About & Contact

Around 2016, the National Episcopal Church suggested its parishes develop programs that members could incorporate into Christian Formation efforts into their homes. Faith@Home for The Episcopal Church of St. Simon & St. Jude (Irmo SC) was started at that time. 

Initially, the Revised Common Lectionary (RCL*) formed the foundation for Faith@Home activities offered to families with children, such as activity pages and study guides. It was soon apparent that providing materials strictly for families with children overlooked a major component of membership, that is, adults without children. Furthermore, while the scripture was addressed, little material was provided to aid in adult spiritual growth. 

In other work prior to Faith@Home's birth, the editor was fortunate to see many "enhancements" to Christian formation, giving birth to "Eye candy", "Ear worms", "Brain food", and "Contemporary parables."

Continuing to focus on the RCL, "Eye candy" is images—the Masters, contemporary artists, multi-media, photographs, and others from around the world and across time—that speak to the scriptures referenced. "Ear worms" is music, again across time and around the world, that gives as much disparity as is feasible. Here are included traditional hymns (by both traditional and nontraditional groups), contemporary hymns, ancient music, gospel music, rhythm and blues, island music, and more. "Brain food" is writings about the assigned lectionary scripture. "Brain food" includes but is not limited to brief concepts, poems (long and short), reflections, and so forth. As with the other elements, the writings are not always of this century.

The final component of the "adult" offerings is "Contemporary parables." Here, Faith@Home and its readers suggest movies that fit the theme of the week (in the editor's opinion). While the majority of the movies are full-length shown in theaters, more recent suggestions include shorts and movies shown by the myriad of entertainment providers such as Amazon Prime®, Hulu®, Netflix®, and others. As time permits, series offered by television networks and these providers may be included. 

The prime objective is to provide materials that will enhance the reader's formation and faith. Good reading!

A number of years back, The Episcopal Church of St. Simon & St. Jude (Irmo SC) sponsored an irregularly timed publication On the Way e-zine. OTWe was the collaborative brainchild of Peggy van Antwerp Hill, Mark A. Abdelnour, and Sandra J. Teel. The publication ceased production in 2015. Google deleted the site in 2023.

OTWe provided the foundation for the adult component of Faith@Home. I am grateful that I was included in that awesome group of people and that effort. Peggy's insights and skill are incredible, and I continue to be amazed by her gifts. Fr. Mark provided the spark that kept us moving along. His encouragement of both OTWe and me have filled my days with joy. Thank you to both for their contribution that continues into this Faith@Home blog.

Readers wishing to communicate about the Faith@Home blog may do so here. Those wishing to contact the editor may do so here.

Sandra J. Teel