Looking for a way to connect with others and deepen your spiritual journey? Sunday morning adult Christian formation classes, offered most weeks at 10:15 a.m., are the perfect way to find a "small" church within the larger one. Make friends, learn about the history of our faith, and find new ways to apply spiritual principles to your everyday life. Anyone is welcome to join at any time.
Join us for an overview of spiritual formation offerings for adults on Sunday, January 23, 2011 at 10:15 a.m. in the Haywood Duke Room. Class facilitators will present information on the courses being offered in the upcoming Epiphany and Lent terms.
Green Term (September 25-October 30, 2011)
Saving Your Mother (Earth), Saving Money (Yours): This 6-part series will feature a different speaker each week talking about actions we can all take which will both help us to save money and be helpful to the earth as well. Topics to be covered include easy changes you can make to your home to save energy and lower energy costs, benefits of local businesses, purchasing locally to stimulate the local economy, composting to reduce waste and water usage, and culminating with a visit from Dr. Kathy Shea, Executive Director of NC Interfaith Power and Light. There will be time for sharing or to ask questions each week. Sponsored by Holy Trinity’s Environmental Stewardship Commission. Shared leadership, in Roe Library.
Emerging Powers: The first decade of the 21st century has seen unprecedented challenges and change in the realm of global affairs. As the post-Cold War world meets the era of globalization, where billions of interconnected global citizens transcend traditional political borders, the concept of global “powers” continues to evolve. Recent and ongoing developments in the financial world have raised questions about the strength and sustainability of America’s power and role in the world as well. This course examines the changing dimensions of global power and explores some of the big questions with a focus on the so-called BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India and China). Led by Dr. Jeff Jones, professor of history at UNCG, in the Haywood Duke Room.
Speaking Christian: Why Christian Words Have Lost Their Meaning and Power and How They Can Be Restored: This class will explore scholar and theologian Marcus J. Borg’s thesis through discussion and book study. Borg suggests that such words as “salvation,” “saved,” “redemption,” and “sacrifice” among others have had their biblical and historical meanings distorted through cultural influences on language and theology. Studying this book can help us deepen and articulate our faith. From the book jacket: “...Borg teaches us how to read, hear and digest our Christian language without precon-ceived notions getting in the way.” Led by the Rev. Virginia Herring and others in Broome Hall.
Advent Term (November 6-December 18, 2011)
Wielding the Bible: The Use and Abuse of Scripture. The authority of Scripture is central to our faith. However, the Bible has often been interpreted in ways that protect the privilege of some, while legitimating the oppression of others. Historically, many Christians have wielded the Bible as a weapon against people who appear different from themselves. Dr. Rhonda Burnette-Bletsch will lead us through a study of a number of key passages from Scripture placing these passages in their historical context, unmasking common misinterpretations, and providing guidelines for ethical biblical interpretation in the 21st century. Led by Dr. Rhonda Burnette-Bletsch, professor of biblical studies at Greensboro College, in the Haywood Duke Room.
Speaking Christian: Why Christian Words Have Lost Their Meaning and Power and How They Can Be Restored: This class will explore scholar and theologian Marcus J. Borg’s thesis through discussion and book study. Borg suggests that such words as “salvation,” “saved,” “redemption,” and “sacrifice” among others have had their biblical and historical meanings distorted through cultural influences on language and theology. Studying this book can help us deepen and articulate our faith. From the book jacket: “...Borg teaches us how to read, hear and digest our Christian language without precon-ceived notions getting in the way.” Led by the Rev. Virginia Herring and others in Broome Hall.
Gospel Café: Join us for a lively conversational study of the Scripture readings for Sunday, with a primary focus on the Gospel lesson. Led by the Rev. Tim Patterson, the Rev. Dr. Craven Williams, and others in Roe Library.
Wisdom circles are small groups that meet regularly for a time of spiritual connection through prayer, study, sharing and mutual caring.
Clergy and Christian education staff will lead the groups through the use of lectio divina, a contemplative-based method focusing on the practice of prayer, scriptural reading and discussion, to study the lectionary reading for the upcoming Sunday.
Wisdom circles of eight to 10 participants agree to pray for one another daily. They pray together at the weekly meeting, share something of their everyday lives, and spend some time focused on a scripture or other spiritual reading.
A roster of dates, times and leaders for each group will be published in January. Contact Tim Patterson at or 272-6149 ext. 228.
Wisdom circles meet various days and times.
Programs for all ages are offered on Wendesday nights during the program year. Worship with contemporary, youthful music begins in All Saints Chapel at 5:30 p.m.
Supper is served in the Haywood Duke Room from 5–6:45 p.m. These family-friendly meals are made by our own San Pasquale Kitchen Ministry and are served at a cost of $7 per person, with a family cap of $20. Children 7–12 are $3, and those under 7 eat for free!
See a complete listing of Wednesday night activities, including opportunities for children and teens.
TWIGS (Those With Infinitely Greater Sense): Open to all those 60 years of age and “moving forward,” TWIGS meets each Wednesday at 4 p.m. for lively Bible study and discussion. Please join us for an hour of spiritual growth and camaraderie, followed by dinner in the Haywood Duke Room. At 4 p.m. in Roe Library, September 14–December 21, 2011.
The Saturday Spiritual Practice Series is offered in conjunction with The Servant Leadership School of Greensboro. Each workshop is designed to give the participant a brief introduction to the practice. Register by calling 275-0447 or at www.servantleadergreensboro.com.
Introduction to Compassionate Communication: A brief introduction to the principles and practice of non-violent communication, otherwise known as compassionate communication. Led by Amelia Poole in Broome Hall. Saturday, September 24 from 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Integral Transformative Practice (ITP): Combining movements and gentle stretching, progressive relaxation, visualization, and centering prayer, Integral Transformative Practice allows us to balance and ground our bodies, open our hearts, and clear our minds to become more present to God’s Presence within us and among us. Led by Ruth Anderson, Ph.D. in Broome Hall. Saturday, October 1, from 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Introduction to Centering Prayer: After a short description of the guidelines on Centering Prayer, we will sit in silence, then journal and share this place of deep silence and connection. Led by Ruth Anderson, Ph.D. in Broome Hall. Saturday, October 8 from 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Discovering the Enneagram: Learn about the nine Enneagram types; how we all have each type in us; how to use this knowledge for deeper understanding of ourselves and others; and ways this understanding helps us as servant leaders. Led by Marjorie Donnelly, certified Enneagram teacher, in Broome Hall. Saturday, October 15 from 10 a.m.–3 p.m. (lunch included)
Awakening the Intelligence of the Heart: Discover simple practices that help to shift the often automatic responses etched into our neural circuitry to an awakening of the intelligence of the heart to Divine Presence. Led by the Rev. Timothy Patterson in Broome Hall. Saturday, October 29 from 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Introduction to Spiritual Direction: Many people today want to grow in the spiritual life. Marjorie Donnelly will offer answers to your questions and help you explore if spiritual direction is your next step in drawing closer to God. Led by Marjorie Donnelly in Broome Hall. Saturday, November 5 from 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Within the Circle: Mandalic Forms Across Cultures: This workshop is a guided exploration using shape, color and light to create our own patterns inspired by the graceful forms before us. Please join us for a morning of gathered creative energy, applied to the heart-opening process of creating within the circle. Led by Vicki Longhofer. Meet in Broome Hall. Saturday, November 12 from 9:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
Introduction to Walking Meditation Using the Labyrinth: If you have been curious about the labyrinth as a spiritual tool, this workshop will provide you with gentle instruction and support for beginning your labyrinth journey of transformation. Led by The Labyrinth Keepers. Meet in Broome Hall. Saturday, November 19 from 10 a.m.–12 p.m.