Spirituality Book Club
(participants can join in person or via Zoom)
Wednesdays, 6:30-8:00 p.m. or Thursdays, 9:30-11:00 a.m.
Facilitator: Kelly Lemens
Donation: Varies (See selection below)
This group provides encouragement and fellowship for anyone looking to delve deeper into different areas of Spirituality. Join other seekers in studying a faith topic using a variety of genres followed by reflection, discussion and prayer. For more information, contact Kelly Lemens: lemensk@aplacetobesc.org.
(participants can join in person or via Zoom)
Wednesdays, 6:30-8:00 p.m. or Thursdays, 9:30-11:00 a.m.
Facilitator: Kelly Lemens
Donation: Varies (See selection below)
This group provides encouragement and fellowship for anyone looking to delve deeper into different areas of Spirituality. Join other seekers in studying a faith topic using a variety of genres followed by reflection, discussion and prayer. For more information, contact Kelly Lemens: lemensk@aplacetobesc.org.
Wednesday book group:
An Altar in the World by Barbara Brown Taylor
Wednesdays beginning November 3
Suggested Donation: $20
With the honesty of Elizabeth Gilbert (Eat, Pray, Love) and the spiritual depth of Anne Lamott (Grace, Eventually), Barbara Brown Taylor shares how she learned to find God beyond the church walls by embracing the sacred as a natural part of everyday life. In An Altar in the World, Taylor shows us how to discover altars everywhere we go and in nearly everything we do as we learn to live with purpose, pay attention, slow down, and revere the world we live in.
Please register here.
An Altar in the World by Barbara Brown Taylor
Wednesdays beginning November 3
Suggested Donation: $20
With the honesty of Elizabeth Gilbert (Eat, Pray, Love) and the spiritual depth of Anne Lamott (Grace, Eventually), Barbara Brown Taylor shares how she learned to find God beyond the church walls by embracing the sacred as a natural part of everyday life. In An Altar in the World, Taylor shows us how to discover altars everywhere we go and in nearly everything we do as we learn to live with purpose, pay attention, slow down, and revere the world we live in.
Please register here.
Thursday book group:
The Importance of Being Foolish: How to Think Like Jesus by Brennan Manning
Thursday’s beginning November 4
Suggested Donation: $25
In the eyes of the world, Jesus was a fool. He did not abide by the rules of his day; the people he associated with were shunned by society; his Sermon on the Mount reads like a primer on being left behind, stepped on, and ignored. In order for us to truly be the people Jesus wants us to be, we too must learn to become "foolish."
Becoming a Christian is not a magical enterprise by which we are automatically transformed into better people. We must train to become who God intends us to be. In The Importance of Being Foolish, Manning explores what Christ's mind was truly focused on: finding the Father, compassion for others, a heart of forgiveness, and the work of the kingdom. By reorienting our lives according to the gospel we may appear to be fools in the eyes of the world, but Manning reveals that this is exactly what Jesus wants. Coming from the gentle yet compelling voice of Brennan Manning, The Importance of Being Foolish is a refreshing reminder of the radical call of Jesus and the transforming love of God.
Please register here.
The Importance of Being Foolish: How to Think Like Jesus by Brennan Manning
Thursday’s beginning November 4
Suggested Donation: $25
In the eyes of the world, Jesus was a fool. He did not abide by the rules of his day; the people he associated with were shunned by society; his Sermon on the Mount reads like a primer on being left behind, stepped on, and ignored. In order for us to truly be the people Jesus wants us to be, we too must learn to become "foolish."
Becoming a Christian is not a magical enterprise by which we are automatically transformed into better people. We must train to become who God intends us to be. In The Importance of Being Foolish, Manning explores what Christ's mind was truly focused on: finding the Father, compassion for others, a heart of forgiveness, and the work of the kingdom. By reorienting our lives according to the gospel we may appear to be fools in the eyes of the world, but Manning reveals that this is exactly what Jesus wants. Coming from the gentle yet compelling voice of Brennan Manning, The Importance of Being Foolish is a refreshing reminder of the radical call of Jesus and the transforming love of God.
Please register here.
Social Justice Book Series
Mondays, 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Facilitator: Kelly Lemens
Donation: Varies (see selections below)
Join others in reading, learning and discussion spanning a variety of social justice topics.
Our Fall/Winter Social Justice group will be meeting to view and discuss documentaries that focus on important issues. Details below.
Mondays, 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Facilitator: Kelly Lemens
Donation: Varies (see selections below)
Join others in reading, learning and discussion spanning a variety of social justice topics.
Our Fall/Winter Social Justice group will be meeting to view and discuss documentaries that focus on important issues. Details below.
Ice on Fire
Documentary Series
Mondays: November 1, 8 & 15
6:30 – 8:00 pm
Suggested Donation: $15
Ice on Fire is an eye-opening documentary that focuses on many never-before-seen solutions designed to slow down our escalating environmental crisis. Highlighting firsthand accounts of people at the forefront of the climate crisis, with insights from scientists, farmers, innovators and others, Ice on Fire displays cutting-edge research behind today’s climate science and the innovations aimed at reducing carbon in the atmosphere, which could pave the way for a reduction in the global temperature rise and a benefit to the planet’s life systems. Ice on Fire finds that while the risks and urgency may be higher than ever today, there are also greater opportunities for innovative solutions, offering a realistic but hopeful perspective on this key global issue. The film is divided into three segments. Each session begins with viewing a segment of the movie followed by discussion and reflection.
Please register here.
Documentary Series
Mondays: November 1, 8 & 15
6:30 – 8:00 pm
Suggested Donation: $15
Ice on Fire is an eye-opening documentary that focuses on many never-before-seen solutions designed to slow down our escalating environmental crisis. Highlighting firsthand accounts of people at the forefront of the climate crisis, with insights from scientists, farmers, innovators and others, Ice on Fire displays cutting-edge research behind today’s climate science and the innovations aimed at reducing carbon in the atmosphere, which could pave the way for a reduction in the global temperature rise and a benefit to the planet’s life systems. Ice on Fire finds that while the risks and urgency may be higher than ever today, there are also greater opportunities for innovative solutions, offering a realistic but hopeful perspective on this key global issue. The film is divided into three segments. Each session begins with viewing a segment of the movie followed by discussion and reflection.
Please register here.
Documenting Hate: Charlottesville
Documentary Series
Mondays: December 6 & 13
6:30 – 8:00 pm
Suggested Donation: $15
“Documenting Hate” is a two-part investigative series by ProPublica and PBS Frontline which reveals some of the most violent figures within America’s resurgent white supremacist movement. Part one, “Documenting Hate: Charlottesville,” investigated the white supremacists and neo-Nazis involved in the 2017 Charlottesville, Virginia, “Unite the Right” rally, and it revealed how ill-prepared law enforcement was to handle the influx of hate groups from across the nation. Join us as we divide the movie into two parts in order to provide time for reflection and discussion.
Please register here.
Documentary Series
Mondays: December 6 & 13
6:30 – 8:00 pm
Suggested Donation: $15
“Documenting Hate” is a two-part investigative series by ProPublica and PBS Frontline which reveals some of the most violent figures within America’s resurgent white supremacist movement. Part one, “Documenting Hate: Charlottesville,” investigated the white supremacists and neo-Nazis involved in the 2017 Charlottesville, Virginia, “Unite the Right” rally, and it revealed how ill-prepared law enforcement was to handle the influx of hate groups from across the nation. Join us as we divide the movie into two parts in order to provide time for reflection and discussion.
Please register here.
Meeting God in Motherhood: Opening Our Hearts to Moments of Grace
By Mary Ronan Williams
Mondays: 9/27, 10/4, 10/11, 10/18, 10/25, 11/1
6:30 – 7:30 pm
Facilitator: Jo Ann Decker
Suggested Donation: $15
Motherhood often is an all-consuming endeavor, one where we can lose a sense of who are. It’s easy to feel like wiping sticky cheeks, kissing bruised knees, and checking homework is the totality of our earthly existence. Yet in God’s eyes, there is and always will be more to us than our role as mothers. Is it possible to meet God in the day-to-day task of raising a family? Could motherhood possibly be the fertile field of God’s grace? Encountering God in mothering can be a transformative gift. Join us as we reflect on God’s presence in the thick of motherhood and explore the gift God offers in these moments of grace. Sessions include prayer, reflections and small group discussions.
Please register here.
By Mary Ronan Williams
Mondays: 9/27, 10/4, 10/11, 10/18, 10/25, 11/1
6:30 – 7:30 pm
Facilitator: Jo Ann Decker
Suggested Donation: $15
Motherhood often is an all-consuming endeavor, one where we can lose a sense of who are. It’s easy to feel like wiping sticky cheeks, kissing bruised knees, and checking homework is the totality of our earthly existence. Yet in God’s eyes, there is and always will be more to us than our role as mothers. Is it possible to meet God in the day-to-day task of raising a family? Could motherhood possibly be the fertile field of God’s grace? Encountering God in mothering can be a transformative gift. Join us as we reflect on God’s presence in the thick of motherhood and explore the gift God offers in these moments of grace. Sessions include prayer, reflections and small group discussions.
Please register here.
God of Love: A Guide to the Heart of Judaism, Christianity and Islam
by Mirabai Starr
Thursdays, 6:30 – 8:00 pm
6 weeks, beginning October 7
Facilitator: Craig Bergland
Suggested Donation: $25 (includes book)
God of Love is Starr’s passionate and personal exploration of the interconnected wisdom of the three Abrahamic faiths. She shares an overview of essential teachings, stories of saints and spiritual masters, prophetic calls for peace and justice, and deeply engaging narratives from her own spiritual experiences. Starr guides us to recognize the teachings and practices that unify rather than divide the three religions, and sheds light on the interspiritual perspective, which celebrates the Divine in all paths.
Please register here.
by Mirabai Starr
Thursdays, 6:30 – 8:00 pm
6 weeks, beginning October 7
Facilitator: Craig Bergland
Suggested Donation: $25 (includes book)
God of Love is Starr’s passionate and personal exploration of the interconnected wisdom of the three Abrahamic faiths. She shares an overview of essential teachings, stories of saints and spiritual masters, prophetic calls for peace and justice, and deeply engaging narratives from her own spiritual experiences. Starr guides us to recognize the teachings and practices that unify rather than divide the three religions, and sheds light on the interspiritual perspective, which celebrates the Divine in all paths.
Please register here.
We Make The Road By Walking Bible Study (via Zoom)
by Brian McLaren
1st Three Saturdays of each month, 9:00—10:00 am
Ongoing, Join anytime
Suggested Donation: $20, includes book
Our faith was never intended to be a destination; rather it is a path, a way out of old, destructive patterns into new and creative ones. We Make The Road By Walking book and Bible study offers a positive, practical, open, faithful, and fresh articulation of the Christian faith suitable for people in our dynamic times. Organized around the Liturgical calendar, the readings give an overview of the whole Bible and guide us through rich study, interactive learning, and personal growth. If you are seeking a fresh way to experience and practice your faith, in you’re a long-term Christian seeking new vitality or if you feel out of place in traditional church circles, this book will inspire and activate you in your spiritual journey. Join us!
Please register here.
by Brian McLaren
1st Three Saturdays of each month, 9:00—10:00 am
Ongoing, Join anytime
Suggested Donation: $20, includes book
Our faith was never intended to be a destination; rather it is a path, a way out of old, destructive patterns into new and creative ones. We Make The Road By Walking book and Bible study offers a positive, practical, open, faithful, and fresh articulation of the Christian faith suitable for people in our dynamic times. Organized around the Liturgical calendar, the readings give an overview of the whole Bible and guide us through rich study, interactive learning, and personal growth. If you are seeking a fresh way to experience and practice your faith, in you’re a long-term Christian seeking new vitality or if you feel out of place in traditional church circles, this book will inspire and activate you in your spiritual journey. Join us!
Please register here.
Bible Study: Paul’s Letters (via Zoom)
Paul’s 2nd Letter to the Corinthians
2nd & 4th Tuesdays, 6:30 – 8:00 pm
Beginning August 24th
Facilitator: Kelly Lemens
Suggested Donation: $25
Paul’s 2nd Letter to the Corinthians is the most personal of all his writings, and it reveals much about his character. Rich and varied in content, the letter reveals Paul’s deep reflections about his relationship with this community, his vision and sense of values about a faith community as well as how Jesus’ passion and resurrection are the pattern for his and all Christian life. Join us as we explore these and several other issues that have arisen in the Corinth Church and are still present in our Church today. The only supplies needed are a Bible.
Please register here.
Paul’s 2nd Letter to the Corinthians
2nd & 4th Tuesdays, 6:30 – 8:00 pm
Beginning August 24th
Facilitator: Kelly Lemens
Suggested Donation: $25
Paul’s 2nd Letter to the Corinthians is the most personal of all his writings, and it reveals much about his character. Rich and varied in content, the letter reveals Paul’s deep reflections about his relationship with this community, his vision and sense of values about a faith community as well as how Jesus’ passion and resurrection are the pattern for his and all Christian life. Join us as we explore these and several other issues that have arisen in the Corinth Church and are still present in our Church today. The only supplies needed are a Bible.
Please register here.
Parables: Stories with Intent (via Zoom)
Saturdays, 9:00 – 10:00 am
Beginning January 8, 2022
Facilitator: Kelly Lemens
Suggested Donation: $25, includes materials
Jesus understood the power of stories. He often used them to teach transformative lessons, convey deep spiritual truths, and confront and challenge his audience to open their hearts to the kingdom. These same stories are equally relevant today. Join us as we explore Jesus’ parables in their original context and discuss their meaning for us today.
Please register here.
Saturdays, 9:00 – 10:00 am
Beginning January 8, 2022
Facilitator: Kelly Lemens
Suggested Donation: $25, includes materials
Jesus understood the power of stories. He often used them to teach transformative lessons, convey deep spiritual truths, and confront and challenge his audience to open their hearts to the kingdom. These same stories are equally relevant today. Join us as we explore Jesus’ parables in their original context and discuss their meaning for us today.
Please register here.