Christian Formation is a lifelong process that gives purpose and meaning to our lives as followers of Christ. It involves both the study of sacred texts and engagement with the practices that shape our daily lives. To that end, Grace offers many opportunities for adults – classes, workshops, retreats, symposiums, discussion groups, social activities and more.
We are all on a personal spiritual journey that is enhanced by the companionship of others. Grace Church offers adults opportunities for learning that meet their individual needs while benefitting from the perspective of others.
Being Truly Human: Exploring Creativity and Imagination in our Practice of Faith
On Sunday, January 4, we began a special twelve-week forum series that focuses on key aspects of what it means to be human and practice our faith. Building on prior conversations, we will focus intently on practices around creativity and imagination as we explore the deeper dimensions of our faith. Each week we plan on profiling a different practice or element that fosters creativity and imagination as we seek to make meaning in the world today. As the saying goes, “there are as many ways to pray as there are to be human.”
To help with the conversations, we invite everyone to use the wonderful revised The Artist’s Way: 30th Anniversary Edition by Julia Cameron. This is a fantastic resource that offers a structured twelve-week conversation with guided questions and workshop elements. And, just to be clear, there is not just one way to “be an artist;” rather the book focuses on what it means to be truly human and participate with Divine Creativity in the world around us. We continue to learn how it is essential to foster imagination in our lives.
We will meet each Sunday morning at 9:30 AM in the parish hall for conversation and reflection, so all are encouraged to come share in this time!
Blessings,
Stuart
The Sunday Forum meets at 9:30 AM in the parish hall.
This Christian Education offering brings together parents of all stages of the parenting journey to support and encourage each other as we navigate how to bring the principles of the Kingdom of God into our habits as parents so we are open to receiving God’s grace and able to then share it with our children and others.
We look forward to journeying with you!
The Parenting Group meets at 9:30 AM in the conference room of the Grace Center. Facilitators: Callie & Kevin Flack
Centering Prayer is a contemplative method of prayer that facilitates opening the mind and heart to God. Gatherings consist of a brief opening; sitting in silence for 20 minutes ending with the Lord’s Prayer, then a sharing of video or short discussion of spiritual topic of choice. All are welcome.
Centering Prayer meets on Mondays at 5:00 PM on Zoom (link can be found in the ON THE CALENDAR section of the email newsletter) and on Wednesdays at 6:00 PM in the parlor.
The Daughters of the King is an Order, founded by Margaret J. Franklin in 1885, for women in the Episcopal Church. There are chapters in the United States, Africa, Asia, Europe, Central America, South America and the Caribbean Basin. As Daughters we undertake A Rule of Life, A Rule of Prayer and Service, and Evangelism. The Greek Fleury cross worn by members of the order is inscribed in Latin, “Magnanimiter Crucem Sustine” which translated means “With heart, mind and spirit, uphold and bear the cross.” The cross is an outward and visible sign of a deep and inward vow we take to become a Daughter of the King.
Our Grace Chapter was established in 1940, currently with 42 members. Seeking the will of God, we pray daily for unity in Christ’s Church, the spread of Christ’s Kingdom, for God’s blessing on our Order, the clergy, and the spiritual growth of our parish. Meetings are held monthly and are open to any women who wish to visit with us.
DOK meets on the 2nd Wednesday of the month at 10:00 AM in the Grace Center Conference Room and on Zoom.
A small group of men gather at 7:00 AM on Monday mornings for coffee and conversation. Another group gathers for pub theology at Cork It every third Tuesday of the month at 7:00 PM. Information about additional events can be found in our newsletter and on the calendar. All men are warmly invited to participate.
The women of Grace typically gather annually for a weekend of rejoicing, reflection, and renewal at the Montreat Retreat and Conference Center in North Carolina. Information about additional events can be found in our newsletter and on the calendar. All women are warmly invited to participate.
The Daughters of the King sponsor a monthly book study for all women of the church. The group gathers in room 115 (Youth Room) of The Grace Center at 5:30 and begins at 6 PM the third Thursday every month.
Grace also regularly offers unique retreat, lecture series, short term studies, and symposium formation opportunities. Learn more about additional adult Christian formation events and opportunities at the links below.
The School for Prayer and Spiritual Practice at Grace Episcopal Church seeks to nurture the transformation of the community from the inside out.
Watch this space for announcements about formation opportunities in the community.