We invite you to learn more about all the upcoming spiritual formation events and short term opportunities for adults. Events are added and updated regularly, so please continue to check back to stay up-to-date.
Wednesdays following supper
Candlelight Cafe: December 4, 11, 18
Parishioners are encouraged to come relax in Grace Church’s Candlelight Café on Wednesday evenings during Advent. After dinner we linger a bit over our coffee and dessert. The programs provide some unique opportunities for learning and fellowship. Learn more and make a reservation here.
Biblical Hebrew and First Temple Judaism: beginning January 8
Ever been interested in learning to read the Bible in its original languages? Or, have you wondered about Jesus’ Judaism and how it shaped his own formation? Ancient Hebrew and Aramaic are fascinating languages where each word and in many cases each letter opens up a world of story, legend, mysticism, and spiritual connection to the Divine.
We will take eight weeks beginning on Wednesday January 8 and continuing right up to the week before Lent begins, February 19 from 6:30-7:30 in the Youth Room to begin our work together. And, for those who are interested in studying beyond February 19, we will sort out future schedules at that time. Please direct any questions about this course to Dr. Park: Cynthia@gracechurchgainesville.org.
Various days & times
There are a number of opportunities for fellowship and study for women at Grace. Those include:
Wednesday afternoon fellowship
Join us in the Grace Center Conference room on Wednesday afternoons at 5:00 for a time of fellowship while the children are at chorister practice.
Bible Study
Our next women’s study is scheduled to begin in March 2020. Watch this website and our newsletter for details.
Women’s Retreat: January 17-19, 2020
This year’s retreat will feature Sharon Garlough Brown, author of the Sensible Shoes series, and will be held at the Montreat Retreat and Conference Center in Montreat, NC. Registration is now open, click here for more information.
various days & times
Men’s groups are forming! If you have have thoughts about the kinds of men’s offerings you’d like to see contact Dave Westfall or Cheryl Kelley.
Monday Morning Men’s Group
A small group of men gather at 7:00 AM on Monday mornings for coffee and conversation. The group meets at Panera. All men are warmly invited to participate.
Tuesdays from 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Have you been wanting to write that book, but just can’t seem to get started? Or want to learn to paint but think you don’t have any talent? Or feeling stuck in the creative endeavors you have undertaken? Join us as we work our way through Julia Cameron’s twelve week course, The Artist’s Way: Creativity as a Spiritual Practice. Learn how to use Cameron’s simple tools to unleash your creativity and enjoy participating in the flow of creative life.
We meet on Tuesdays from 6:00 – 8:00 PM in the conference room of the Grace Center, until mid-November. Class size was limited and registration is now closed. If you are interested in future offerings please email Cheryl Kelley to let her know.
December 14
Come to an Advent Quiet Day on Saturday, December 14 from 9:00 AM—2:00 PM. A variety of activities will be available for folks to choose from as we journey through Advent. Learn more and register.
March 14
Save the date and watch the newsletter and website for details about our Lenten Quiet Day on March 14.
January 30 - February 1, 2020
Join Fr. Stuart for an educational-experiential series for clergy and laypeople January 30 – February 1 at The University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee.
In this two-part educational and experiential series facilitated by the Rev. Stuart Higginbotham and Kate Eaton, we’ll explore two aspects of congregational vitality: cultivating practices that invite Christ’s indwelling presence in both ordained leaders and in communities, and processes for creating dynamic and transformative worship that stirs the senses and opens the heart. Participants will leave refreshed, inspired, and prepared with tools and resources for engaging ministry.
For more information and to register, visit beeckencenter.sewanee.edu/events/engaging-2020