Newly updated Discipleship Classes begin Jan. 5 Dr. Clay Stauffer & Rev. Jay Hutchens are gearing up for a brand new version of our Discipleship Classes, beginning Wednesday, Jan. 5, at 6:00 p.m. in the Boardroom. This new approach to the class is for both new & longtime members. Jan. 5 - “Seeking” - We will talk about the ways we seek and experience God in our lives, spiritual disciplines, and the essentials of being a Christian. Jan. 12 - “Sharing” - We will talk about why community and connection is so important. Spiritual formation is not automatic. We can not be Christians alone. We need each other. Jan. 19 - “Serving” - How do we use our spiritual gifts and abilities to serve and give back both inside and outside of the church? Opportunities abound. Faith must be put into action.

Classes meet weekly at 6:15 p.m. during Lent (March 9 through April 6) Dinner is at 5:30 p.m. in Drowota Hall Pastor Jay Hutchens will work out of the book, The Day The Revolution Began, by Anglican scholar, N.T. Wright, which asks the crucial question - “Why did Jesus have to be crucified?” Throughout the centuries, Christian faith has offered a variety of answers to this question. But in this groundbreaking book, Wright highlights the expectation that ancient Israel had of a coming Messiah and how New Testament Christians looked to the Hebrew Bible to understand what God had done in life, ministry, and death of Jesus. It will be an opportunity to re-envision the crucifixion as a symbol of God’s pursuing, steadfast love for all of humanity. Ben Curtis will lead a 5-week workshop that shows how the contemplative vision in Christian spirituality encourages fruitful responses to the crises of life, including the trauma of the pandemic and depression. March 9: The Contemplative Vision: Struggle as inevitable. Led by Ben Curtis. March 16: Pandemic as Trauma, Faith as Resource. Led by Vicki Askew, Trauma Facilitator. March 23: Ignatian Spirituality: Honesty and Realism. Led by Andy Michel, Psychiatrist March 30: Meditation: Prayer as Surrender. Led by Julie O’Conner, Spiritual Director. April 6: Contemplative Fruits: Silence and Small Things Lead to Freedom and Gratitude. Led by Ben Curtis, Spiritual Director. Roy Stauffer will lead a discussion group focusing on the basics of our Christian faith. In a complex, difficult world where people are struggling, it’s important to “get back to basics.” How do we understand the basics of our faith? Have we grown and changed in our understandings over the years? How can parents explain the basics of faith to their children? How do you witness what you believe to others?...

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