Lifelong Formation
In the Episcopal Church, Christian formation is defined as a "lifelong process of growing in relationship with God, self, others, and all creation." It is transformative and guides us to becoming the person God wants us to be. For each of us this is a continuous process of learning in ways that are formal and informal, personal and in community, and involve both action and reflection. At St. Augustine's we offer Christian formation activities throughout the year for adults and for young people, such as Godly Play.
Morning and Evening Programs:
These programs are organized by the adult formation committee. Our parish offers programming following an academic year model.
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Meets on Wednesday after the Healing Service to discuss books on current theological themes in addition to books for Advent, Lent, persons such as the Beguines or Mary Magdalene.
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A reflection on the scriptures for the next Sunday along with the passages for that Sunday
This Week’s Study
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Using the Lectio Divina meditation method the group contemplates the meaning of a passage in their lives.
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Weekly updates from the Diocese of Olympia
Pilgrimage
Brittany/Loire Valley Pilgrimage 2025
From May 22 to June 3, 2025, Frank Shirbroun and Teresa Di Biase guided a pilgrimage group to France, exploring the ancient links between Brittany and Celtic Britain and Ireland, as well as following in the footsteps of St. Martin of Tours, whose enthusiasm for the monastic way of the Desert Fathers and Mothers was carried from the banks of the Loire River across the Irish sea and beyond. The group included Celia Metz and Nancy Ruff, along with others from the U.S., Australia, and New Zealand. Among the highlights were walking the famous Chartres Cathedral labyrinth, worshipping at Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey, walking among the world's largest collection of megalithic standing stones, and visiting off-the-beaten-track Celtic sites on the Breton coast and deep within the country. At the end the group spent two days at Liguge Abbey. Founded by St. Martin in 360 A.D., it is the oldest monastery in the West still functioning today. There was much food for the soul on the pilgrimage, and — it being France — delicious nourishment for the body as well!
Juneteenth Pilgrimage
A Juneteenth Pilgrimage to St. David Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Honor of Edwin T. Pratt, a civil rights leader murdered in 1969 took place on June 19, 2024
Diocese of Olympia Civil Rights Pilgrimage
October 2023
The Rev. Canon Carla Robinson, The Rev. Canon Britt Olson, and The Rev. Bryon Hansen recently led a transformative 10-day Civil Rights Pilgrimage! This pilgrimage is rooted in the movements for racial justice and the people of courage who have gone before us. We will walk in their footsteps from Atlanta to Memphis as we strengthen our own commitment to “strive for justice and peace among all people and to respect the dignity of every human being.” Participating from St. Augustine’s was Dick Hall, Rev. Dorian McGlannon, and Dorian’s friend, Sasha.
Celtic Saints Pilgrimage
Wales and Ireland, May 2024
A 12-day journey in the footsteps of the Celtic saints of Wales and Ireland, discovering how ancient faith and practices have relevance for today.
Learning Resources at St. Mark’s Cathedral
2024/25 THEME FOR THE YEAR: A SPIRITUALITY OF HEALING AND HOPE
In recent years the Wisdom School has focused on themes of Desire (2020-22), Embodied Spirituality (2022-23), Place & Memory (2023-24). Continuing the trajectory, this year the thematic focus is on healing and hope. An energizing hope is not some easy optimism; rather, it is a courageous assent to the alternative ways of God that restore, renew, and heal. With or without “cure,” healing happens precisely when a fiercely hopeful shalom breaks into our struggles and suffering as gift.
Archives exhibit chronicles evolving roles of women in The Episcopal Church
From early work to support church missions to the struggle for equal representation in church leadership and ordination, the history of women in the church is told in “For the Extension of the Kingdom: Women of The Episcopal Church,” a comprehensive online exhibit curated and presented by The Archives of The Episcopal Church.
Young People
Godly Play PLUS (ages 4-11), 10:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.: During the 10:30 service children from 4 to 11 learn that God is with them not only here or there but everywhere. St. Augustine’s, using the Godly Play program, offers lessons each Sunday from September to June