Claiming

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About Claiming

Claiming is a five-week journey into faith, purpose, belonging, and what it means to follow Jesus in the Episcopal tradition. Designed for teens and adults considering confirmation, reception into the Episcopal Church, or simply exploring, this series offers a welcoming space to learn, ask questions, and discover why the Episcopal Church has become a spiritual home for so many. The series includes four sessions on Zoom and a final in-person gathering. Come explore what the Episcopal tradition offers—and whether this way of faith might become your own.

Registration

Registration is necessary to receive the Zoom meeting link. This is a free offering, we only ask for your investment of time. Direct any registration questions to jenn@diocgc.org.

Weekly Sessions

To make Claiming as accessible as possible, the first four sessions will take place on Zoom, allowing participants to join from anywhere. The fifth and final session will be held in person, creating space to gather face-to-face for worship, conversation, and discernment. This format makes it possible for people across the diocese to participate while still ending the journey together in shared community.

Week 1: Claiming Our Way in God’s Story (Zoom)

Thursday, August 6, 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. CT | Led by Bishop Russell Kendrick

Discover how the story of your life weaves within God’s grand, evolving narrative and how the Episcopal tradition helps us read scripture with faith, wisdom, and openness.

Every spiritual journey begins with a story. In this first session, we’ll explore how our lives connect to the larger story of God’s love and the life of the Church. We’ll introduce a helpful image—“the Episcopal room in God’s mansion”—and look at how Episcopalians engage Scripture through the wisdom of Scripture, tradition, and reason. Together, we’ll begin to see how faith can ground us in both the historic Christian story and our lives today.

Week 2: Claiming Our Way of Prayer (Zoom)

Thursday, August 13, 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. CT | Led by the Rev. Joy Blaylock, Ph.D.

Discover how common prayer, worship, and the sacraments can shape your faith and anchor your daily life.

Episcopalians have long believed that how we pray shapes how we believe. In this session, we’ll explore the Book of Common Prayer, the meaning of liturgy, and the sacramental life of the Church. From daily prayer to the Holy Eucharist, we’ll look at how these ancient practices continue to form Christians in love, steadiness, and hope.

Week 3: Claiming Our Way of Belonging (Zoom)

Thursday, August 20, 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. CT | Led by the Rev. Joy Blaylock, Ph.D.

Unpack what it means to be a part of a diverse, messy, and genuinely inclusive community where every voice matters.

Church is more than a building—it is a people shaped by prayer, covenant, and shared life in Christ. This week, we’ll explore what makes Episcopal belonging distinctive: a community rooted in worship, guided by bishops, and strengthened by the ministry and leadership of lay people. We’ll reflect on how the Church can hold both tradition and diversity, seeking unity in Christ without demanding sameness.

Week 4: Claiming Our Way in God’s World (Zoom)

Thursday, August 27, 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. CT | Led by the Rev. Joy Blaylock, Ph.D.

Discover how Episcopal faith sends us into the world to seek justice, serve others, and live the promises of baptism.

Faith is meant to be lived. In this session, we’ll explore the creeds and the Baptismal Covenant, which call us to resist evil, seek and serve Christ in all persons, and strive for justice and peace. We’ll also reflect on your unique spiritual gifts and calling, and what it means to follow Jesus in daily life for the sake of a hurting world.

Week 5: Claiming Our Way at the Table (In Person)

Sunday, August 30, 3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. CT | Co-led by Bishop Russell Kendrick and the Rev. Joy Blaylock, Ph.D.

Gather in person to reflect on the journey, share honest conversation, and discern your next step in faith.

In our final session, we’ll move from screen to shared space as we gather in person for worship, conversation, and prayerful discernment. Together, we’ll reflect on where God may be calling you next—toward confirmation, reception, reaffirmation, or simply a deeper journey as a seeker. Come celebrate the community we’ve begun to build and explore your place at God’s table.

FAQs

Who is Claiming for?

Claiming is for:

seekers and spiritually curious people
newcomers to the Episcopal Church
teens and adults considering confirmation
baptized Christians from other traditions who may be exploring reception into the Episcopal Church
Episcopalians who want to reaffirm their faith
people returning to church after time away

If you are wondering whether the Episcopal Church might be a spiritual home for you, this series is for you.

Do I have to be sure I want to become Episcopalian?

No. You do not need to be ready to make a commitment in order to participate. Claiming is a space to explore, learn, ask questions, and discern your next step.

What if I’m just curious about the Episcopal Church?

You are very welcome. Claiming is not only for people preparing for confirmation. It is also for anyone who wants to better understand Episcopal worship, belief, community, and practice.

Is this only for people seeking confirmation?

No. Some participants may be considering confirmation, while others may be discerning reception into the Episcopal Church, reaffirmation of their baptismal faith, or simply a deeper understanding of the tradition.

What’s the difference between confirmation, reception, and reaffirmation?

In the Episcopal Church:

Confirmation is a public reaffirmation of faith with the laying on of hands by a bishop.
Reception is for baptized Christians who have already been confirmed in another Christian tradition and now wish to be formally welcomed into the Episcopal Church.
Reaffirmation is for those who want to renew their commitment to Christ and the Church, often after a significant change or return to faith.

The Episcopal Church’s formation materials for baptized persons emphasize growth in the meaning of baptism, regular worship, service, and discernment in the life of the Church (The Book of Occasional Services, “Welcoming Returning Members and Members Baptized in Other Traditions” and “Preparation of Baptized Persons for Reaffirmation of the Baptismal Covenant,” reflected in the cited excerpts above).

What if I come from another Christian denomination?

You are welcome. Many people in Claiming may come from other Christian backgrounds. If you are already baptized, this series can help you explore what it means to belong to the Episcopal Church and what your next step might be.

What if I’ve been away from church for a long time?

You are especially welcome. Claiming is meant to be a gentle, thoughtful, and low-pressure way to reconnect with Christian faith and community.

Do I need to know a lot about the Bible, theology, or the Book of Common Prayer?

No. No prior knowledge is required. Claiming is designed to be accessible for people at many different stages of faith and experience.

How are the sessions offered?

The first four sessions will be held on Zoom, making the series accessible to participants from anywhere, regardless of location. The fifth and final session will be held in person, giving participants the opportunity to gather face-to-face for worship, conversation, and prayerful discernment.

What happens at the in-person session?

The fifth session is a chance to gather in person for worship, conversation, reflection, and discernment. It is an opportunity to celebrate the journey so far and consider what next step God may be calling you to take.

Do I have to attend all five sessions?

We strongly encourage participants to attend all five sessions, since each week builds on the last. If you have a scheduling conflict, please reach out to the organizers.

Is this program only for adults?

No. Claiming is for teens and adults.

Will I be asked to share personal experiences?

You may be invited to reflect and participate in conversation, but no one will be pressured to share more than they are comfortable sharing.

Is this a class or a conversation?

It is both. Claiming includes teaching, reflection, and conversation. There will be space to learn, ask questions, and engage with others on the journey.

Is there a cost?

No, only your investment in time.

How do I register?

Visit the link at www.diocgc.org/claiming.

Who is leading the series?

Bishop Russell Kendrick and the Rev. Joy Blaylock, Ph.D.

What if I still have questions?

We’d love to hear from you. Please contact Rev. Joy at joyblaylock@diocgc.org.

Resources for Church Leaders

To help your congregation share Claiming well, we’ve gathered a set of ready-to-use resources for clergy, staff, and lay leaders. Whether you’re making announcements, answering questions, or inviting someone personally, these tools are designed to make promotion simple, clear, and welcoming.

Printables