Join a Small Group for Lent

Join us for the season of Lent as we journey in faith together with our partner churches Westminster Presbyterian and Pilgrim Congregational UCC.  The small groups below are open to any who would like to participate.  To register, please contact associate minister Brian Kirk at brianskirk@yahoo.com by Sunday March 6.

Mapping Your Spiritual Journey

It often helps to know where we have been in order to discover where we are going. What have been the milestones in your journey of faith?  Who have been the important friends and mentors you have met along the way? Where have you run with abandon or  stumbled and fallen?  Join us as we explore these questions through the art of collage.  Using blank journals, each session we will explore different aspects of the faith journery through artistic expression, scripture, story and prayer. This group is for the artist and non-artist alike.  Cost: $10 per participant for blank journal and supplies. Rev. Brian Kirk will lead this group on Wednesdays from 5:30-7pm.

The First Paul: Reclaiming the Radical Visionary Behind the Church's Conservative Icon

John Dominic Crossan and Marcus J. Borg—two of the world’s top-selling Christian scholars and the bestselling authors of The Last Week and The First Christmas—once again shake up the status quo by arguing that the message of the apostle Paul, considered by many to be the second most important figure in Christianity, has been domesticated by the church. Borg and Crossan turn the common perception of Paul on its head, revealing him as a radical follower of Jesus whose core message is still relevant today. Please note: participants are responsible for getting a copy of the book. Rev. Mark Miller and Rev. Tom Bentz will lead this study on Wednesdays 5:30-7pm

Body/Mind/Spirit

Chi Kung is one of the pillars of traditional Chinese medicine and is similar to the practice of Tai Chi.  Using gentle stretching exercises combined with breathing techniques, Chi Kung aims to balance energy throughout the body, promote health, as well as strengthen the body, mind and spirit. Almost anyone can perform these exercises and they can also modified for those needing to sit during the sessions. Resources will be provided after each session to help incorporate the exercises into daily practice. Cost: $20 for five sessions.  Valerie Rippey, experienced Tai Chi and Chi Kung teacher, will lead this class on Wednesdays from 6-7pm.

Hallelujah!

This Kerygma course is a Bible study designed to deepen our appreciation of both the words and music of Handel’s Messiah.    Through study and discussion we will explore our relationship and understanding of both the music and the scriptures as they are presented in this work.  There is no telling where the journey will lead! Join us for the adventure! Jill Shantz of Pilgrim UCC will lead this study on Wednesdays from 5:30-7pm.

Encountering God in the Ordinary: Senses and God

We say that God is everywhere yet we often miss opportunities to experience God in life because we simply fail to pay attention. During this time together we will pause to rethink, refocus, and seek to increase awareness of God in all aspects of our lives through our different senses.  Cost: $15 for the five sessions. Spiritual Directors Dr. Devoree Crist and Susan Ulmer will facilitate. This five week study will begin Thursday Mar 17 and run until April 14.  7:30pm - 9pm.

Lent for Kids

Weekly hands-on activities will be offered for children grade 4 and under to help them explore a variety of themes, symbols, and stories of Lent.  Please register no later than Sunday Feb. 6.  Parents will be invited to help provide meals for the children.  This group will meet Wednesday 5:30-7pm.