Christian Formation
Christian Formation involves an intentional engagement with the stories, traditions, and practices that have shaped Christians down the centuries. It involves integrating the best of Christian content and behaviour into the life of the individual and of the community. It involves a life long journey of learning and transformation. It is invitational, inclusive, and intentional.
The phrase replaces the more familiar expression ‘Christian Education’. Educational initiatives tend to focus on the task of imparting information. Much of the history of the twentieth century taught us that information, while capable of expanding knowledge, does not, on its own, guarantee growth in wisdom and compassionate conduct.
Practice and information together, though, prove a more effective means of nurturing deep understanding, growing new skills, and effecting preferred behaviour. This shift to an emphasis on ‘practice’ lies at the heart of what we mean by the phrase ‘Christian Formation’.
Christian Formation at Harcourt involves all of the many ways in which we engage the resources of our religious heritage, including worship, study, prayer, and service. Moreover, our heritage includes thoughtful and respectful dialogue with and learning from the people and practices of other faith traditions and academic communities. We engage all in a spirit of openness.
Christian Formation – A Discussion Paper
To help Harcourt continue with renewed vigour its learning life, members of the congregation have created a discussion paper for consideration and comment. You are warmly invited to be a part of this study and conversation. Please join us through the "Questions".CLICK HERE TO GO THERE.
Mindstretch
We are a group where people listen to each other. We do not debate issues, we do not seek consensus and we do not attempt to educate one another. We learn by listening.
We generally have a book that relates to living the faith in to-day's world, and address a different chapter or topic each week. The leader for the day prepares 1 or 2 questions for reflection on the material. A talking stick is passed around the group and the holder of the stick has the option of speaking or of passing the stick on with no comments.
The questions lead us to connect with and share personal experiences or positions. As we consider the range of responses offered by others in the room, each of us finds that our own views and thoughts are energized and profoundly deepened. For many of us, this is a place where we encounter the Divine in our midst.
We meet for coffee and tea at 7:45 on Thursday morning and end at 9:00. Any one is welcome to drop in any time. The only real entry requirement is the will to get up that early in the dark months of winter!