Given where we are these days, we felt it important to remind the parish of how we are offering both in-person and online spaces for Christian education and spiritual formation this fall. We recognize that some folks feel comfortable coming to the campus while others want to remain at home where they feel safer. We are doing all we can to offer spaces that meet everyone where they are. These past two years have taught us how essential it is to nurture our practice of prayer and our spiritual growth. Perhaps this brief description can remind you of what is available for your practice of faith.
Sunday mornings remain our primary focus point for the fall. Children may participate in Godly Play (for students aged 3 years through third grade) and Whirl (4th and 5th grade) during the formation hour, and our youngest children (ages three through kindergarten) are invited to participate in Children’s Chapel during the 10:45 AM service. The youth group is active and engaged in Bible study using the Grow curriculum on Sunday mornings. For adults, Fr. Stuart is offering a forum in the parish hall that focuses on how the church community is adapting and exploring in this changing environment, and Parenting with Grace meets in the Grace Center Conference Room. Christian education classes for all ages meet from 9:30 to around 10:30 AM.
There are other in-person opportunities during the week that you may find meaningful—watch your newsletter for announcements about Men’s and Women’s Group gatherings, Wednesday night activities and more!
There are opportunities for online formation this fall as well. Beginning this Sunday evening, Fr. Stuart will lead a monthly book study and reflection group on Zoom. The group will explore Matthew Fox’s insightful book Julian of Norwich: Wisdom in a Time of Pandemic–and Beyond. The conversation will meet the second Sunday of the month at 6:00 PM.
Centering Prayer continues to meet weekly, on Mondays at 5:00 PM. The group is currently exclusively online.
Prayer Yoga meets on Mondays and Thursdays via Zoom, led by Karen Murphy.
Community of Hope International begins its new member training session this week, meeting two Sundays per month through next spring.
Other, ongoing groups continue to meet online, such as Daughters of the King and Sacred Ground (which explores racial reconciliation issues).
If you have any questions about Christian education and spiritual formation at Grace, please reach out to Cheryl Kelley, our Director of Christian Formation. The staff is here to help support you as we all continue to grow in our faith.