Christian Education

Classes for All Ages

Spiritual formation at Christ Church takes several different forms. First and foremost there are classes for God's children of all ages on Sunday Mornings from 9:00 a.m. until 10:15 a.m.

These classes and their teachers include:

"Christians in Process (CIP)"

A Catechumenal/Spiritual Formation Process

The Catechumenal Process embraced by the Diocese of Ohio is a year long endeavor which begins annually in September (the late Sundays after Pentecost). This program was implemented under the leadership of the Rev. Canon Joseph P. Russell, III and the Diocesan Christian Education Commission in 1989. Participants prepare to make an adult commitment to Jesus as Saviour and Lord through prayer, study of the Gospel, the Episcopal Church and its history, tradition and liturgies, experience in social justice ministry and the sharing of faith journeys.

There are four phases to the Ohio CIP process as it currently operates:

  1. Inquiry: This stage begins in September and provides an opportunity for people to ask questions, share stories, and discover the basics of membership in the Episcopal Church.
  2. Formation: This stage runs from Advent through the last Sunday of Epiphany. Participants enter into dialogue with Tradition. Scripture study is a regular part of this phase as well as exploration into ministry that involves "seeking and serving Christ in all persons".
  3. Intensive Preparation: Participants prepare for Baptismal or reaffirmation of their baptismal vows. The stage begins with Ash Wednesday and ends with Holy Week when the parish and participants walk with Christ through His passion, death, and burial.
  4. Sacramental Living: During this stage those preparing for reaffirmation, reception, or confirmation come before a bishop at a Diocesan celebration during the great fifty days of the Easter Season. The process doesn't end with the laying on of hands. Issues of ongoing ministry and service to the church are important parts of this stage.

Christ Church has been involved in the Diocesan CIP process since 1989. This CIP has been an effective way to grow new Christians, those preparing for baptism, as well as a way to prune and encourage new growth in persons who wish to join the Episcopal Church as adults or make a formal reaffirmation of their baptismal promises.

Other Christian Education Opportunities

Additionally, there is a bible study which meets at Kendal at Oberlin on most Monday afternoons from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. Don't hesitate to call the parish office ((440) 775-2501) or send our secretary an e-mail (christchurch@oberlin.net) to inquire about the location of this bible study.

Occasionally there are seasonal spiritual formation offerings especially during Advent and Lent. These opportunities are always highlighted in the Christ Church Communicator, our parish newsletter.

The Fowler-Graham Library

A truly amazing resource for spiritual formation in the parish library named for Julian Fowler, long time member of Christ Church and Oberlin College Library, and Jean Graham, benefactor whose generosity allowed for the refurbishing of the space in the Nord House (the parish office located at 162 South Main Street on the Christ Church campus). A truly amazing collection of theological classics, reference books as well as contemporary works, cassette tapes, videos, and compact discs. The parish library currently contains 1540 volumes and is open on most Sundays following worship and through out the week during parish office hours - Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.