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Spiritual Formation

The Bible Workbench

The Rev. Esme Culver leads this scripture discussion every Sunday at 9:00 AM

A workbench sounds like a lot of careful consideration and building is going on and this in-depth study of the weekly lectionary is no exception. Yet even when we are expert at the “bench” we learn something new every time we approach the scripture – about the Word of God and about ourselves. Discussion is sacred, safe, serious, spirited and yet we are able to laugh at ourselves as we learn. Whether you are a “Bible Expert” or have never opened a page of the Bible before, if you want to go deeper into what you hear in church, you will be in the right company “at the bench!” Light refreshment and coffee/tea are served.

The Benedictine Way

Following the way of Benedict, on the first and third Wednesday evenings of the month Grace parishioners come together for fellowship, study and discussion. All are welcome to join in at any time. There is no beginning or end to studying a rule of life – especially the Rule of Benedict which has been part of the human experience for over 1500 years!

The Benedictine Way begins with Evening Prayer beginning at 5:30 PM. Light supper is served at 6:00 – 6:30. Contributions to the meal are made by those attending on a rotation basis and, true to Benedictine custom, no matter how humble, our meal is always delicious and visitors are most welcome to join in the meal time conversation. This is a time for fellowship and sharing.

Following evening supper, and sometimes a short period of silence, we turn our attention to The Rule of Benedict in order to study a short section of the Rule with the aid of a “sage” book of commentary. Much spirited and Spirit-filled discussion ensues resulting in many moments of insight and self-reflection which we carry with us into the coming week. We end our evening with Compline.

Covenenent membership class

needlepoint cross This seminar is for all those who are interested in membership at Grace Memorial. The class offers an introduction to the Anglican tradition, the nature of parish life at Grace, and the meaning of Covenant Membership. For more information about the Covenant Class or about joining the church, contact the Rev. Stephen Schneider

Labrinth Guild

Members of the Labyrinth Guild arrange for special labyrinth events in the Parish Hall.

This walking prayer and meditation discipline is open to all.

Baptism, Confirmation and Reaffirmation

Baptisms are generally held on the great baptismal feasts of the Church calendar: The Great Vigil of Easter, Pentecost, the Feast of All Saints, and the Baptism of Jesus. Preparation for infant baptism is provided for parents and godparents by members of the clergy.

Preparation for adult baptism, confirmation, and reaffirmation of faith happens through the Catechumenate process that begins each year in late Epiphany.

For more information about the Catechumenate or about baptism, reaffirmation, or confirmation, contact the Rev. Stephen Schneider.

Retreats and Quite Days

Retreats and Quiet Days are offered on a regular basis. A fall Discernment Retreat is held each year around All Saints Day, and a Spring Women’s Retreat happens each March. We also offer an annual Lenten Quiet Day as well as special events related to faith formation, such as workshops on Celtic Spirituality, Healing, or Faith and Culture.

Information on upcoming events will be posted on this site and in the Parish Hall.

via media

What is via media?

Named for the Anglican ideal of the “middle way,” via media is a nationally acclaimed eight-week education series featuring prominent theologians discussing a variety of issues most of us struggle with: life, death, hope, faith, sin, and grace. In addition to short videos, via media includes time for open discussion and refreshments.

“Via Media and Christian Mindfulness” will allow participants to engage their whole brain, left and right, with our faith tradition. “Via Media” sessions will provide a structured and welcoming framework to engage with questions of faith in a participatory setting. “Christian Mindfulness” sessions will provide an opportunity for each person to engage with scripture in a focused, reflective and accessible manner. Those who are seekers, new or returning to the Episcopal tradition and have not previously taken the Via Media series would likely find this opportunity of most interest and benefit. Welcome! Please contact the Rev. Stephen Schneider, 503-287-0418 x101, for further information or questions.

Catechumenate

Participants in the catechumenate process prepare for baptism, confirmation, reaffirmation of faith or reception into the Episcopal Church by through deep engagement with scripture and prayer as a means of empowerment for ministry: the ultimate end of our baptismal vows.