Sunday Forum 2024-25
Our adult forum meets during the 9:00 Christian Formation hour on Sunday mornings, between the 8:00 and 10:15 services. It's sometimes led by Pastor Stephen and sometimes by other guest leaders. Join us for this regular opportunity to grow in faith together.
Here's our Sunday Forum schedule for 2024-25. The schedule may change, but if so, the most current schedule will always be posted here.
September 15, 2024: Season of Creation, Season of Courage. Come learn about the special Season of Creation our parish is observing for the first time this fall and how Christians of many denominations have come together to celebrate it. Also, learn about the Season of Courage exhibit in our quadrangle, a special joint project of our diocesan Environmental and Intercultural Ministries Commissions. Led by Stephen Shaver and Miriam Casey.
September 22: Beyond Genesis: Ecology in Dialogue with Scripture. What does scripture have to say about ecology? We will dip into the variety of scripture passages which give an account of God’s creating, and consider a few approaches to scripture used by people concerned about the health of our planet. Led by Phina Borgeson.
September 29: Opportunities for Courage and Advocacy. We all want to put our faith into action, but what does that look like for each of us? We'll explore some real-life examples of faith-formed advocacy and share ideas for opportunities to get involved in our own contexts. Led by Bob Wohlsen and Miriam Casey.
October 6: People and Climate: What We Can Do. One of the most pressing issues for our world today is the global climate crisis. But it can be hard to know how to make a difference as individuals and collectively. Our Green Team has some resources and next steps. Led by Robert Aguero and Cathy Wolf.
October 13: General Convention and You! The 81st General Convention of the Episcopal Church was this past June in Louisville, Kentucky. Ever wonder what effect the resolutions passed at General Convention have on your day-to-day life at Incarnation? Join us to learn more about why The Episcopal Church has a triennial General Convention and how it impacts us. Led by Amy Nykamp and Miriam Casey, who served as deputies to the 81st General Convention this past summer.
October 20: What is Spiritual Direction? Many people find spiritual direction a valuable resource in their life of faith. A spiritual director is not a therapist nor a pastor but a trusted guide and companion in listening for God in one's life. Deacon Paul Mallatt, a certified spiritual director, and Mindy Braun, director of the Journey Center, will share about what spiritual direction is and how it can work for groups and individuals.
October 27: Spooks and Saints: The All Saints' Triduum. Halloween is more than candy and costumes (though those are fun too)! The three days of All Hallows' Eve, All Saints' Day, and All Souls' Day bring us close to those who have gone before us in the communion of saints. Stephen Shaver will lead this conversation on how these holy days connect with our lives.
November 3: Faith in an Election Season, Part 1. Our Presiding Bishop Michael Curry suggests we vote on the basis of what looks like love of neighbor. How do we figure out what that means in this election, nationally, statewide, and locally? We’ll talk about issues and ideas rather than candidates. ALL are welcome! We want to listen to and support each other. Ellen Wondra will lead this two-part series on the two Sundays before and after Election Day.
November 10: Faith in an Election Season, Part 2. Now that the election is over (more or less), what do we
need to think about? What looks like love of neighbor now? ALL are welcome! We want to listen to and support one another. Led by Ellen Wondra.
November 17: Practices of Prayer, Part 1. "Prayer is responding to God, by thought and by deeds, with or without words," as our Catechism in the Prayer Book puts it. Prayer can be verbal or nonverbal, scripted or impromptu. It can use sacred objects like icons, beads, bells, or incense, or it can be as simple as sitting in silence or walking in the woods. In this two-part series, Bill Glenn will help us explore various prayer practices that can enrich our lives with God.
November 24: Practices of Prayer, Part 2.
December 1: Images of Advent. Advent is a season of preparation for Christmas--but there's also so much more to it than that. Stephen Shaver will lead this session in which we'll dive into the many images and meanings of this season of expectation, awe, and joy.
December 8: Stump the Theologian. Theology, St. Anselm said, is "faith seeking understanding." Let's seek understanding! Ellen Wondra is not only one of our fabulous Priest Associates but also Professor Emerita of Theology and Ethics at Bexley Seabury Theological Seminary and author of several books and many journal articles. Bring your questions on faith and theology, no matter how simple or complex, and we'll dive in together.
December 15: Deep Incarnation. For many centuries Western Christianity has emphasized the meaning of the incarnation for human redemption, including individual salvation. But what does the coming of God in Christ mean for all creation? Led by Phina Borgeson.
December 22, December 29, and January 5: No Sunday Forum (Christmas Break)
Schedule for Spring 2025 coming soon!
