Adult Formation

Sunday Morning Classes

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, September 12, 2010 at 10:15 a.m. in the Haywood Duke Room. Class facilitators will present information on the courses being offered in the upcoming Green and Advent terms.

Green Term (September 26–October 31, 2010)

Living the Questions: This DVD-based series features some of the premier voices of progressive Christian thinking today, such as Marcus Borg, John Dominic Crossan, Tex Sample, John Spong and Emilie Townes. Each 20-minute segment includes conversations with leading voices of faith, sermon and lecture clips, stories illustrating aspects of an evolving faith, and concrete spiritual practices. This series includes sessions on Biblical authority, thinking theologically, stories of creation, and lives of Jesus. Led by the Rev. Tim Patterson and others in Broome Hall.

Gospel Café: A 30-minute study and discussion of the Gospel reading for the day in a casual, conversational café atmosphere. Led by the Rev. Virginia Herring and others in the Café.

Modern Europe: Europe’s impact on the world in the modern period has been profound, and Europe today, in this era of global interdependence, remains a vitally important region. This course will examine the issues and debates raised in modern European history since about 1750, including the French Revolution, the Industrial Revolution, the rise of communism and fascism in the 20th century, and the movement toward the integration of Europe in the post-World War II period. Led by Dr. Jeff Jones, professor of history at UNCG, in the Haywood Duke Room.

The Web of Life: Where Do We Belong? Our world and its inhabitants are all connected. This class, sponsored by our Environmental Stewardship Commission, will explore the personal, global, economic and everyday issues that emerge from the “web of life.” The format will include personal testimony from parishioners, as well as presentations by local experts in the various areas of sustainability. Shared leadership in Roe Library.

 

Advent Term (November 7–December 19, 2010)

Living the Questions: This DVD-based series features some of the premier voices of progressive Christian thinking today, such as Marcus Borg, John Dominic Crossan, Tex Sample, John Spong and Emilie Townes. Each 20-minute segment includes conversations with leading voices of faith, sermon and lecture clips, stories illustrating aspects of an evolving faith, and concrete spiritual practices. This series includes sessions on Biblical authority, thinking theologically, stories of creation, and lives of Jesus. Led by the Rev. Tim Patterson and others in Broome Hall.

Islam: Religion of Violence or Peace? This course will examine the history of Islam from a somewhat difference perspective, including a focus on the voices of moderation from ancient times until today. The course will begin with the origins of Islam and the role of the Prophet Muhammad from an historical perspective, then look at the division between the Sunni and Shiite branches of Islam before eventually turning to Islam in today’s world, with an emphasis on the little-heard moderate voices therein. Led by Dr. Jeff Jones, professor of history at UNCG, in the Haywood Duke Room.

Inquirer’s Class: Designed for newcomers to the Episcopal Church as well as those seeking a “refresher course,” this class will provide an overview of the history, theology, worship and practice of the Episcopal Church. This course is part of the preparation for adults seeking Confirmation or Reception into the Episcopal Church. Led by the Rev. Virginia Herring in Roe Library.

Gospel Café: A 30-minute study and discussion of the Gospel reading for the day in a casual, conversational café atmosphere. Led by Patti Gilbert, Mark Lile-King, and Phyllis Lile-King in the Café.  

 

Adult Wisdom Circles

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.

Wisdom circles will meet weekly throughout Lent at various times of day and on different days of the week, and you can choose the meeting time most convenient for you. A roster of dates, times and leaders for each group will be published in September.

Contact Tim Patterson at or 272-6149 ext. 228.

Wisdom circles meet various days and times, beginning the week of September 27 through the week of November 15, 2010.

 

Wednesday Night Offerings for Adults

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. for $7 per person with a $25 family cap. Children under 5 eat 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 15–December 15, 2010.

Ordinary People, Ordinary Faith: Conversations about spirituality abound today. Yet when we suspect that the Holy Spirit is working in us, personally, we are reluctant to share. We are uncomfortable or unaccustomed to speaking in spiritual languages, even though at Pentecost, God sent us out into the world to do just that. This class is an opportunity to share our ordinary, everyday stories of God working in our lives in a comfortable and non-threatening way. Led by Cindy Peck and Barbara Metz. From 6:30–7:30 p.m. in the Lineweaver Room, September 15–December 15, 2010.

 

Spiritual Practice Teaching Series

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.

Drawing the Mandala: A guided exploration using shape, color, and light to produce a personal mandala. Participants will view circular designs from diverse cultures, consider color and shape symbolism, engage in visualization, and apply their creative energy to this heart-opening process. Led by Vicki Longhofer in Broome Hall. Saturday, September 25, 2010 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 Marjorie Donnelly. Meet in Broome Hall. Thursday, September 30, 2010 from 6:30—8:30 p.m. or Saturday, October 9, 2010 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 the Rev. Timothy Patterson in Broome Hall. Saturday, October 2, 2010 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 the Rev. Timothy Patterson and Dee Irwin, Ph.D. in Broome Hall. Saturday, October 16, 2010 from 9 a.m.–4 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 23, 2010 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 in Broome Hall. Saturday, October 30, 2010 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 6, 2010 from 10 a.m.–12 p.m.

Introduction to Compassionate Communication: A brief introduction to the principals and practice of Non-Violent Communication, otherwise known as compassionate communication. Led by Amelia Poole in Broome Hall. Saturday, November 20, 2010 from 10 a.m.–12 p.m.