Energetic participation in all aspects of the mass—hymns, service, music, and prayer responses—is greatly encouraged.  Our formation as rooted, mature Christians begins  in the “small things” in life.  Learning the mass, singing and becoming familiar with the hymns, and contemplating the scripture stories each Sunday all help to strengthen our faith in order to model and follow Christ’s example in the world in which we live.

Several decades ago, The School of Theology at The University of the South – the Episcopal seminary in Sewanee, Tennessee, launched Education for Ministry, now known as EfM, to prepare people to live out their ministry.  EfM is a four-year program, with studies focused on the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament),  New Testament, Church History, and Theology.  Students contract for one year at a time.

All baptized persons are called to ministry – whether it’s your vocation, occupation, avocation, church involvement, support and/or participation in advocacy or charitable organizations, or personal advocacy or service to those in need.  Most importantly, “ministry” can be understood as your ongoing and intentional consciousness and presence in relating to God and neighbor in every aspect of life.

At its deepest, ministry in the world is rooted in an understanding of salvation history culminating in the Gospel, a growing relationship with God, an ongoing awakening of the grace-filled connections between our faith tradition and our daily lives, and a grounding in a learning and worshiping community.  EfM prepares you to think theologically as you live out your faith. 

Atonement’s first Education for Ministry group has completed four years of study.  Kathy Cooper, Craige Christensen,  Helen Klaviter, Tom Kmiecik, Peter McGechie, and Brent Nielsen received certificates of completion at the 11 o’clock Eucharist on June 19^th, 2011.   Winnie Slusser, who passed away in April, was also part of this class, and her certificate was presented to members of her family.

Atonement will be starting a new group in September and will accept new Year 1 students.  We will also be doing a Year 3 class for students who have completed the first two years, whether through Atonement or another location.  Look for further details during the summer when there will be opportunities to meet with the group mentors, review the materials, and ask questions.  If you are interested, talk to any of the EfM graduates, the mentors – Helen Klaviter and Phyllis Robb, or Father Van Dooren.  For more information, email Helen Klaviter at hklaviter@sbcglobal.net or Phyllis Robb at robbfam11@comcast.net.