Adult Faith Formation
From our first breath to our last, each of us are forever growing, maturing, developing, and changing in so many ways. The path of human development unfolds with each and every new day. Spiritual development is also a life long process, as each of us slowly matures a vibrant spiritual life of faith that shapes all we are and all we do. Throughout the year, we offer many opportunities for you to grow, mature, develop and change. Here is a snapshot of ongoing opportunities that will enrich your life of faith.
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Sunday Mornings
This year we will host a number of forums that help us engage in both a critical and imaginative engagement with our faith tradition and the unfolding ways in which we all find a spiritual voice in the world.
| Sept - Nov |
Finding a Voice: Each week we welcome a new guest to reflect on what it means to find ones spiritual voice in the world.
11/6 - Making the connection between money and meaning
11/20 - Living faith values within the complicated world of Environmental Protection
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December 4 -
December 18 |
How did the early church frame the birth of Jesus in a way the would create the biggest splash? A close look at the birth narratives and the story they tell about the life and teachings of Jesus. We will be guided by three books:
The Manger is Empty by Walter Wengerin
The Liberation of Christmas by Richard Horsley
The First Christmas by Marcus Borg and J. D. Crossan (Recommended Reading)
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January 8 -
February 12 |
The whole church will be reading Velvet Elvis (Repainting the Christian Faith) by Rob Bell. We will spend our time on Sunday mornings reviewing the assigned chapters and exploring how Rob's perspective might shape our individual and collective future.
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February 26 -
March 25 |
Jungian Perspectives: This 5 week session will examine the deep seated Jungian Archetypes that linger within the gospel story and provide a hero's journey for each of us to take.
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April 15 -
May 6 |
Community Justice: Each week you will hear from an organization that is striving to change the world for the better. |
All Adults
How do you put your own spin on a 4000 year old religious tradition? Rob Bell, in his book Velvet Elvis, provides some insights into why this is so important and how we might frame the work. Iin January, we will use the seven chapters of this book both in our preaching series and in adult faith formation classes at 9:45 each Sunday.
Books are on sale in the Lounge for $15.00 each. Grab your copy and let's journey together into the creative work of shaping a faith that works, a faith that allows you to bring all that you are to the adventure.
Schedule
Jan. 8 Jump on Faith – Do I experience the energy that surges within my faith tradition?
Jan. 15 Yoke into Life – Does my life find shape within the world of the Bible?
Jan. 22 What’s True for You – Does my sense of reality find footing in the life of Jesus?
Jan. 29 Tassels on every Corner – Can I say with confidence that my life is whole?
Feb. 5 Breathing Dust – Do I breathe the wisdom of Jesus teachings?
Feb. 12 New Identity – Can I point to places of transformation in my life?
Feb. 19 Good Land – Does my place in the life of faith do any good?
"Faith & Film” nights are an opportunity to gather as a community to discuss different elements of faith and spirituality within the context of current films.
All who are interested are invited to watch the movie before the meeting and come prepared to discuss the images and metaphors used to explore life's deepest sentiments. All are invited to bring a favorite dessert to share. If you have any questions please contact Pastor Holly (283-3722 ext. 221).
Each week we gather for 20 - 30 minutes of silent meditation. No previous experience is needed. Join us any time. We meet Tuesday and Thursday at 9:00 am in the Sanctuary. For further information about our meditation groups, contact Pastor Dan (283-3722 ext. 223)
Throughout the year, we head off for a field trip designed to invigorate the soul. These one day trips connect us to lectures by leading theologians and biblical scholars such as John Dominic Crossan, Bishop Spong, and presenting professors affiliated with the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley. We also explore meditation retreats, journal retreats, social justice forums and more. Each field trip is posted in our newsletter and bulletins. For event information contact Pastor Dan (283-3722 ext. 223)
Simply bring a bottle of wine or non-alcoholic beverage and a plate of finger food to share. Here is what is up for this season. Contact Pastor Dan for questions (283-3722 ext. 223)
When Meaning and Money Join Hands
Saturday, November 5th 7:00 - 9:00
We are delighted to welcome Terry Provance, the executive director of Oiko Credit USA. Terry will present Oikocredit’s model of economic empowerment for the world’s poor through socially responsible investing. Terry has spent his entire career working for social justice and advocating for the world's poor. Provance’s presentation will include personal stories from the beneficiaries of Oikocredit’s investments and a discussion of social impact investing as a means to fight poverty Bring a bottle of wine and/or small plate of finger food to share. See
http://oikocreditusa.org/ for further information about opportunities to invest.
Women's Groups
Joy is a lectionary-based weekly gathering of women of all ages for prayer, singing, pastor-led lecture, and small group discussion. We meet on Thursdays from 9:00-11:00 am in the Chapel. Contact the church office for meeting days (283-3722).
Each year, women join together for a weekend away. This has proved to be both enriching and deeply grounding weekend for all who have attended. This year the retreat will take place March 4th - 6th. Click here for registration information.
Contact Pastor Holly for more details. holly@oslc.net
Retreats
There are times in your life you are overwhelmed, unsure, or that things are going too fast. A retreat can bring you back to center, clearing your mind, so God's spirit can speak, and renew and refresh. A retreat is also a means of meeting other people like you. Our annual retreat has great surroundings, an awesome speaker, time for old and new friends, excellent food and accommodations, space for rest and recreation, and programming for all ages. Get ready for our next Retreat in 2012 at Mt. Hermon.
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