Fall Christian Formation Opportunities

In our Strategic Plan, our Christian Education goal is to “create and offer learning experiences for a variety of age groups and interests.” This fall, you are invited to participate in one of three opportunities for deepening your faith and discipleship, beginning the week of September 11.

Feasting on the Word, led by Pastor Jack – Each week, we will explore the scripture passage that is the foundation of the sermon to be shared during worship later that morning. We will dig into the Biblical text itself, bringing our questions and experiences to inform our conversation. This is a facilitated discussion and no preparation work is required. Drop in for a week when you can, or plan to participate all fall. This will be a HYBRID discussion (both in-person and Zoom participation available). We will meet at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday mornings. All ages are welcome to participate.

Listening For God, led by Mary Margaret MacMillan – This book study will read a short story each week, then come together to discuss how we can hear God in the story. Many are already familiar with and might have already read the literary stories. The facilitated discussion will assume that participants have read the short story ahead of time. Participant’s books are available – contact Mary Margaret or Chrystie Thrasher to get one. This will be an in-person only discussion, meeting at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday mornings at the church.

Celebrating Sabbath, facilitated by various leaders – In the nine lessons of this Bible study—with passages from Genesis, Exodus, Deuteronomy, Isaiah, Matthew, Luke, and Acts—we’ll consider Sabbath

·      as a celebration, not a day of dreary formality

·      as God’s intent for all of creation that includes busy women too

·      as one day of the week, perhaps a Sunday

·      as a time to surrender unhealthy striving and frantic busyness, and instead trust that God will provide

·      as a reminder that life is precious and working too much is against God’s plans for our precious lives

·      as a day devoted to community and justice and not exclusively to self-care.

Ultimately, Sabbath reminds us to honor God who honors us by giving us a day each week to reset our pace, our priorities, and our lives. This will be an ONLINE/ZOOM ONLY discussion, meeting at 11:00 a.m. on Monday mornings. Contact Carolyn Gottlieb or Terry McKetta to participate.