Adult Spiritual Growth Offerings

The “Other” Prophets – Challenge and Comfort in Troubled Times

Sundays, September 14 through November 30, at 9:15am. Meet in South Hall.

When we as a people face a present and future that stirs doubt, fear and anger, we turn to many sources of wisdom and influence to decipher our times and discern a path forward. As people of faith, we look for God’s word wherever we think we can hear it. But we are not the first troubled generation, and our Scriptures contain stories of those who faced crises and looked to God to make sense of where the world seemed to be going, and to find purpose and hope. At the same time, many of us remain insulated in our day to day lives from calamities both near and far. Our Scriptures also show us God’s word to the comfortable. The words of the Biblical prophets remain a timeless witness to both of these yearnings, as much today as when they were first recorded. This fall we will study the texts of three of those prophets – Amos, Micah and Habakkuk – as both compelling insights into the Jewish communities into which they spoke and as words that echo into our own times. All are welcome. No book other than your Bible.

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Calling All Angels: An Advent Study in Fearlessness and Strength

Sundays, November 30 through December 21, at 9:15am. Meet in South Hall.

Calling All Angels: An Advent Study of Fearlessness and Strength written by Erin Wathen is a captivating study and devotional, where angelic encounters come to life, echoing the timeless message of overcoming fear. The study asks us to contemplate what would change in our relationships, vocations, congregations, and communities if we have the courage to overcome our fears like Mary, Joseph, Zechariah, and the Shepherds in the story. Each of these encounters begins with the same refrain: do not be afraid. Those words, though, are not just words of comfort; they are an invitation and a calling from God.

Beginning November 30 at 9:15 in South Hall, come and explore a message of fearlessness and strength in person only. Each week will feature a different facilitator. The cost of the study book is $10. Reimbursement to ASG is optional. See Jennifer Blakeney or Ron Zimmerman before November 30 to obtain a copy of the study/devotional.

Contemplative Scripture Study

November 9, November 23, and December 14, 4pm in the Chapel

All are welcome to join us for a contemplative study of the lectionary (scripture readings for the week) and community prayer.

Create community through collective reading and inquiry of lectionary passages followed by periods of silence to explore the personal significance of the passage. We have the opportunity to share with our small group the way we are called to bring this message into our life. After this we pray for each other.

This is a deeply meaningful way to bring scripture into our lives and make deep connections with each other.

Contact Valeria Stutz or Jennifer Blakeney with any questions.

Bibles and Bagels

Wednesday mornings, 7:30am. Meet virtually most weeks, in person in the Jin Room one week per month.

Participants meet for coffee and bagels and a lively discussion of the upcoming lectionary passage. There’s nothing to read ahead of time. Drop-ins welcome!

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