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.
Who is via media intended for?
via media is for anyone wrestling with everyday questions about the Christian faith, or for anyone who has ever wondered about what goes on in the Episcopal Church.
Why should I do via media?
This program is our way of saying: you don’t have to wrestle with your faith questions alone. As we often say: Asking questions of faith doesn’t have to be a game of solitaire.
Is there a cost to via media?
No: via media is a free gift to you from Grace Memorial.
I’m a single parent. What do I do with my kids?
On-site childcare is always offered during via media sessions, at no cost to you.
Do I have to join the church if I come to via media?
via media is a no-strings-attached opportunity. We hope you will learn enough about the Episcopal Church to make an informed decision about whether it might be the right faith community for you. If you choose to join the church, we can help you. If you discover another tradition that is right for you, you will have our blessing.
When does the next via media start?
The next series starts on January 23, 2005, and runs for eight weeks.
What recent participants had to say about via media:
“The conversation and fellowship is liberating because you see that others have some of the same reservations that you have and that allows you to be honest about where you are in your faith.”
“This is a wonderful opportunity! I’m very happy to be exploring our/my faith with this group of people. Thank you!”
“Where there is similarity in what we understand of God and how we approach our lives in God, there are also wide differences in what we believe and how we see God in our lives.”
“via media has been, and continues to be an excellent process of learning about Jesus and Christianity.”
“The conversation and fellowship is liberating because you see that others have some of the same reservations that you have and that allows you to be honest about where you are in your faith.”
“via media is wonderful and restores faith.”