Intentional Faith Practices Week 3 Day 2

I am wondering if any of you can identify with the woman who attends a bible study, realizes that the questions she has are not that different from the questions other people are asking. By gathering is this community of learning she can engage her faith and grow more deeply.

I remember as a teenager there was a couple at our church and they offered to have a bible study for the "young people" meaning the teenagers. I went because it was offered and don't remember much about it although there was something sustaining about it. As I got older I found the weekly bible studies during the summer while I worked at Camp Wightman were more meaningful. I felt I was desiring "something" more, guess it was some kind of "spiritual" hunger.... study seemed to feed me. Today my bible study tends to be in my office in preparation for Sunday morning rather than in a group gathered for spiritual nurture and growth. Perhaps something I can consider...

Consider the questions for the day: What is one learning experience in your faith life that has changed how you live in a significant way? How did you learn it? Have you shared it with others?

Just some food for thought!

Blessings,
Rev P

Intentional Faith Practices Week 3 Day 1

Last week I had the opportunity to engage in our "Chicken Soup for the Soul" Lenten series. I wasn't able to make it for the soup but after both kids were safe at home I walked over for the "Soul" part. It was a small yet mighty group gathered, under the faithful guidance of Gwen Lang, a wonderful experience was had by all. The topic and the stories revolved around the issue of obstacles in our life, how we deal with them, and ultimately how we grow with them.

At NCC the kids have an easy time entering the world of intentional faith practices. Sunday School for the younger kiddos is fun and engaging. Confirmation and Youth Group seems to capture the enthusiasm of our teenage members. The area where we might be more intentional are the programs for adults. But that has always been an issue. Adults lives are filled with obstacles that get in the way of their having time, making time, setting as a priority faith learning just for them. The Faith Formation team is working well and developing a plan which includes a variety of forms of programs that might fit a variety of needs. This is wonderful! Thanks Gwen and other team members. We need to support their efforts and take seriously for ourselves the ways we engage in deepening our faith outside of Sunday morning.

Don't get me wrong, I think the churches first responsibility is for worship to be a growthful and transforming experience (see prior blogs)and then for folks to leave wanting more... I guess the question really is ... are people feeling they want more? what is the more they want? how might we as a church help meet that need?

Just thoughts for us to ponder...

The questions for Day 15 are good ones:Outside of worship, how do you deepen your understanding of the Christian Faith? How do you cultivate your relationship with Christ?

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Help me Lord to delight in learning your word so that like a tree planted by a stream of water, my life may bear fruit.

Blessings to you all,
Rev. P