Adults ~ Journeying together toward deeper faith, justice, and love for all

Journey of Faith

Our Journey of Faith program began in 2008 as part of the beginning of our congregation’s revitalization. This program combines adult Christian Education with opportunities to share our faith with others.  Over the years we have provided sessions such as book studies, video studies, invited speakers, ecological concerns, and presentations by our own members.  For a view of some of our past offerings, please click here.

Please consider joining us on Wednesday evenings from 6:30-7:30 as we explore questions and topics related to our faith!

April 24  |  Climate Conversation  |  Julia Nerbonne of Interfaith Power & Light will lead us in a values-led discussion on climate change that engages participants by sharing stories of connection. They will help participants connect with their values and what they care about most before articulating together the realities of climate change. These effective conversations that have sparked local action in communities across Minnesota are led by dedicated volunteers using a heart-based, values-based conversation model that opens up dialogue and exploration and can deepen a community's connection.

May 1, 8 & 15 | The Seasons of Grief: Predictable and Unpredictable Losses, a three-part series led by educator and writer Ted Bowman. Ted is an adjunct professor teaching grief and loss courses at the University of St. Thomas School of Social Work. For more than 35 years, he has led workshops throughout the United States, and for the past 20 he has worked annually in England, Scotland, and Ireland.

May 1 | Disruptive Changes and Their Impacts | Disruptive changes related to a range of losses (death, diagnosis, dismissal, divorce, and disaster) and the grief that accompanies them will be our focus. What is helpful when disruptive changes occur?

May 8 | Supportive Care for Grieving People: Care for Self, Family, and Others | Everyone grieves. But everyone does their grieving a little differently. In this practical session, three concepts will be presented, discussed, and practiced: comfort, confidence, and competence.

May 15 | Honest Hope Even While Grieving Losses | Holding onto hope when grieving is not easy. Honest and reasonable hope is, however, achievable and easily accessible. Resources for hope promotion will be included.

May 22 | This week, Journey of Faith will again be an intergenerational service trip to Feed My Starving Children. Ages 5 and up—children should be accompanied by an adult. Help turn hunger into hope with your own two hands by packing nutritious meals for hungry children around the world. We’ll carpool to their facility in Eagan, leaving church at 5:30 pm and returning by 8:00. There will be a signup sheet in the lobby.

May 29 | Memorial Day break | No Journey of Faith program

Faith Foundations | A Confirmation program for adults

About a dozen adults in our church are taking part in Faith Foundations, a new Confirmation program for adults. They'll meet 16 times during this program year, having deep, authentic conversations as they explore core beliefs, sacred texts, history and traditions, faith practices, and belonging within St. Paul’s UCC, the United Church of Christ, and the worldwide Christian church. We’ll engage in three learning modules, gathering on Sundays from 12:30–2:00.

• Beliefs & Belonging | September & October
• Bible Explorations | January & February 
• Faith Practices | March & April

ARC Retreat Center | Action, Reflection, Celebration

The ARC Retreat Center is located in a beautiful white pine forest just an hour north of the twin cities. ARC is “a retreat center operated by a residential community, rooted in Christian tradition, emphasizing the values of simplicity, justice and healing, mercy and prayer, serving individuals and groups seeking time apart, rest and spiritual renewal." We go on retreat during Lent and in the fall each year. Recent retreat themes have included Sabbath, Forgiveness, and Exploring the Mountain and Valley Experiences of Faith. The theme for our next retreat (February 9-11, 2018) will be Security: Illusions and Imagination.

Interest Groups | ongoing connections based in commonalities

Men's Group

Join us for a light breakfast and conversation, beginning at 9:00 am in the Fireside Room, usually on the first Sunday of the month, October through May. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.

Women's Group

The Women's Group began in 1994 as Working Women — a group that engaged in social gatherings and service work together. The group now includes women in their early 20s through 90s who are employed, underemployed, managing households, and retired. The group gathers for a 6 pm dinner at a local restaurant on the first Monday of each month and periodically sponsors a Sunday Morning Fair Trade Coffee Hour with a theme. They also provide Christmas gifts for our homebound members and were the original planters of the Peace Garden in front of the church. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.