Page 38 - Presbyterian Connection Fall 2025

38 FALL 2025
ConnectionP R E S B Y T E R I A N
presbyterian.ca
Connecting Those
Who Care about
Christian Education
By Spencer Edwards and Jessica
Foy, Life and Mission Agency
Christian Education is at the heart
of the church’s mission—shaping
disciples and equipping the saints
for ministry (Ephesians 4:12).
Christian education happens in
our congregations, camps, spe-
cial events and homes. Many
of us have found great joy and
meaning in this work, walking
alongside others in their journey
of faith.
But let’s be honest—it can also
feel a little lonely.
It’s easy to feel like you’re
figuring things out on your own.
You’re doing your best with what
you have, but sometimes it’s hard
to know where to turn for ideas,
encouragement or a listening ear.
That’s where the Christian Edu-
cation Exchange comes in.
This monthly online gathering
is a space for connection, sup-
port and shared learning. Wheth-
er you’re clergy or lay, full-time
or part-time, paid or volunteer,
working with children, youth, sen-
iors or across the generations—if
you care about nurturing faith,
you are welcome.
The meetings are hosted by the
Christian Education & Youth Pro-
gram team, with the occasional
special guest. Each session in-
cludes opportunities to: share ex-
periences and wisdom with oth-
ers who “get it”; explore practical
resources and fresh ideas; be
encouraged in the joys and chal-
lenges of your ministry. We laugh,
learn and lift one another up.
This summer, we covered
summer ministry possibilities and
planning for fall programming,
themes, curriculum and equip-
ping leadership.
You’re not alone in this work.
Let’s do it together.
Upcoming meetings
To receive the meeting link, fill in
the form at presbyterian.ca/ccm/
christian-education.
Inspired to Inspire
September 29, 2025
Come together for a time of shar-
ing and discovery. In this gather-
ing, we’ll discuss the books, arti-
cles and other resources that are
fuelling our faith and shaping our
ministry.
Seasons of Wonder: Planning
Advent, Christmas and the
Church Year
Educational Activities
for Presbyterians
View all PCC webinars at presbyterian.ca/leadership-webinars
October 27, 2025
Gather for a session focused on
planning meaningful Advent and
Christmas experiences. We’ll
explore how the rhythms of the
church year can shape and en-
rich our worship and programs,
offering fresh ideas for engaging
all ages.
Rest for the Soul: Caring for
Ourselves in Ministry
December 8, 2025
Ministry is a calling—and it can
also be deeply demanding. Join
us for a time of honest conversa-
tion, encouragement and shared
wisdom on nurturing our own
spiritual, emotional, mental and
physical well-being. Together,
we’ll explore practices that sus-
tain us, so we can continue to
serve with joy and resilience.
To order, visit: presbyterian.ca/merchandise
PCC
GEAR
IS HERE
T-shirts
Pins
Hats
Water bottles
...and more
Presbyterians Go to the Movies
First Film: The Mission, Roland Joffe, 1986
Theme: The church from the outside
Viewing tips and access to information will be available Sep-
tember 1. A post-viewing online discussion will take place
Wednesday, Sept. 24, at 6:00 p.m. (Eastern). The session
leader will be Dr. Lee Johnson.
Sign up to attend at presbyterian.ca/leadership-webinars.
Presbyterians Read
Study text: The Apocryphal Gospels: A Very Short Introduction,
Paul Foster, Oxford Press, 2009
Theme: Jesus’ birth and childhood stories: the well-worn, the
weird and the wonderful.
The reading plan and sessions will be available on October
15. Live online lectures and discussion will take place each
Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. (Eastern) from Nov. 19 to Dec. 10, led
by Dr. Lee Johnson.
Sign up to attend at presbyterian.ca/leadership-webinars.
Dr. Lee Johnson has joined the
Life and Mission Agency as
education program coordinator.
In this role, Lee will create
educational resources for
ministries in the church and
act as a consultant to other
departments for educational
materials. Among Lee’s
projects will be resources for
Presbyterians Read.
Lee has two bachelor’s degrees (in Christian education and
elementary education), a master’s degree in theology from
Moravian Theological Seminary and a Ph.D. from the Univer-
sity of Toronto. She has been a professor of New Testament
and of classics at Methodist Theological Seminary and East
Carolina University, as well as a lecturer at various seminaries
and universities, including Knox College in Toronto.
Lee’s primary areas of expertise are in Paul and his letters,
women in the biblical world, and interpretive methods and
cultural contexts of the Bible. She has also explored the Paul-
ine perspective on the rise of transhumanism and radical life
extension in the world. Lee was part of the research and writ-
ing team for The Oxford Handbook of the Synoptic Gospels
as well as the Brill Encyclopedia of Early Christianity. Lee has
led numerous adult Sunday school classes on topics such as
the Corinthian letters, the birth narratives, Jesus as a political
agent, and women and the early church. Lee is involved in the
Society of Biblical Studies and the Canadian Society of Biblical
Scholars.
Lee can be reached at [email protected].