St. Charles Episcopal Church starts Education for Ministry program this fall

St. Charles Episcopal Church is already preparing for the fall.

They are hoping to find people who are searching to answer the questions many have about their faith.

Developed by the School of Theology at University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee, Education for Ministry is a 4-year course of study that provides the framework for the group to connect faith to their daily lives.

"I can guess what may be going through your mind," participant Bo Smith said. "Education for Ministry is for those who want to become a priest, right? Wrong. Don't let the EfM name scare you away. EfM helped me on my faith journey, but it's not a program training you to be (ordained). EfM will help you discover over time what your talents - your ministries - may be, and it's designed for folks like you and me.

"In addition, we developed some wonderful relationships along the way that will stay with me the rest of my life," Smith said. "You can come from any church, or no church at all."

St. Charles Episcopal has hosted an Education for Ministry class for over 35 years.

During the pandemic they met online but are hoping to meet in person and/or hybrid when they start again in September.

The group meets once a week with trained mentors, studying the Bible, religion in history, and how our faith is working in the world we live in today. Traditionally they take the summer off.

If you are interested in finding out more about EfM and joining the group this fall, contact Katie Thomson at katie.thomson@sbcglobal.net or call the church at (630) 584-2596.