Adult Faith Formation

Faith formation is a journey that continues throughout our lives, shaping and reshaping our beliefs and actions as we grow. Our Adult Faith Formation programs offer a welcoming space to explore new ideas, engage with different theologies, and deepen your spiritual understanding. These spaces are designed to help you connect your faith with everyday life, empowering you to live out the gospel values of love and justice. We invite you to join us in this journey—explore our wide range of activities and discover new ways to integrate your faith into the world around you.

Words on the Word

Sundays | 9:15-10:15am

Bible Study Exploring the Preaching Text

Words on the Word is a discussion-format time of exploring the Biblical text that will be preached on that morning, and it is led by the preacher. This group digs into the socio-historical context of the scripture(s), and the ways these texts have been understood over time -- including how they still apply to our lives, today.

Journey of Faith

Wednesdays | September 18 - December 11, 2024
5:45-6:15 Light Dinner
6:30-7:20 Presentation

Drawing the Circle Wider: What does it mean to be a Christian in these times?

WEDNESDAYS | January 15 – May 14, 2025
5:45 – 6:15 pm Light Dinner in the Narthex
6:30 – 7:20 Presentation in the Fireside Room

JANUARY 15 & 22 | Setting New Year Intentions with Jennifer Westphal, Spiritual Director
JANUARY 29 | Soul Connection
FEBRUARY 5 & 12 | Soul Connection with Heather Koser Baraden
FEBRUARY 19 | Soul Connection from “The Work of the People”
FEBRUARY 26 | Soul Connection with Rev. Elijah Carroll
MARCH 5 | ASH WEDNESDAY | NO SESSION
MARCH 12, 19 & 26, APRIL 2 & 9 | LENTEN BOOK READ | More information below
APRIL 16 & 23 | HOLY WEEK | NO SESSIONS
APRIL 30 | The Art of Tai Chi with member Susan Eichensehr
MAY 7 | Holy Hike with member Brenda Poulin
MAY 14 | Outdoor Pizza Party
Click here to learn more and view our Adult Faith Formation Brochure.

*We have two Journey of Faith Sessions: January through May and September through December each year. Keep posted for our next session.

Adult Faith Formation Thursdays

Thursdays | January 16 - May 8 , 2025
10:30 am - 11:30 am | Fireside Room
11:30 am BYO Bag Lunch with the Pastors

Reclaiming Wholeness | Film Series Featuring Suzanne Stabile
JANUARY 16 | Connection & Crisis
JANUARY 23 | Making Space for Others
JANUARY 30 | Fear, Freedom, and Belonging

Creating Our Way Through | Five Films on Art and Salvation
APRIL 24 | Amnesia Therapy/Creation Heals
MAY 1 | Crucified for All/Describing the Indescribable
MAY 8 | The Artisan Soul
Click here to learn more and view our Adult Faith Formation Brochure.

*We have 2 Adult Faith Formation Thursday Sessions: January through May and September through December each year. Keep posted for our next session.

Lenten Book Read

Wednesdays | March 12 & 19, April 2 & 9
5:45-6:15 Light Dinner
6:30-7:20 Presentation

My Grandmother's Hands will change the direction of the movement for racial justice."
- Robin DiAngelo, New York Times bestselling author of White Fragility

MARCH 12 Setting the course for our work together
MARCH 19 Part 1
MARCH 26 Part 2
APRIL 2 Part 3
April 9 Wrap-Up

Together we will read and discuss “My Grandmother’s Hands” by Resmaa Menakem. If you cannot get the reading completed, we still encourage you to attend. Sign up here https://bit.ly/3Pu0rlm

In this groundbreaking book, therapist Resmaa Menakem examines the damage caused by racism in America from the perspective of trauma and body-centered psychology. My Grandmother's Hands is a call to action for all of us to recognize that racism is not only about the head, but about the body, and introduces an alternative view of what we can do to grow beyond our entrenched racialized divide. Resmaa Menakem, MSW, LICSW, is a therapist with decades of experience currently in private practice in Minneapolis, MN, specializing in trauma, body-centered psychotherapy, and violence prevention. He has appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Show and Dr. Phil as an expert on conflict and violence. Menakem has studied with bestselling authors Dr. David Schnarch (Passionate Marriage) and Dr. Bessel van der Kolk (The Body Keeps the Score). He also trained at Peter Levine's Somatic Experiencing Trauma Institute.

Rev. Eli’jah will have 20 copies of “My Grandmother’s Hands” available to purchase beginning February 2 for $12. Otherwise, books can be purchased online at https://bit.ly/3WeF0Zv or from your favorite local bookstore.
Click here to learn more and view our Adult Faith Formation Brochure.

*We have Book Reads during Lent and Advent each year. Keep posted for our next book reading during Advent.