Washing of the Feet, by John August Swanson

For Adults

10 O’Clock Hour Christian Formation for All (with a slightly early start!)

Starting at 9:45 am, people will be invited to gather in Margaret Jewett Hall for a time of fellowship and refreshment.  At around 9:55, a brief welcoming worship will kick off our morning from week to week and people will hear a quick run down of the options for Christian Formation programs.  These options will be divided into at least the following 3 categories:  Scripture, Tradition and Experience  (FYI:  These are 3 pillars of the Wesleyan Quadrilateral and of what John Wesley considered to lie at the foundation of all Christian theology. The 4th pillar is “reason,” of which First Church already has plenty!)

 

At 10 am, folks will choose one out of two or three of the following formation activities (though these activities may occasionally be combined):

 

I.                    Scripture:  Our Sunday morning adult Bible Study will continue to gather in the Tower Room. In the past, this group has attracted 5 to 20 adults for in-depth examinations of particular books of the Bible, often using materials provided by a curriculum called Kerygma. 

 

II.                 Tradition:  In the Hastings Room, groups will continue to explore various topics related to the Christian history and tradition, including ongoing explorations of Christian practices.  The topics would change every few weeks.  In the past, these series have included things like Christianity 101; The Practices of Sabbath Keeping, Hospitality, Discernment, or Stewardship; Jesus: the Center of our Faith; Early Church History, The History of the UCC and First Church. 

 

III.               Experience:  Think Children’s Worship & Arts for everyone!.  Think hands on, experiential learning. Think art projects like a community quilt, or murals, or other worship-related projects.  Think of a multigenerational pick-up choir  preparing a piece for morning worship.  Think of stuff that is fun but not too taxing for kids, families and grown-ups! Think of service projects, like making sandwiches for the Outdoor Church, First Church signs for a GBIO rally, health kits, or Shelter-related projects.  Projects would often revolve around the different liturgical seasons. All activities would have a component of learning ,of fellowship, and of hands-on fun.  Sarah Higginbotham will be the point person for these community wide activities which would take place in Margaret Jewett Hall.  The Experience component of our formation will include ideas and resources for First Church folks to develop richer faith practices in their homes.