All of our Adult Formation offerings provide opportunities for spiritual growth, healing, and transformation. We draw from the riches of the Christian tradition to find resources that will be relevant to everyday life. The following describes the usual times and days when these opportunities happen, but we also provide occasional opportunities on timely topics and current issues.
We invite you to click any of the class headings below to access the full class pages, where you can read notes from the clergy or guest speakers, and watch class episodes at your own pace.
Thrive Series
Regardless of life’s challenges, we believe God created us to thrive. But what does it mean? How is it different than surviving? How does it differ from success or happiness? And what are the practices that can help us to find the spiritual resources within ourselves to not only meet the challenges we face but to rebound and rebuild our lives…and emerge, more at peace, whole and healed, and more connected to the vibrant flow of life in God’s grace.
Click here for more information & watch past classes
“I Believe…” – Rediscovering The Creed
We say it each week, but what does it really mean? Where does it come from? Why do we say it? And perhaps most importantly, how does this ancient statement of the faith offer a radical vision for our lives today? In this 5-part series, we will explore The Apostles’ Creed, and ask ourselves: What do I believe?
Click here for more information & watch past classes
Renewing The Work Of Reconciliation: A Lenten Forum Series
What does reconciliation mean and what does it involve? In this Lenten forum series, we were joined by nationally recognized speakers and authors to discuss their beliefs around the meaning and work of reconciliation.
Click here for more information & watch past classes
Traditions Of Prayer: Communicating With God From Jewish And Christian Perspectives
Watch Father Bill, Rabbi Mark Miller, Cantor Rosalie Will, and our Theologian in Residence, The Rev. Dr. Michael Battle as they explored the roots of prayer in both the Jewish and Christian traditions, as well as how prayer has evolved today.
Click here for more information & watch past classes
A Language Of Healing For A Polarized Nation
In this bitterly divided era in American society and politics, may we who seek to be Jesus-followers live out our vocation as reconcilers and peacemakers with love and justice.
Click here for more information & to watch past classes
Advent Saints: Four Spiritual Excellences That Sustain Us
In each of the four weeks of Advent, the clergy along with Dr. Lauren Winner look at different Advent saints and inquire not only into their biographies, but how they embolden our spiritual lives.
Click here for more information & to watch past classes
Grace-Filled Political Conversations
This election season, we explored nine practices that, with God’s grace, can transform our political conversations into something that might actually bring us closer together, rather than drive us apart.
Click here for more information & watch past episodes
Sharing Stories That Shape Us: Parables & Midrash In Conversation
In our first-ever joint Interfaith Education program with Temple Beth El, we will be joined by Vanderbilt University Professor Amy-Jill Levine, who will unpack six parables that hold particular insight into the ways that Christians and Jews view sacred stories.
Click here for more information & watch past episodes
Practicing The 8 Pillars Of Joy
How do we cultivate a life of lasting “Joy” that isn’t dependent on temporary happiness or things going our way? We are practicing the 8 Pillars of Joy as outlined by Archbishop Desmond Tutu and His Holiness the Dalai Lama in their best-selling book, The Book of Joy .
Click here for more information & watch past episodes
Practicing Resurrection
Looking at key passages in the gospels and important works of art, these classes will help us see the Resurrection as an every day practice of making room for Christ’s victorious love in our lives.
Click here for more information & watch past episodes
God Finds Us
This five-part experience focuses on the spiritual exercise of St. Ignatius – ancient spiritual practices of prayer and reflection – that will enliven your faith and brighten the light of Christ that shines through you.
Click here for more information & watch past episodes