Lent at Holy Comforter

During Lent, we will offer 3 special Adult Faith Formation programs:

1. Book Discussion: “Wholehearted Faith” by Rachel Held Evans

A book for the doubter and the dreamer, the seeker and the sojourner, those who long for a sense of spiritual wholeness. Through theological reflection and personal recollection, Rachel wrestles with God’s grace and love in an imperfect world, looks unsparingly at what the Church is and does, and explores universal human questions about becoming and belonging.

Group Leader: The Rev. Jon Strand

March 6, 13, 20, 27, April 3 (Sundays) 11:00 a.m. to Noon (on Zoom)

This is a hybrid class—you can participate from home, or in the Church Office. No registration required. Questions? Please contact the Rev. Ann Gillespie.

Join on Zoom

Meeting ID: 989 8222 5684; Passcode: 4ZAaFi

2. Workshop: Being Present with Grief: A Journey of Awakening

Life is a confluence of joy and sorrow, ease and pain, and a whole range of experiences and emotions that may appear to be opposites or paradoxes. One of the ways to reflect on life is to explore our relationship with grief and loss. In five weekly sessions we will look at how grief has woven itself into our lives, at the big losses as well as the day to day colors of grief. How does knowing grief inform how we know and live life? Through poetry and journaling we can pause and listen deeply to our bodies, hearts, minds and each other, expanding our awareness of the fullness of life that includes grief.

Group Leader: Wendi Kaplan, MSW, CPT-M/S, LCSW, a psychotherapist specializing in relational and biblio/poetry therapies

March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 (Thursdays), 7:00 to 8.30 p.m. (on Zoom). Zoom link will be provided to those registered.

Registration Closed

3. Workshop: “Listening Hearts: Discerning Call in Community” (30th Anniversary Edition)

The book “Listening Hearts: Discerning Call in Community” has been an important resource for Holy Comforter for many years. The new edition provides time-tested universal principles of spiritual engagement, inviting quiet introspection to those seeking a closer relationship with God. The three sessions will emphasize listening respectfully to one another as we share questions and insights drawn from the reading: Who am I? What does God want for me? What am I called to be or to do at this time? The book can be purchased through Amazon or Church Publishing. (Be sure to order 30th Anniversary Edition!)

Group Leaders: Frances Sullinger, Mike Croghan

March 16, 23, 30 (Wednesdays), 7:00 to 8.30 p.m. (on Zoom). Zoom link will be provided to those registered.

Deadline to register is Friday, March 11.

Registration Closed

Lent Programs

Sunday 10:15-11:00 a.m.

Feasting on the Word Bible Study: We examine one of the Lectionary Readings with the help of a facilitator. Exploring the Bible before or after a service feeds the soul and enriches the worship experience.

Special Programs

Throughout the year, watch for special one-time programs geared towards current concerns and issues that affect our life together. Planned for this fall is a session with “Better Angels” facilitators on “Depolarizing Within.”

Adult Forum

We explore topics related to wellness and spirituality—ranging from Addiction and Recovery, to Spiritual Discernment, to Environmental Wellness, to Navigating the Holidays.

Small Groups

Small groups (8-12 people) meet regularly for book study, discussion, prayer and fellowship. Days of the week, times and locations vary. If you are interested in joining or starting a group, contact the Rev. Ann Gillespie.

Seasonal Offerings

We mark the seasons of Advent and Lent with special offerings on Sundays, and with half- and full-day quiet days. Stay tuned!

Episcopal 101

If you are interested in being received as a member of Holy Comforter (or being baptized or confirmed), this class is for you. Questions? Contact the Rev. Ann Gillespie.

What’s involved?

The program at CHC will include:

1. Nine 90 minute Zoom meetings (every other week) of dialogue and exercises based on documentary films and readings done at home between sessions (register by September 10).

2. A focus on the history of race and racism, racial equity, and the concept of “whiteness” in the U.S.

3. Exploration of how people of color have been harmed by racism, while white people have been hurt in other ways, creating a shared—if deeply unequal—brokenness. Is this program for me?

Is this program for me?

To help you decide if this program is for you, consider these points:

1. Participants are expected to commit to the full nine-week program, as this will be a personal journey that evolves through our class community. This is not a “drop in” program. When you register, you will be given a password so you can access articles and videos.

2. Assigned readings and documentaries for each class are to be completed on your own prior to each meeting. You will read an assortment of articles and a core book: Waking up White by Debby Irving.

3. The program emphasizes personal story-sharing and deepening relationships. Confidentiality and respectful listening are essential.

4. Sacred Ground was written primarily for use by white people, in the spirit of building a stronger foundation for whites to engage in ongoing interracial dialogue in other spaces. If you are a person of color, please contact us for more information about the curriculum to see if it speaks to you, even with its tilt toward a white audience.

When does the program take place?

Every other Monday, 7:00–8:30 p.m., beginning September 13.

Program dates: 9/13, 9/27, 10/11, 10/25, 11/8, 11/22, 12/6, 1/10/22, 1/24/22

Register Online

Becoming Beloved Community

If you have questions about Adult Faith Formation and/or any of our current offerings, please contact the Rev. Ann Gillespie.

Faith Formation for All Ages

Children

Nursery, 4 Years Old–6th Grade, Holy Comforter Episcopal Preschool and Kindergarten, VBS

Learn More

Youth

Middle School, High School, Confirmation

Learn More

Adults

Adult Faith Formation

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Lent at Holy Comforter