Discipleship is the journey we are called to as Christians as we commit to continue learning and strengthening our relationship with God. When we are baptized, we commit to "continue in the apostles' teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers" and to "proclaim by word and deed the good news of God in Christ" (BAS, p.159). Part of discipleship and faith formation is gathering together to learn and study and grow in faith, and the Parish of the Valley offers a number of opportunities for us to do that together.
Study Groups
From time to time, we offer different kinds of study groups such as book studies, Bible studies, and online video courses. Please check back here, the events page, or speak with a member of the clergy team to see what might be coming up. During certain seasons of the church year, such as Lent, there is generally a study offered in the Parish.
Confirmation
Confirmation marks the point in the Christian journey at which an individual affirms for themself the faith into which they have been baptized and publically make an intention to live a life of committed discipleship. This affirmation is confirmed through prayer and the laying on of hands by the bishop.
In the lead up to a service of Confirmation, we will offer a series of classes where we come together and talk about God, the Bible, and what living a life of faith looks like. Please speak to a member of the clergy team if you are interested in Confirmation. Confirmation services will be scheduled around the bishop's visitation schedule and will be publicised well in advance.
Lay Reader Training
A Lay Reader is a layperson licensed by the bishop to lead certain services of worship (typically non-Eucharistic) and preach at services. This is an important ministry in the life of our Parish. In order to become a licensed Lay Reader, a course of study is undertaken in conversation with the parish clergy and the diocesan Warden of Lay Readers. If this is a ministry you feel called to, please speak with your priest to begin the process of discernment and training towards becoming a lay reader.