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Faith Formation

The Episcopal Diocese of Washington invites you to go deeper in your faith life through five essential Christian practices–pray, learn, serve, give, and share.

Christian Formation, or growing into the full stature of Christ, is a lifelong process.

Commitments are made at our baptisms to:

  • Continue in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers,
  • Persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever we fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord,
  • Proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ,
  • Seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving our neighbors as ourselves, and
  • Strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being.

We pray for inquiring and discerning hearts, the courage to will and to persevere, a spirit to know and love God and the gift of joy and wonder in all God’s works.

St. Nicholas strives to offer age-appropriate formation opportunities for everyone to grow closer to God and Jesus with the help of the Holy Spirit.

The following is intended to get you started wherever you are, whether you are new to faith or a seasoned Christian. No matter where you are, you can continue to grow your capacities, commitments, and understandings of God, yourself, and your neighbors.

Explore Styles of Faith PDF

CHRISTIAN FORMATION

GROWTH

While every individual bears the image of God, we have the freedom and responsibility to grow more fully into the people of God. As we grow we, in fact, become the people we already are, a people who reveal the image of God to others thereby witnessing to God’s love in the world. Growing in faith takes practice. Second century Christian apologist Tertullian put it this way: “Christians are made, not born.” We grow as Christians by practicing the Christian life together.

DISCIPLESHIP

A path of discipleship sets out a life-long journey of growth and maturing as a follower of Jesus through a set of practices that draw us more deeply into the heart of God and community and back out into the world. A path of discipleship is both individual and community oriented and offers practices differentiated along a path of growing faith.

FORMATION FOR ALL AGES

Nursery

Nursery care is available on Sundays during the school year.

Sunday School

Sunday School meets during the school year. Children attend worship until the Gospel Hymn when they are invited to go to their Sunday School classrooms. The lessons are age-appropriate and focus on the Sunday Gospel through story-telling, Godly play, arts and crafts. Children return to worship to receive communion and then resume Sunday School until around 11:30 a.m.
Occasionally a Children’s Sermon is offered during the worship service. Currently there are two Sunday School classes: Ages 3 through Kindergarten and First through Fifth Grade.

Youth Group

Youth Group meets during the school year. Middle and High School students are encouraged to participate in Youth Group. The Northern Montgomery Youth Group meets on the first Sunday of the month and St. Nicholas’ Youth Group meets on the 3rd Sunday of the month. Youth Group activities focus on Fellowship, Formation, Fun and Service.

Intergenerational Formation

We offer opportunities for everyone to learn together throughout the year. Some examples include making Advent wreathes, A Penny Harvest, Confirmation Classes, and Newcomer events.

Adult Formation

A variety of Adult Formation opportunities are offered throughout the year including Lenten Study, book club, Newcomer and Confirmation Classes, and Faith in the Public Square.