Inquirer’s Course offered at Emmanuel

Emmanuel Episcopal Church will offer a free 10-part Inquirer’s Course on selected Wednesdays from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. beginning Sept. 3. These classes will cover a wide range of topics beginning with the Jewish background of Christianity and continuing with the ministry of Jesus, history of the church with emphasis on the Anglican tradition, modern concepts of faith, sacraments and sacramentals, worship, social issues and spirituality.
“Our purpose is to provide a comprehensive course in Christianity, open to everyone, and in which every person is respected and no question is out of bounds,” said the Rev. Clark Shackelford, instructor and rector of Emmanuel. “The Episcopal Church tries to maintain the best elements of both the Catholic and reformed traditions, and thus is uniquely comprehensive. We encourage people to connect to the Divine and one another in ways that are especially meaningful to them, and we provide the tools for that purpose.”
The Episcopal Church teaches that God’s communication with humanity is ongoing and pluriform, through human reason and experience, as well as living religious tradition, which for Christians includes the Holy Scriptures understood in their historical and cultural contexts. Episcopalians are comfortable with modern science and remain open to new knowledge and insights, Shackelford said. They are known for being non-judgmental, loving and accepting of people for who they are, he said.
“We are often seen as a good ‘bridge’ church for couples of differing religious backgrounds who want a place to be comfortable together in their faith walk. We also tend to attract ‘inquiring minds,’ those ready to move beyond easy answers and simplistic interpretations of life and faith, and learn to think for themselves,” Shackelford said. “For many, our active combination of ancient worship, modern thinking and loving service is just the ticket. The Inquirer’s Course provides interested persons a safe place to explore the Episcopal alternative without any kind of pressure or obligation.”
Emmanuel is at the corner of Broadway and Highland across from Woodland Veterans Park in Shawnee. For more information or to register for the free Inquirer’s Course, call the parish office, 273-1374.