Adult Formation

The Adult Formation Committee organizes the Sunday morning offerings for adults, Movie Nights, plus other special and occasional programs that facilitate education and formation for the adults of our church. Some of the other opportunities for adult formation include EfM, Centering Prayer, Foyers, DOK, and more.

Education

An overview of Grace Church’s Sunday morning offerings for adults follows.

  • Sunday Morning Forum Continuing its established and popular format, the Sunday Forum offers the opportunity to explore a diverse range of topics, usually covered in a series of sessions lasting several weeks. The Forum meets in the Parish Hall.
  • The Seekers The Seekers group and class provides an additional opportunity for Grace adults to become more spiritually informed and grounded. To this end, the group makes use of various resources to explore what it means to live faithfully: books, guest speakers, newspaper articles, videos, discussion and sharing. All adults are welcome to participate, even if they have not read the book or article or watched the video currently being discussed. The Seekers meet in the Conference Room of the Grace Center.
  • Bible Study A Bible Study is sometimes offered in conjunction with and separately from the Forum and Seeker's groups. Opportunities to learn more about the Bible will be publicized in advance in the church newsletter and on this website.
  • Adult Inquirer's Class A class for newcomers and others interested in an overview of the Episcopal expression of Christianity is offered on Sunday mornings beginning each January. Led by the rector, the class explores church history, church customs, the Bible, and more. All interested adults are invited to participate and opportunity is given at the end of the class to be presented to our bishop for Confirmation, Reception, or Reaffirmation of Baptismal Vows.

Centering Prayer

Centering Prayer is a contemplative method of prayer that facilitates opening the mind and heart to God. A Centering Prayer group at Grace was formed several years ago and meets weekly to practice this type of prayer. A time of silent prayer is followed by reflection and sharing; instruction is available for those unfamiliar with Centering Prayer. The group meets in the St. Francis Parlor on Mondays from 5:30 - 6:30 PM.

Movie Night

Grace adults gather on the second Friday each month at 7:00 PM in the Youth Room to watch and discuss movies old and new addressing a wide variety of subjects. A very casual occasion, participants often bring a little food and drink to share. Informal discussion before and after the movie adds to both the enjoyment and understanding of the films viewed. Do you have a favorite movie that you would like to watch and discuss with others? Contact the Adult Formation Committee to get it on the Movie Night schedule.

Education for Ministry

Education for Ministry, called EfM for short, is a wonderful program for adults and older teens developed by the School of Theology of the University of the South. The program provides an overview of Christian faith and life through a small group experience. Participants are asked to make a commitment for one academic year, September to May, and during that time meet weekly for several hours. The entire program lasts four years and topics for each year are Old Testament, New Testament, Church history, and theology.

Parish Choir

Adults are invited to participate in Parish Choir. This group learns fine sacred choral literature and is dedicated to excellent leadership of our corporate worship at Grace.
> learn more about the music program

DOK

Grace Church is blessed to have a chapter of the Daughters of the King, which is an organization for women who commit to pray and serve for the good of the church and the spread of Christ’s kingdom. The Grace chapter meets at 10:30 AM on the second Wednesday of each month. Membership is open to all women of the church.

Monday Morning Men's Group

A small group of men gather early on Monday mornings for coffee and conversation. The group is meeting at Inman Perk on the Gainesville Square and they gather at 7:00 AM. All men are warmly invited to participate.

Foyers

Foyers is a collection of small groups of adults who get together in one another’s homes for dinner. The philosophy of “Foyers” is that we do not really know each other until we have broken bread together. In becoming a part of Foyers, we make new acquaintances and know our present ones better. Names are randomly drawn and put into small groups of 6-8 people. We encourage newcomers to sign up! Each member of a group hosts the other members for dinner is his/her own home. Foyers are a great opportunity for fellowship.