SPIRITUAL FORMATION

 

What is Christian spiritual formation?

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The process by which we become people whose whole being is transformed to be like Christ, naturally doing life like Jesus would if he were living our lives.  It is the vision, intention and means by which our whole being is transformed into the ‘new creation’.  It is learning and practices by which Christ’s character is established in the core of our being.

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Spiritual Formation in Christ transforms every aspect of our will (impulsive, reflective & embodied) so that what comes out is automatically Christlike in word & action.  Christian SF is the process through which our embodied/reflective will takes on the character of Christ’s will.  (Galatians 4:19)

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Our vision is ‘Blessing the island since 1860’ – how?  By becoming a community of people who embody the transforming work of the Trinity, impacting our local and global community with beauty, goodness, justice, grace and love as seen in Jesus.

 

Due to COVID-19, Spring & Summer 2020 saw us transition to primarily online offerings.  We had 19 weeks of a Thursday afternoon chat about spiritual practices and walked through Trevor Hudson's Cycle of Grace book.  A book club was also completed, reading & discussing Dallas Willard's Renovation of the Heart.  

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Beginning Monday, September 14th, Sylvia hosts two 30-minute spiritual practice spaces.  

In these times, we will do a Lectio Divina (sacred reading) practice.  This practice helps us learn how to read Scripture for formation rather than information.  It is a slower, repeating three times, with spaces for some quiet reflection in between, way to read Scripture and listen to what God is saying to us.  

 

On Mondays, we will gather @ 4:30 pm and the same reading will be offered on Thursdays @ 9:30 am.  You are most welcome to join in one or both times as a way of practicing this long-held spiritual discipline of the global Christian church.

 

While our 'offerings' are still being done online via Zoom, in-person options are also available.  In-person spiritual direction, walks & talks, prayer art walks are still done, as safely as possible.  

 

If you would like to talk with Sylvia about spiritual formation, please consider this your invitation.