What are the essential elements of the Christian life? When we look at the earliest followers of Jesus, we find ordinary, enduring practices they devoted themselves to and never outgrew. Christians have always been received into the Church through baptism, gathered around Scripture and the Eucharist, and devoted themselves to prayer. These practices have shaped and sustained the Church from the beginning.

In First Things, we'll begin where every Christian life begins: with the gospel and baptism, the water that joins us to Christ before we've done a single thing to earn it. From there, we'll explore Scripture, the Eucharist and the shape of our worship, fellowship expressed through belonging, giving, and serving, and finally prayer, the thread that holds it all together. Along the way, we'll encounter the Book of Common Prayer, whose liturgies have formed Christians for centuries, closing each session together with Compline.

Starting August 12, join us for this five-week course as we explore the practices that have shaped followers of Jesus from the earliest church until today. Each Wednesday, we'll begin with dessert, spend an hour learning together, and end the evening with Prayer at the Close of Day (Compline). Please register below.

This is not simply a membership class, though it will serve that purpose for some. It is an invitation to return to the first things that continue to form the Christian life. Whether you're new to Good Shepherd, new to church, or have been following Jesus for years, you are welcome. Bring your questions and join us on this five-week journey.

Those who wish to continue afterward will be invited into a follow-up course on the Catechism and preparation for Confirmation. 

If you have any questions, please reach out to Fr. Art (art@goodshepherdnashville.org).