Adult Faith Formation Update 2020 Summer & Fall

Ongoing:

Our faith formation small groups continue to be a vital part of the Grace UMC community during this pandemic time. Whether meeting online, over the phone, or in the Grace parking lot (with masks and proper distance, of course), our small groups provide an opportunity for fellowship, communal prayer, and formation. Our ongoing book studies, film series, and conversation topics bring us together, address current events, and challenge us to grow as disciples of Christ.  For a list of our small groups and contact information, please visit our Adult Faith Formation page.

In addition to these regular small groups, Pastor Daniel is leading a lively book and film study of Walter Brueggemann’s new book “Materiality as Resistance: Five Elements for Moral Action in the Real World” (2020). Drawing upon the Genesis story of creation and the incarnation, Brueggemann challenges us to understand the material dimension of our lives through a Christian lens; our money, food, bodies, time, and places are deeply intertwined with how we love God and love our neighbor. About 40 members and friends of Grace UMC are participating in this weekly study that runs until Thursday, August 13.

Upcoming:

There are many exciting faith formation opportunities coming your way this fall!
 

• All-Church Faith Formation Hour Returns! (9:15 a.m. on Sundays September 6 & November 1)                                                                                                                         On Sunday, September 6, join friends and family of Grace UMC for an all-church faith formation hour live on Zoom. Pastor Daniel will lead an exploration of the Gospel of Matthew, which we will be reading and preaching from this summer and through September. The Zoom session will be recorded if you cannot join us live.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Then, on Sunday, November 1, Pastor Doug Bowden will offer an overview of Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s powerful book “The Cost of Discipleship.” What does it mean to be a disciple in the modern world today? This presentation will pave the way for an in-depth book study offered in January and February. If you would like to be part of this small group reading, please contact Pastor Doug Bowden (dbowden6@aol.com) for more information and to sign up. 

• Bible Study: Jesus in the Gospels (Thursdays, beginning September 3):                                                                                                                                                            We are very grateful to Pastor Doug Bowden and Sandy Bray, as they will each offer a Disciple Bible Study of “Jesus in the Gospels” by Leander Keck. Both classes will begin on Thursday, September 3, and run for 30 weeks. Doug's class will meet on Thursday mornings at 9:30 a.m., and Sandy's class will meet on Thursday evenings at 7 p.m. Both classes will likely meet on Zoom but have plans to meet in person if possible. All are welcome. Register Now! 

• Zoom Study: Building the Body of Christ (Mondays, September 10, 17, and 24)                                                                                                                                            Pastor Daniel will offer a three-part presentation on Zoom for members of the Aurora District of the Northern Illinois Conference on Mondays September 10, 17, and 24 at 7 p.m. This visual presentation will explore how Christians, past and present, use the arts to present powerful (and often subversive) visions of Christian community. Contact Pastor Daniel (daniel.cochran@peopleofgrace.org) to register or for more information.