Learn & Grow

Jesus did not come into this world to launch a religion or rules. He came to invite us into a relationship with the living God who created us and whose love for us never quits. Finding our way into that relationship, into the incredible story of God-With-Us, is a lifelong journey of learning and growing.

Christ Church offers many on-ramps for that journey so that children, youth and adults can find their way into love. Whether you are a seeker exploring spiritual traditions, or a long-time believer in Jesus Christ as Lord, or someone with a whole lot of questions about God, join us as we seek to grow like trees, rooted in spiritual practices that give us life and help us find peace; with a core of strength to support new life, branches that reach out beyond ourselves and bear abundant fruit. Find your way here!

Branches: Christian basics (bible, history, theology)

Roots: spiritual growth activities

Fruits: outreach and justice

DIFFERENT PROGRAMS ARE OFFERED THROUGHOUT THE YEAR

How do you want to grow with God? Our church offers in-person and online education, study, prayers, and more. Some of these are offered through our church, through our sister church in La Plata, or the diocese of Washington, or even The Episcopal Church. As we transition to calling a new rector, the availability of some of these opportunities may be limited.

Lenten Reflection for February 16

0 Comments/in Lenten Reflections/by kheichler

This passage is of particular interest to me, as I have long felt the need in my life for healing.

Virtual “Stations of the Cross”

Year-round sources for learning and studying are available through our church affiliations. One example is this brochure.

Bible Study

BIBLE STUDY – Wednesdays, 7 – 8 p.m.

Each Wednesday evening an international group gathers online for bible study. You don’t need to know anything coming in – and you’ll be surprised at how much wisdom you can share. Join in on Zoom Wednesday nights at 7 p.m. for an hour of bible study, laughter, keen observations and profound questions. We jump off at 8 p.m. for Night Prayers.

Lunch & Learn

Lunch & Learn is a (mostly) in-person gathering at Christ Church Wayside (13050 Rock Point Road, Newburg) each Thursday from 11:45 a.m. – 1 p.m. Over a fine lunch of homemade soup, bread and salad, the group discusses topics at the intersection of spirituality and current events.

Some of our previous topics include the following:

Bishop Mariann Budde’s book, How We Learn To Be Brave and Diane Rehm’s interview with Bishop Budde about the book, found here.
The Lord’s Prayer
The book “We Survived the End of the World,” by Steven Charleston
“The Way of Love” series by former bishop Michael Curry

For those who cannot attend in person, a Zoom link can be provided; contact Kathleen Jackson.

Sunday School for Children

Children’s Sunday School classes are offered from the Sunday after Labor Day until our annual “Prayers at the Port” service in June. Classes meet at 9 a.m., and end when the children join their parents in the Sanctuary for Holy Communion. The lessons follow the Sunday readings in church, and the seasons of the church year.

Children participate in special activities during the year such as the Palm Sunday Processional and Easter Egg Hunt.

Faith Exploration for Adults

Thursday Lunch and Learn Join us for soup, salad, and group discussion of topics relevant to our everyday lives. We meet in the Christ Church Wayside parish hall at 11:45 a.m. (See the tab above for more info.)

Bible Study Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m. online (See the tab above for more info.)

We seek to offer more classes that people can take on their own time, which you can find on this page.

Alpha – Alpha is a 10-week course oriented around hospitality that is a great way to deepen your understanding of the Christian faith – and to deepen that faith through experiences of God’s love and power.

Daily Spiritual Reflection

Check out Water Daily, a spiritual reflection posted Monday through Friday by Kate Heichler, our former rector, which explores the Gospel reading for the upcoming Sunday. You can subscribe to the email here, or find it on our website here.

Quiet Days and Retreats

Periodically we offer a Quiet Day (one-day retreat) or weekend Retreat for rest, reflection and recharging our spiritual batteries. These are wonderful opportunities for drawing closer to God and to the community at Christ Church.

Confirmation/Baptism Preparation

Periodically we offer a course to prepare youth and adults for Confirmation or Baptism. Here is what we typically cover:

Building a Relationship with God (Prayer)
The Owner’s Manual (Bible)
What Christians believe (the Creeds)
How Episcopalians Worship (the Sacraments and Prayer Book)
How Episcopalians believe and live their faith (History/Polity)
Being a member of the Body of Christ (Gifts, Ministry, Stewardship, Faith-Sharing)

Please contact our office if you are interested in Confirmation or Baptism.

Training for Ministry

We try to support our leaders (that’s most of the congregation) by offering training and support for the ministries people undertake. Whether it’s how to teach Sunday School, how to pray for others, or how to run an effective meeting, we are delighted to provide ongoing support.

Spiritual Assessment Inventories

“…we have not ceased praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of God’s will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you may lead lives worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, as you bear fruit in every good work and as you grow in the knowledge of God.” – St. Paul, in Colossians 1:9-1