CHRISTIAN EDUCATION COMMITTEE ANNUAL REPORT 2008

This year the Christian Education Committee provided adult education and spiritual growth in the following areas.

• Bible Study- was available January through November on the first Sunday of the month at 9:30 am led by Eric Guyll.
• Book Club- met in the evenings at the church when the weather permitted. We suggested books for future reading and shared our thoughts, comments and opinions on what we had read. By spring our personal schedules filled and our meetings were less regular.
• Lenten Play- "Who Are We on Palm Sunday," directed by Eric Guyll was attended by approximately 35 people including the actors. A light supper was provided for everyone. This was a nice time together to share in our Lenten Journey.
• Women's Retreat- at the Carmel of St. Teresa in Rising Sun was enjoyed by the women of St. Christopher's. The weather was beautiful and our fellowship equally wonderful!

The Christian Ed Committee also organized the following events:

• Yard Sale- in the church parking 1ot in June. We had a good community turn-out. Individuals rented tables to show their wares. Donations were made prior to the sale for the Youth Group to sell as a Fundraiser for themselves. They also provided refreshments. Table rentals covered advertisement expenses. This event provides a service to our parishioners and also increases community awareness of St. Christopher's.
• Carmel of St. Teresa Open House support- was provided by several men and women from our parish who volunteered their time and energy. We were thrilled with the incredible monastery renovations and grand landscaping.
• Thanksgiving Feast- was another great day of fellowship. A full meal served homestyle wwith the help of Reba Webb who was in charge of the kitchen and our Youth Group who helped serve the meal. A good-will offering and canned goods were collected for the meals. These offerings were given to Neighborhood Services. The leftovers were used to prepare meals for our Aid for Friends clients.
  

The Christian Ed Committee continues to support the Church School, Youth Group, and Nursery as requested.

Respectively Submitted,
Lisa Waite

St. Christopher's Christian Education Committee seeks to offer many and diverse opportunities to explore our relationships with Christ and with the Body. Contact us at ChristianEd@StChrisOxford.org with your interests and your needs.

Christian Formation: Learning and discerning what God desires for us.

Church School- Teach and Mentor our most important legacy.  We have a wonderful program lead by Peggy Graber and a dedicated staff.  Assist teaching or chaperone off-site activities, such as regular trips that the children make to visit the residents at Ware Presbyterian Village.

Nursery Assistant- Provide care for our youngest members so that their parents may attend church.

Vacation Bible School- Host our children and others from the area for VBS.  Whatever help you can offer will be used to teach, sing, feed, and play with the children as they grow in their understanding and love of Christ!

Adult Bible Study- Lead or Participate in Adult Learning.  Groups are formed for limited duration for study of a Book or topic.  Flexible scheduling within each group.  Start your own study or join another.

Lenten Drama- Immerse yourself in a character study to illustrate our Gospel lessons. Traditionally on Palm Sunday, with a light meal.

Women's Retreat- Withdraw for a one-day spring retreat for women which includes study, meditations, worship, singing, sharing and a final Eucharist.  We enjoy some quiet time and fellowship, and share our hopes for a stronger Christian life.

Book Club- Read, mark, learn and inwardly digest. We share what we have learned and felt. The books vary from experiential to devotional, from biographical to humor.

Women's Quiet Evening- Gather for calm and quiet rest.  Our goal is to center on our inner Spirit and to find peace from the stress of the work day, families, and activities.  Quiet Evenings are often scheduled before holidays such as Christmas and Easter.

Youth Group- Join other 6-12th Graders in service, learning and FUN.  Also, mentoring has an immeasurable impact on the spiritual formation of young people and is a lot of fun.