Christian Formation is a lifelong process that gives purpose and meaning to our lives as followers of Christ. It involves both the study of sacred texts and engagement with the practices that shape our daily lives. To that end, Grace offers many opportunities for adults – classes, workshops, retreats, symposiums, discussion groups, social activities and more.
We are all on a personal spiritual journey that is enhanced by the companionship of others. Grace Church offers adults opportunities for learning that meet their individual needs while benefitting from the perspective of others. Classes will meet most Sundays until May 4, 2025.
“Who do you say I am?”: Exploring the Image of God in the Scriptures
Throughout both the Old and New Testaments, in both the Hebrew and Christian texts, we see many images of God. While we may be more familiar with a few images that we experience more often, the fact is that there is a wide variety of images of the Divine—and the variety of images invites us to consider how our ‘working image of God’ influences the way we live in the world. Which images do we gravitate towards? Which images seem so foreign to us—or make us uncomfortable?
Beginning Sunday, January 5, the Sunday Forum will focus on a range of texts as we explore how humans have experienced God throughout the centuries. This class will be, in a key sense, a Bible study as well as an exploration of symbols and archetypes and stories. We will look at the Gospels, at St. Paul’s letters, as well as Genesis, Exodus, the Song of Songs, Job, and even (maybe, if we’re brave) the Book of Revelation.
I invite you to get a study bible to have with you (you can never go wrong with the Oxford Annotated Bible with the Apocrypha). Please bring your Bible and a journal or notebook each week as we explore together.
Blessings,
Stuart
The Forum will meet on Sundays at 9:30 AM in the Parish Hall. Facilitator: Fr. Stuart Higginbotham
Join us for Parenting with Grace! This Christian Education offering brings together parents at all stages of the parenting journey to support and encourage each other as we navigate the tension between how we long to parent and the daily hustle of life.
We are exploring Justin Earley’s book Habits of the Household. The book introduces habits and easy to implement daily rhythms that provide a greater sense of peace and purpose as we create homes where we practice how to love God and each other. Having a personal copy of the book will be helpful for your personal study and group discussion but is not required to attend.
We look forward to journeying with you!
The Parenting Group will meet in the conference room of the Grace Center. Facilitators: Callie & Kevin Flack
Please note: Prayer Yoga is currently on break.
Come join us as we explore praying with our bodies. Chair yoga meets on Mondays at 2:45 or Thursdays at 10:00 AM and flow yoga meets Mondays at 3:45 PM or Thursdays from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM. The classes are free and open to anyone. New participants welcome and no experience is necessary. Dress comfortably for movement. If you have any health issues, please make sure that you have consulted your doctor.
Prayer Yoga meets via Zoom. Links are located in the the ON THE CALENDAR section of the email newsletter. Please join the zoom meeting just prior to your class and mute your feed during class so all can hear the instructor.
Centering Prayer is a contemplative method of prayer that facilitates opening the mind and heart to God. Gatherings consist of a brief opening; sitting in silence for 20 minutes ending with the Lord’s Prayer, then a sharing of video or short discussion of spiritual topic of choice. All are welcome.
Centering Prayer meets on Mondays at 5:00 PM on Zoom. The link can be found in the ON THE CALENDAR section of the email newsletter.
The Daughters of the King is an Order, founded by Margaret J. Franklin in 1885, for women in the Episcopal Church. There are chapters in the United States, Africa, Asia, Europe, Central America, South America and the Caribbean Basin. As Daughters we undertake A Rule of Life, A Rule of Prayer and Service, and Evangelism. The Greek Fleury cross worn by members of the order is inscribed in Latin, “Magnanimiter Crucem Sustine” which translated means “With heart, mind and spirit, uphold and bear the cross.” The cross is an outward and visible sign of a deep and inward vow we take to become a Daughter of the King.
Our Grace Chapter was established in 1940, currently with 42 members. Seeking the will of God, we pray daily for unity in Christ’s Church, the spread of Christ’s Kingdom, for God’s blessing on our Order, the clergy, and the spiritual growth of our parish. Meetings are held monthly and are open to any women who wish to visit with us.
DOK meets on the 2nd Wednesday of the month at 10:00 AM in the Grace Center Conference Room and on Zoom.
A small group of men gather at 7:00 AM on Monday mornings for coffee and conversation. Another group gathers for pub theology at Tap It every third Tuesday of the month at 7:00 PM. Information about additional events can be found in our newsletter and on the calendar. All men are warmly invited to participate.
The women of Grace typically gather annually for a weekend of rejoicing, reflection, and renewal at the Montreat Retreat and Conference Center in North Carolina. Information about additional events can be found in our newsletter and on the calendar. All women are warmly invited to participate.
Grace also regularly offers unique retreat, lecture series, short term studies, and symposium formation opportunities. Learn more about additional adult Christian formation events and opportunities at the links below.
The Center for Prayer and Spiritual Practice at Grace Episcopal Church seeks to nurture the transformation of the community from the inside out.
Watch this space for announcements about formation opportunities in the community.