Our path towards God offers a constant invitation to let God make us into a new creation. Being Christian goes beyond Sunday worship and involves exploration of ourselves, others and the world that we inhabit. Through formation we develop habits of living, study and prayer. When regularly and faithfully participating in these patterns, our faith begins to “inhabit” our being in ways that transform us, as well as shape our actions. We craft our program of Christian formation for spiritual growth at every age and for every situation, nurturing these dispositions in ways that allow us to continue deepening our lives in and with Christ.
Please contact the Rev. Brin Bon, Senior Associate for Liturgy and Formation or Beth Charrier, Formation Ministry Group Leader for more information.
Mom’s Bible Study gathers in person to support one another in the trials and joys of motherhood. We hold space to meet weekly and explore together mini-sabbaths and bite-size spiritual practices when there is seemingly never enough time in the day for ourselves. The group is comprised of moms of all ages, with a particular emphasis on those with small children at home. Nursery care is provided. New members are welcome to join us at any time. This group meets September–May.
With questions, contact Jessica Riels.
This Bible study is for any woman in transition—those new to being empty nesters, retirement, or any of the many other transitions in life. Together we read different books of the Bible, explore the books’ meaning at the time they were written and how the stories speak to our lives today. Some of us are new to Good Shepherd and others are long-time members, and we are glad to get to know each other and to have companions on the journey. New members are welcome to join us at any time. This group meets September–May. With questions, contact the Rev. Ryan Boettcher.
Contemplative prayer, a form of Christian meditation, aims to open practitioners to the presence of God who dwells with us always. The tone of this prayer is peace, stillness and quiet. Contemplative prayer seeks a personal encounter with God through silence and is powerful when practiced with others. This prayer group meets in person from September–May. New members are welcome to join at any time, regardless of previous experience in silent prayer or contemplative practices. With questions, contact D’Arcy Randall.
The Men’s Bible Study invites all men of the parish to join them on Tuesday nights from 6:30p–8:00p as they study the Bible together. Participants can bring any Bible translation they like. They also read commentaries and The Book of Common Prayer to enhance their understanding of the Bible, aiming for a balance between a close reading and discussion of the impact of scripture on our lives and our world. New members are welcome to join us at any time. With questions, contact Frank Pool.
All dads are invited to our newly forming Dad’s Bible Study from 7:00a–8:15a in the Windsor, vestry room. Come for coffee, breakfast, and—most importantly—the Bible and the bread of life, Jesus. This is a great opportunity to gather with other dads who are striving to be the best dads, partners, and people they can be. Together we’ll seek courage, strength, and wisdom from Scripture, our faith, and one another. With questions please contact the Rev. Jonathan McManus-Dail.
This weekly class meets from 9:30a–11:00a, and explores the question “How should I read the Bible?” by combining a careful reading of scripture with the tools of ancient and modern biblical scholarship, as well as biblical and theological interpretation. No prior knowledge is required, just faithful curiosity and a desire to learn. New members are welcome to join us at any time. This group meets September–May. With questions and to be added to the class email list, please contact the Rev. Brin Bon.
Women on the Journey meets in person and online for a time of spiritual connection, mutual support, study and prayer. Members find meaning and guidance for their own spiritual journeys and also become companions to one another on the journey of faith to which Christ beckons. New members are welcome to join us at any time. This group meets September–May. With questions, contact the Rev. Paige Alvarez Hanks.
Typically, we study a letter of St. Paul or a section of a book in the Bible centered on a theme or subject. The scripture passage is provided by the leader, who both teaches and encourages conversation with questions. We are a lively group and enjoy welcoming new participants. For more information, please contact the Rev. Mike Wyckoff.
Whether you are new to the Episcopal tradition or a longtime Episcopalian, our three-part The Episcopal Way classes are a great way to learn about our Anglican and Episcopal roots and traditions. Led by our Good Shepherd clergy, these classes will introduce Episcopal Church history, liturgy, and theology, The Book of Common Prayer, and what it means to be an Episcopal Christian. Childcare and lunch will be provided. For adults interested in Confirmation, this series will provide the basis for a further commitment. For more information, please contact the Rev. Brin Bon.
EfM is a small-group Christian formation program that explores scripture, theology, and church history while helping participants reflect on faith and daily life. This fall marks EfM’s 50th anniversary and offers two tracks: the classic four-year course and a new one-year “Wide Angle” option with lighter reading. For more information, please contact mentors Bill Davies or Mary Ann Frishman.
Alpha is a series of group conversations in 16 sessions over 11 weeks that explore the fundamentals of the Christian faith. Alpha participants meet weekly to eat together, watch a video on a faith topic, and then break into small groups for discussion. Over 30 million people worldwide have participated in the Alpha course. New members of Good Shepherd are especially invited, as well as anyone interested in exploring their faith in a safe and encouraging environment. This is a wonderful opportunity for Good Shepherd parishioners to invite a friend or family member to take a step in their faith journey. Contact Mark Warner for more information.