Monday Evenings: Meditative Prayer
Meditative prayer is a term that describes various ways to come to God other than with prayers of intercession. These are ancient forms that most Christians are not even aware of but which can deepen and expand our experience of God’s presence and conversation in our lives. We will offer a nine week course following the book “Meditative Prayer” by Richard Peace. Books will be available for purchase on the first night of the course ($10). This is a class for beginners- no prior groups or studies or even experience in prayer is necessary. We will hold the classes on Monday evenings in the St. Andrew’s Chapel from 7:00-8:30pm. All welcome but we request that you register through the Office. Minimum 8, Maximum 12 members. We will cover the following topics: Introduction to Meditative Prayer (Jan 9), Centering Prayer (Jan 16), Prayer of Blessing (Jan 23), Prayer of Worship (Jan 30), Prayer of Examen (Feb 6), Written Prayers (Feb 13), Prayer of Distress (Feb 20), Prayer Styles and Personality (Feb 27). Leader: Rev. John Paul Westin 567-7732 ext 225.
Tuesday Evenings: Faith Journey
Life is a journey with plenty of ups and downs and lots of challenges. A map and a compass are always helpful, but friends are even more important! During this course, we’ll be looking at how some authors old and new can help us grow in our walk with God, and in the process, renew some old friendships and make some new ones. The Course will have 3 parts: 1) Walking with John Bunyan: Pilgrim’s Progress, Part 1, beginning first Tuesday, in February, 7.30-9 (5 weeks) – Part 1 will focus on friendship; 2) Walking with St Benedict (5th Century) & Kathleen Norris, (Contemporary writer & novelist), April (5 weeks) – Part 2 will look at how prayer orders the times and seasons and and makes life holy. Reading: selections from The Rule of St. Benedict and Dakota: Spiritual Geography.; 3) Walking with John Bunyan: Pilgrim’s Progress, Part 2, Fall TBA, (5 weeks) – this section will focus on life in community: how we become mature in the Body of Christ. Register with Crystal @ the office for Pt 1 February 7. Maximum number 15. Leader: Rev. Peter Young (685-0832)
Wednesday Mornings: Disciples of Jesus
Beginning January 11 and continuing on Wednesdays 11am-12:15pm in the Canon Howitt Room we will be looking at and practicing some of the spiritual disciplines that help followers of Jesus to have a conversational relationship with Him, regardless of the work or stage of life they find themselves in. We continue to use the book “Spiritual Disciplines Companion” by Jan Johnson to focus our reading and prayer through the Scriptures). You can purchase the book online or we can provide handouts when you come. All welcome, newcomers included! Leader: Rev. John Paul Westin 567-7732 ext 225.
Wednesday Evenings: Reading (in public) with Understanding
When you are reading the Bible by yourself how often do you read aloud? Have you noticed that it can actually enable you to understand the text better? Not only that, it can also help you communicate that understanding to others when you are invited to read the scriptures publically in a small group or in Church. The course is scheduled for the first two Wednesdays in February (Feb 1st & 8th), 7:30-9pm, in the Library. You’ll get more and understanding and have some fun reading. Register with Crystal @ the office. Maximum number 10. Leader: Rev. Peter Young (685-0832)
Thursday Evenings Contemplative Prayer
A simple approach to the Living Word of God that combines audible reading of Scripture, listening prayer and silence using an ancient Christian approach called Lectio Divina = Holy reading, to help us deepen our awareness of God in every part of our life. We meet on the 1st and 3rd Thursday evenings from 7.30-9.30 pm @ 157 Elizabeth Ave. The readings are normally the appointed Gospel for the coming Sunday. This exercise in prayer could be a useful complement to your Bible Study and/or adding spiritual depth to your Christian walk. Leader: Rev. Peter Young.
Sunday Evenings: Young Group
For those in the 20-30 something age group. We meet bi-weekly for study, discussion and prayer at 32 Carpasian Road. We have been using the book “Spiritual Disciplines Companion” by Jan Johnson to focus our reading and prayer through the Scriptures. Leader: Carolyn Westin 739-0444.