Could you even imagine how intriguing and challenging it would have been to have Jesus himself look you in the eye and say, “Come, follow me!”? Yet, that exciting reality is happening still today: Jesus is calling you to follow him; to become one of his apprentices (a modern way to understand what a disciple is). What does it mean to follow Jesus? What does that look like? How does it take place? Together we will explore the path he asks of every follower: to BE with Jesus, to BECOME like him, and to DO as he says. Additionally, we will learn the spiritual practices Jesus lived by that we too can adopt. If this is a desire of your heart, join us every Wednesday evening from 6:15 to 7:45 in the Café at SHPC January 8 to February 26. The book we will be reading and discussing is called “Practicing the Way,” by John Mark Comer, which costs $15. Come at 6 pm for free dinner; donations are appreciated!

The next study for the Disciples Divers will be the book "The Meaning of Mary Magdalene" by Cynthia Bourgeault. This book is an invitation into the origins and wisdom of Christianity through the apostolic witness of Mary Magdalene. The book should change something in you as it invites you to deepen your capacity for love, through the witness of Jesus' beloved disciple. 

The study will start Monday, January 13, 2025 and run for 17 weeks. We meet in the adult annex every Monday morning from 10:30 until 12:00. We are called the Divers because we dive deep into each subject we take on. The book is available on Amazon. There is no study guide to purchase.

Class will meet in the Adult Portable on Sunday mornings. Participants will have an opportunity to go deeper into contemplative practices like silent meditation, chanting and Lectio Divina.

The series will also include an introduction to the Christian Wisdom tradition, as articulated by Cynthia Bourgeault in her book “The Wisdom Way of Knowing.” Using Lectio Divina, we will read excerpts from her book. Together we will explore how we can reclaim an ancient tradition to awaken the heart.

• The contemplative path itself is experiential – it’s less about dogma and belief systems and more about your relationship with God, and how that relationship changes us and changes the world. In this class there is no teaching. We’ll be praying, chanting, moving and reading together.
• The Christian Wisdom tradition is not about knowing more but knowing with more of yourself. It offers tools for inner transformation – like intention, attention and learning to find your center in the midst of life.
• In short, we become present. And in that state, we are able to bear the fruits of the spirit, in our own lives and on behalf of the planet.

The Mary Martha Circle (MMC) is a group of loving and caring women who meet for fellowship and study a Christ-centered lesson monthly, September to May. This year we will be focused on rediscovering joy through the book UnDistracted by Bob Goff.  
Our name reflects our sisterhood with an emphasis on our faith and our good works, like sisters in the Bible, Mary and Martha.  We support several church sponsored missions.  We would love for you to join us! For more information, please contact Susan Wetmore or Patti Riggs.

The Association of Retired Christian Men (ARCM) meets in-person every Thursday morning at 10:00AM in the church library and via Zoom. They are currently studying the Book of Acts.