EfM online Open Houses:
Tuesday, May 13, Holy Trinity/St. Stephen's, 727 Southdale Rd. E., London, ON at 7 pm
In-person Open House: Wednesday, June 4, and Wednesday, August 27 at 7pm.
By Rev. Canon Val Kenyon
ALONG WITH the warmer days of spring, comes a very special moment in the life of some of the EfM participants here in Huron as after four years together they will be graduating.
While each EfM group celebrates this accomplishment in their own way, it is, without doubt, a real accomplishment.
Past graduates have spoken of their experiences over the four years of the EfM programme, and how developing the practice and habit of theological reflection had changed them in so many ways. They also shared that being part of an EfM group had helped them become more aware of and relate to the needs and concerns of the world around them, in particular in light of their desire to be followers of Jesus.
For many in this group they would leave it with quite a different idea of “ministry” then when they began. With a renewed, expanded perspective of ministry for all of the baptized and a view of God as dynamic and leading the way in mission, they experienced a greater openness to where they felt God was leading them in every aspect of their daily lives. While their reading and study would bring a number of insights, what they gained from the sessions together was not so much about knowing more, but rather about developing an understanding of who they were in God, remaining open to who they were becoming, and what it was to be part of what God was doing in the world all around them.
A common sentiment among graduates is that they began as a collection of individuals from a variety of parishes and approaches. By the end of their time together they would become a group journeying, exploring and wondering together. For many they felt that they were not the same people as they had been at the start of their time together.
With new EfM sessions beginning in September with in-person, hybrid and virtual formats, we hope that you will take advantage of several upcoming virtual EfM Open House Evenings on Tuesday, May 13th and Wednesday, August 27th with an in-person Open House on Wednesday, June 4th, all at 7pm.
To indicate your interest in attending one of these sessions, or to register for Fall classes in the Diocese
or to discuss possibilities of beginning an EfM group in your area, please contact Libi Clifford, the Diocese of Huron EfM Coordinator or Val Kenyon at EFM@huron.anglican.ca
Rev. Canon Dr. Val Kenyon is EFM Animator in Huron.