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Adult Formation
“Spiritual Parenting”
Beginning in April!
A Spiritual Parenting series is being planned and will begin in April. This series of conversations for parents of all ages and stages, will create a place for sharing the challenges and gifts of faithful parenting. Topics to be explored include prayer, faith practices for our homes, faith development, and how to walk more deeply into faith as we share faith with our children.
April 25 th – Naming the Challenges -- What does it mean to be a Christian parent? What's hard about parenting?
May 2 nd – Spirituality & Prayer. Where is there space for prayer in the busy life of a parent? What are some easy ways and good opportunities to make prayer part of our family and home lives?
There is room to be part of the planning. What topics and issues around faith-filled parenting would you be interested in discussing with others in future session?
On May 9 th we will share a worship service spotlighting the spirituality of parenthood.
Please plan to attend the upcoming sessions. Childcare provided upon request. For more information, to express your interest or register for childcare, contact Christi Humphrey.
The St. James Community Takes a Sabbatical
On April 5th, the community of St. James, Groveland will begin its sabbatical, a time of drawing closer to God. Marya will begin her time of renewal, reflection, retreat and relaxation and the congregants of St. James are invited to do the same as individuals and as a community.
The following are some ideas on how we might encourage, support and affirm each other in this time of sabbatical.
To indicate interested in participating in any of these ideas sign-up on the appropriate clipboard in the parish hall. If you have questions or comments please be in touch with Christi Humphrey, Minister of Spiritual Care, by email: adultformation@saintjamesgroveland.org.
Half-Day Retreat
A half-day retreat is scheduled for May 15 th . The theme of this retreat will be Sabbath Keeping: Slowing down and Drawing Closer to God . The day will include fellowship, discussion of Sabbath and also a time of practicing Sabbath keeping.
Congregational Book Group Practicing Our Faith: A Way of Life for a Searching People
This book, first published in 1997 and re-released in 2010, offers ‘ways to deepen our relationship with God by practicing our faith in everyday life.' The book ‘explores twelve central Christian practices – shared activities that address fundamental human needs that, woven together, form a way of life.'
“Christian practices . . . are patterns of communal action that create openings in our lives where the grace, mercy and presence of God may be known to us.” [1]
This book can be read by individuals or as a group who wish to discuss and discern how to use what they learn. This series of small group meetings could begin in May and continue through June, preparing people for trying on the practices in the summer.
Individual Spiritual Direction Session
For those interested in individual attention with their desire to grow closer to God, individuals may sign-up for a meeting with Christi, a certified spiritual director. These one-on-one sessions would be a time for an individual to discuss their relationship with God and their practices of faith which support their growth.
Fall Retreat
Using the book , Praying in Color : Drawing a New Path to God , this half-day retreat will provide a place for people to experiment with a new way to pray, using image and art. Sybil Macbeth's book will be the foundation for an exploration into how we can enrich our prayer life and relationship with God through art for both the accomplished artist and those who shy away from such creative endeavors. More details to will be forth coming.
Practicing Our Faith, The Practices, 3/10/2010
For More Information: Call 978-373-1270, or email adultformation@saintjamesgroveland.org
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