Adult Forum
On Sundays at 10 a.m., our parish gathers for discussion and teaching on topics that matter to us as Christians. Usually our talks are energetic and fulfilling, with lots of great ideas in the air. Come by for a good cup of coffee, stay for a great class and a rousing discussion! All classes meet in-person in the Parish Hall, ending in time for the 11 a.m. Mass. Contact Mother Nora Johnson if you have questions or would like to hear more.
The Forum in Lent: Approaching Silent Prayer
Have you long wanted to explore silent or contemplative prayer, but felt that you were uncertain about how to proceed? Do you have an established practice of contemplation and welcome the opportunity to talk to others on this path? Is silent prayer a fitful, stop-and-start experience for you? Do you enjoy it or dread it? Whatever your answers to the questions above, the Sunday Forum will be the place for you this Lent.
Our program during this season will be in two parts, and you are welcome to attend either or both as you are able, any week or every week.
Online silent prayer sessions will be offered every Thursday evening in Lent from 7:30-8 p.m. (February 22 and 29, March 7, 14, and 21). We will begin with a brief reading and discussion, and then sit together for a session of silent prayer with direction by Mother Johnson. You don't have to be good at sitting silently to join us. In fact, these sessions are designed to introduce you to the practice of sitting in the loving presence of God, prayerfully surrendering your own ideas and resting in God's silence. Please contact the Mother Johnson for information about how to log on and join in.
Sunday Forum sessions will explore contemplative or silent prayer in a more talkative way, with instruction and exercises to help you get started, and with the opportunity to ask questions and delve more deeply into conversation.
Sunday February 18: Prayer or Meditation?
Ideas about wellness and mindfulness have had a big impact on most of us, and the role of prayer and contemplation may have become confusing. We'll talk about what meditation might be, and how silent or contemplative prayer both is and is not the same thing. This session helps us get a beginning sense of what we are trying to do, and why.
Sunday, February 25: Annual Parish Meeting, no forum session.
Sunday, March 3: Follow the Breath?
What does it mean to stay present to the breath while we pray, or to "follow the breath?" This simple practice helps many of us to be aware of God's presence and at the same time to stay present to our own experience, both spiritual and physical. There are techniques and alternatives, and this session will help us to experiment with what works best for us.
Sunday, March 10: My Busy Mind
Have you imagined that you needed to be able to stop thinking in order to rest in God's silence? When you sit down to pray, do you find your mind paradoxically crowded with ideas and imaginings? That happens to everyone and it's fine! In this session we will work on learning how to take our focus off of our thoughts without tensing up or striving for perfection.
Sunday, March 17: Help for the Long Haul
This session will look at some resources online, in books, and in real life, that may help you to develop a more consistent practice of prayer. Christian prayer and meditation are everywhere once you start to look for them, and it's a wonderful experience to come across new teachings and new practices that can help you keep praying.
Sunday, March 24, Palm Sunday: Eucharistic Prayer and Meditation
As Holy Week begins, we will have some specific opportunities for silent prayer and contemplation, none more powerful that our prayer before the reserved Sacrament on Holy Thursday. This session will talk about the custom of praying before the Sacrament, and help you to prepare for Holy Thursday or any other opportunity to pray in the presence of the Eucharist.
Sunday March 31: Easter Sunday, no forum session