St. Anthony on the Desert
Life Long Learning

Lifelong Christian Formation in the Episcopal Church is a Journey With Christ, In Christ, and to Christ

At St. Anthony, we seek to provide opportunities for all ages to grow in their knowledge, service and love of God – a cradle to grave process. More than church members we hope to grow disciples – Christ followers who are made different by their faith so that they can make a difference in the world.

Nursery Infants and toddlers are lovingly cared for in our nursery located next to the Parish Hall. Our youngest children enjoy a nursery stocked with age-appropriate toys, books, pictures and activities. A professional attendant is present to oversee their well-being and to lead them in stories, music and Bible stories as they learn to associate church with loving care and fun.

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is offered to our "Little Lambs,"three and four-year olds in the Atrium each Sunday from 10-10:30 a.m. This Montessori-based curriculum allows the children to explore the life of Christ and his teachings. The Atrium, where everything is child-sized and child-friendly, is located across the hall from the Nursery.

Children’s Chapel, for children in kindergarten through fifth grade, takes place each Sunday (except Youth Sunday, the third Sunday of each month) in the Parish Hall. Held during the Big Church's Liturgy of the Word, the children have their own worship service in a child-friendly environment. They set their own miniature Lord's Table with an altar cloth, chalice and paten, Bible, etc., hear one of the day's readings (often using a felt board) and have an activity before joining their families in the "Big Church" during the Passing of the Peace.

Church School meets following the 10 a.m. service until 12:15 p.m. each Sunday. This is concurrent with the Sunday Cafe so the entire family is engaged. There are two classes in our church school, both held in the Anderson Education Wing. Both groups use the Living the Good News, a lectionary based curriculum.

The Explorers are students in grades two through four. The Adventurers are children in kindergarten through second grade.

For the top ten reasons why we warmly welcome children in our church, click here.

Contact Eloise Crosman, Children's Christian Formation Director, at eloisecrosman@st-anthony.net with questions.

YOUTH MINISTRY

There are two active youth groups at St. Anthony, the High Youth Group and the Middle School Youth Group. Their calendar of activities can be accessed on our homepage. Please contact Brett Barksdale, Youth Minister, at brettbarksdale@st-anthony.net with any questions.

ADULT MINISTRY

Sunday Cafe
A combination of refreshments and lively discussion follows our 10 a.m. Sunday service. The presentations are relevant and thought provoking.

Education for Ministry
Education for Ministry (EfM) is an international program of lay theological education established in 1975. Participants in the EfM program study the breadth of the Christian tradition from the earliest period to the present. Students learn the disciplines of biblical critical interpretation (exegesis), systematic theology, church history, ethics, liturgics, and ascetical theology. Students belong to small “communities of learning” or seminars in which the events of each person’s life may be examined in the light of the materials being studied. While the course materials provide substantial academic content, the focus of the program is on life as ministry and in understanding that ministry.

The EfM program, which can be completed in four years, provides Christians with the basic skills in theological reflection, which lay the foundation of Christian ministry. Through this process, students sharpen their skills of personal and cultural assessment and enhance their ability to be effective in a variety of ministries. Contact Jeanne Paige (mjpaige112@gmail.com)for information.