For five consecutive weeks in October and November we will offer two different small group gatherings in homes to explore scripture, examine aspects of Christian spirituality, teach and learn from each other, and listen for what the Spirit of God is saying. We are starting with two groups in the hope that more can be added in the Spring.

Get Ready, Get Set, Go!

Led by Gary Charles

Where do I begin?

        How can I make sense of such a huge, ancient, and often confusing book?

                Why not let the preacher just tell me what it means?

For five Thursday nights this fall, I invite you to sit with me as we listen to the Bible speak to us. We will listen to the Old Testament reading for the upcoming Sunday, then the Psalm, then the Gospel, and then another New Testament reading, outside the Gospels. I will not be teaching, but I will be listening with you as we raise our questions with this readings, try to glean what the Spirit of God may yet be saying to us through these readings, and as we learn to de-mystify the Bible and Bible study and reclaim it as a gift to be read and listened to carefully.

But I’ve never read the Bible outside Sunday morning before!

Maybe I will read it wrong!

I don’t know where to begin!

All questions, all statements that make you the perfect candidate to join us on Thursdays, October 13 – November 10 as we listen together to what the Spirit has to say to us today.

At the home of Shirley & Michael Davis, 7:30 p.m.

Scratching That Spiritual Itch……

Led by Ellen Phillips

Does the term "spiritual practice" bring to mind sitting in a contorted lotus position with your ankles behind your neck? or maybe fasting for days while meditating for hours?  Or how about the frequently heard statement, "I'm spiritual, I'm just not religious."  What exactly does that mean???  What exactly is spiritual practice and is it something that has meaning and importance in a fast world of cell phones and computers?  How do we develop a spiritual practice while commuting and texting and caring for family and doing all that we have to do?  Or what if the idea of lengthy prayer and/or meditation is, well, just plain boring?  Wouldn't it be interesting to sort all of these things out and figure out what spirituality really consists of?

You are invited to join this class for several weeks to help take the mystery out of approaching the Mystery.  We will examine eight different forms of spiritual practice that include those familiar practices (prayer, but in many different varieties) and perhaps practices that you currently do but are not even aware of (such as hospitality, inviting folks to meet at your home to discuss spiritual practices.)

Not only will we have time for discussion but also there will be important time for fellowship and getting to know and care for one another.  Over the weeks, your spiritual walk is guaranteed to become more interesting and, yes, exciting.  And I promise that never once will you be required to get into "downward facing dog" pose.

At the home of Debbie & Jerry Miller, 7:00 p.m.

For more information, contact Debbie Miller, Director of New Member Ministries.