Episcopal Handbook: LIVE!

LIVE FROM WALLA WALLA: The Episcopal Handbook. 

Bishop Jim at Convention with some of the SPOKES Team

Perhaps sometimes and in some places called an Inquirers class, sometimes Episcopal 101.  This is a chance to learn more about the blessings and challenges of our unique tradition and practices. 

We will make a quick survey of many topics that newcomers and experienced friends have questions about: Prayerbook, Scriptural Approach, Liturgy, History, Practices and Expectations of mature Christian church membership.  It is truly for any adult friend who wants to know this tradition more completely. 

It is also a 'flipped' classroom, where much of the content is pursued independently and class time is focused on community and dialogue.  Some of the independent content is in the handbook, some of it will be in online videos and other pieces will be in online articles (which can be printed for you). Yes, independent content is also sometimes called homework!

This is the class for any adult (High School and older) who is interested in Confirmation, Baptism, Reception or Re-Affirmation.  Confirmation has a complicated and varied history, however in general we see it as an adult affirmation of the faith promised at Baptism.  Many of the adults who are confirmed in the Episcopal church were Baptized in another Christian tradition.  Reception is fairly similar in intention, however it both does not repeat an earlier confirmation, or is the way we formally make a member of a friend who was Baptized and Confirmed in other Christian traditions. A person can also choose to reaffirm, as many of us have. 

This class is open to adults and high school teens, and is an adult learning experience.  We begin confirmation in Senior High because it is by this age that our young friends are ready to invest in a mature learning approach.  There are no tests or quizzes, just people seeking a deeper understanding of the Episcopal Christian tradition and how to nurture our discipleship in this special way of being Church.

In the Episcopal Church is is Bishop's who Confirm and Receive and Reaffirm, and Bishop Waggoner will be making his final pastoral visit with us on April 17th.  This is also an day for Baptisms (the others this spring being Easter and Pentecost).  These classes will be meeting once a week from February 8th through April 11th.  The first meeting will be at 7pm, however we can discuss the timing at the first meeting.  Please contact the office to reserve your spot!