessa Long, Debbi Rodahaffer, and Libby Wade will prepare a study guide, drawing on the skills of the rest of the group as well as other Christian educators. They will work to prepare curriculum in a variety of formats. Some people may prefer learn about the charter by reading or watching a video on their own. Others will want to spend one evening or several sessions learning with others.
While many people are delighted with the charter, embracing its wording and goals, there are some who feel it has too narrow a focus. The members of the Christian Formation department invite comment from everyone and would welcome your help in preparing the study guide. If you have questions or suggestions, please contact Debbi Rodahaffer at St. Matthew’s (drodahaf@stmatt-ky.org, 502-895-3485 x 105) or Callie Hausman at Calvary (cahinlou@gmail.com, 502-587-6011 x 22)
The group also discussed how the four diocesan departments could work together in preparing and using the study guide. Since the charter addresses all the areas of our communal life we plan to present the study guide at a conference at All Saints' in October. We will invite our new bishop and all diocesan departments – Christian Formation, Justice and Jubilee, Finance and Stewardship, and Mission and Evangelism – to meet together and separately to discuss ways we can work together to bring renewed energy and joy to our parishes and people.
Pending a consultation with the new bishop’s calendar, this conference is scheduled for Oct. 22-23.
