Christian Education

Join the Christian Education Ministries of King of Peace Episcopal Church

Christian Education ministries include all activities, classes, training and groups involved in Christian education and formation. In the Book of Common Prayer, a question is asked and answered: “Who are the ministers of the church? The ministers of the church are lay persons, bishops, priests, and deacons.” Each of us is a minister of the church. King of Peace offers a variety of opportunities to serve within the church. These dedicated groups welcome additional helping hands, minds, and hearts in these services.

Acolyte Training Classes Acolyte Training is provided by the Acolyte Wardens and the church rector. Training sessions are held in the summer and fall for all children and youth interested in acolyte services.  Those who are interested in serving in this program usually begin at age 7 or 8. Although duties increase as the young people become older, acolytes can be responsible for carrying the processional cross, torches, and Gospel; they light and extinguish the candles before and after services; and, they can assist the priest at the altar as needed. Contacts: JoAnn White and Barbara Mathis

Adult Christian Education Study Groups A variety of Bible study programs, classes, and book study groups are held on Wednesday evenings after the Holy Eucharist. Some groups are led by volunteers from the congregation while others are directed by Father Hesse. New members are always invited to participate, both as participants and as teachers. The classes help strengthen the sense of church community as well as serve as a place for Christian education. In August and again in January, a semi-annual calendar of upcoming classes and programs will be published on the church website and in the newsletters. Contact: Barbara Mathis

Baptism and Confirmation Classes Confirmation classes are held twice a year. Participants in training classes will be ready to be baptized, received, or confirmed by the Bishop.  For information on being baptized, received, or confirmed into the Episcopal Church or for schedules and services, please contact the Church office.

Children’s Nursery* For the 10:00 worship service, a nursery staffed by professionals is available.

Children’s Sunday School* A Children’s Sunday School is provided each week during the 10:00 worship service for children in kindergarten through third grade along with a Children’s Sermon. Students leave the sanctuary after the opening hymn and the children’s sermon for a child-appropriate lesson. They return from Sunday School in time for Holy Communion with their families. Contact: Dara George

Christian Education Library The King of Peace church library is available for anyone to use to relax or study quietly, or to select books to borrow for home study. The library contains a collection of books on theology, scripture, and church history as well as excellent resources for adult education classes and resources for children. The library is located in the parish offices. In addition, a general interest lending library is maintained in the church Narthex. Contact: Bonnie London

Kids in the Kingdom Vacation Bible School* A week-long vacation bible school is scheduled each summer following the close of the regular school year.

King of Peace Episcopal Day School King of Peace Episcopal Church created the Episcopal Day School as an independent, non-profit corporation to operate a Pre-School to meet the educational needs of children from ages eighteen months to five years.  Education, including Christian education, is the central part of our mission. Rather than a day care, we are a school with convenient hours, helping children reach their full potential for school readiness. The full-day, full-year pre-school has a maximum enrollment of 65 children.  The school uses the Links to Literacy curriculum enhanced with Christian education to ensure that students are prepared for success in kindergarten. The school was recently named a Center of Distinction by the State of Georgia’s Department of Early Care and Learning. This honor places us among the top preschools in Georgia. In the future, the school will expand into the primary grades and beyond on property which has been purchased for that purpose. Contact: JoAnn White

Lay Eucharistic Minister Training A Lay Eucharistic Minister is a lay person authorized to administer the Consecrated Elements at a Celebration of the Holy Eucharist. A Eucharistic Minister acts under the direction of the parish Rector. Lay Eucharistic Ministers are trained by the parish and certified by the Diocese of Georgia. The training and certification process includes the requirement that within the first twelve months, first-time licensees are required to attend the diocesan-sponsored training held at Honey Creek in early March. Thereafter, they must continue annual retraining sessions, and renew licenses every three years. Contact: Barbara Mathis

Lay Eucharistic Visitor Training A Lay Eucharistic Visitor is a lay minister trained to take the Consecrated Elements from the Celebration of the Holy Eucharist in a timely manner to those who, because of illness or infirmity, were unable to be present at the Celebration. Such ministers are trained by the parish and licensed by the Diocese. Contact: The Rev. Dick Casto

Lector/Lay Reader Training Classes Lay Reader Training is provided annually by the parish using a program developed from the handbook Public Reading of Scripture by Clayton J. Schmit. The training is designed to provide Christian laymen and laywomen with an understanding of the importance of serving as readers of Scripture in the Episcopal worship service, and to serve as a resource to help them feel comfortable in performing this ministry effectively. Contact: June Maxwell, Barbara Mathis

Stations of the Cross at King of Peace A unique Stations of the Cross Outdoor Trail is available at King of Peace Church for meditation and prayer. The object of the Stations is to help the faithful to make in spirit, as it were, a pilgrimage to the chief scenes of Christ’s sufferings and death. A special Prayer Booklet is available for use on the Stations of the Cross. Contact: Gil White

Walking the Labyrinth at King of Peace The labyrinth is a tool to use in contemplative prayer and meditation. Walking the labyrinth clears the mind and gives insight into our spiritual journeys. The Labyrinth can offer a time to hold up a particular intention to God, such as when trying to discern God’s will, or pray for another person. But most often, a labyrinth walk is a time of opening yourself to God without an agenda. A booklet is available for those who wish to walk the King of Peace labyrinth, or assistance is available for those who want to learn more about the labyrinth and its purpose. Because the labyrinth is in the parish hall currently used as a worship sanctuary, it is covered by chairs and is available only at set times or by prior arrangement. Contacts: Gil White

*Congregants who work with children’s programs at King of Peace are trained in the Diocese of Georgia’s “Safeguarding God’s Children” Program.