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Tasmanian Anglican

December 2002

 

 

 

 

 


EFM Graduates 2002
L-R back: Margaret Johnstone, Ruth Mills (mentor)
front: Cynthia Johnstone, Mollee Roberts, Gabriel Kerle
 
photo: Jan Allan

 

EFM Graduation - the journey continues

by Jan Allan

 

 

The end of November marks the end of a comprehensive course of study undertaken by four members of Hobart's only EFM group.

During the past four years, the group comprising around a dozen lay members belonging to five Hobart parishes has been meeting together weekly at St James' New Town. First under the leadership of Rev Patti Matthews and later co-ordinated by Ruth Mills, the group has studied the Story of the People of God from its beginnings some 3,500 years ago through to modern times.

Education for Ministry is a course which has been developed through the Anglican School of Theology, University of the South, Sewanee, USA. It is administered in Australia by the Anglican Church Diocese of Brisbane as EFM-Australia.

Achievements

During the course, participants have learned how the People of God thought about God, themselves and the world, and how they worshipped as individuals and as a community. EFM provides a good education for lay people, encouraging them to be theologically aware and to take responsibility for their own ministries.

No formal qualifications are necessary for those joining an EFM group but it is assumed that they are motivated to study. It is expected that each participant spends between two and five hours a week in private study in addition to regular seminar attendance. The four graduates - Margaret Johnstone (Bellerive), Gabriel Kearle (All Saints', South Hobart), Cynthia McDougall and Mollee Roberts (both of St James', New Town) - should be justly proud of their achievements; their parishes should also rejoice with them.

Foot-note: Four members of the group have not yet completed their studies. Around half a dozen potential group members would like to begin the course but Ruth (St Paul's, Glenorchy) is not able to continue as group mentor for 2003. She would be keen to speak with any Hobart member of the Diocese who is experienced in use of the Theological Reflection process and would be interested in training to be a mentor for a continuing EFM Group. Ruth can be contacted by phone on 6278 1417.