Spiritual Formation
Book Studies
Monday evenings, 6:15–7:30pm
Read, then join us for a three-week book study. Copies of the books are available for pickup from the church office. Donations to offset the cost of the books are welcome, but not required.
It would be good to have you with us!
Waiting for the Last Bus: Reflections on Life and Death, by Richard Holloway
September 16, 23, 30, with a presentation about end-of-life matters Sunday, September 29, 12:00pm
Waiting for the Last Bus is a stirring plea to reacquaint ourselves with death. Now in his 80s, Richard Holloway looks back on a lifetime as a “doubting priest” and reflects on what it means to accept death in a world that seems devoted to denying its reality. Holloway writes as a humanist first, though his grounding in the Christian faith shines through. Short and accessibly written, this book offers us an opportunity to engage with life and death in new ways.
The spectrum of issues which Holloway addresses is virtually all-inclusive: the history of attitudes toward death, heaven and hell, aging, the fight for survival, the imperative of death, religion as the human response to existence, predestination, forgiveness, near-death experiences, reincarnation, Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, cryo-preservation, memory and remembrance, the death of a child, the meaning of the universe, obituaries, and grief. Facing and welcoming death gives us the chance to think about the meaning of our own life, indeed of life itself.
Neighborhood Church: Transforming Your Congregation into a Powerhouse for Mission, by Krin Van Tatenhove and Rob Mueller
October 21, 28, November 4
This is the book selection for 2019 made by the Co-Moderators of the 223rd General Assembly (2018). These selections for church-wide book study provide an opportunity for us to read, reflect, share, and listen.
The Mid-Kentucky Presbytery’s study of Neighborhood Church before their May presbytery assembly produced a very lively discussion. John Odom, Mid-Kentucky’s Presbyter for Community Life, tells us: “Neighborhood Church gave our congregations stories of hope and real-world examples from churches throughout the U.S. of what embodying the gospel with neighbors can look like. It emboldened congregational leaders to name and claim deep resources for ministry already present, and stirred them to dream of concrete ways that their congregations can become the embodiment of Christ with their communities.”
Women’s Interfaith Book Club
Acts of Faith: The Story of an American Muslim, the Struggle for the Soul of a Generation, by Eboo Patel
Starting Sunday, September 22, 2:30–4:00pm, then meeting 2nd Sundays of the month, at the IOST Library building, 147 Grand Avenue, Johnson City
Each month, this group will be reading a chapter of the book and then discussing it. Acts of Faith is a remarkable account of growing up Muslim in America and coming to believe in religious pluralism, from one of the most prominent faith leaders in the United States. Eboo Patel’s story is a hopeful and moving testament to the power and passion of young people — and of the world-changing potential of an interfaith youth movement.
Introductory Bible Study
Mondays, 12:00–1:00pm in the Library Lounge
We choose a specific book of the Bible and then do “deep reading” of that book, verse by verse, over the course of several weeks. We are reading to learn what we missed in Sunday school and what gets lost in preaching — to understand the Bible as the story of God’s people and their relationship to God and the world. We don’t always find answers, but we always learn from the text and from each other! You’re welcome to bring your own lunch. Come and see — it would be good to have you with us.
We are open to starting a second Bible study at another time. If you’re interested, let us know!
Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention
Tuesdays, 9:30–10:30am, starting September 3
Tuesday morning Tai Chi classes here at the church will resume on September 3. This free program is designed to not only be relaxing, but enjoyable, too! We use gentle Sun-style Tai Chi routines that are safe, easy to learn, and suitable for beginners.
Tai Chi is an art and an exercise from ancient China that was created based on the laws of nature and promotes health and relaxation. Evidence shows that the slow gentle movements of Tai Chi can help those with arthritis increase their strength, flexibility and stamina, reducing pain and improving balance to prevent falls.
This program was developed in collaboration with the Arthritis Foundation and is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Instructor Cindy Burger is certified by the Tai Chi for Health Institute. taichiforhealthinstitute.org
Coming this Winter and Spring
Book Studies
Monday evenings, 6:15–7:30pm
January 20–February 3 — Holy Envy: Finding God in the Faith of Others, by Barbara Brown Taylor
March 16–30 — Entering the Passion of Jesus: A Beginner’s Guide to Holy Week, by Amy-Jill Levine
April 20–May 4 — Falter: Has the Human Game Begun to Play Itself Out? by Bill McKibben
Visit our website for more about our upcoming book studies.
Film Discussions
Sundays in March, 12:00–2:30pm
Join us during the season of Lent for fellowship and conversation around an assortment of interesting topics. After worship we will gather for a light lunch, then we’ll watch a movie and engage in some lively discussion.
Visit our website for more about our upcoming film discussions.
Passage Meditation
Sundays, May 10–31, 12:00pm, guided by Judy Westcott
“Be still and know….” —Psalm 46:10
Church services with inspiring sermons, music, and community prayer. Committee work, programs including book discussion groups, movies with discussion, going to stage productions which inspire and educate, community action: Community Meal, Care and Share, Christmas projects, and more…
All of these parts of our life as a congregation involve thinking, problem-solving, reasoning, interaction with others.
So what does “Be still” mean to you?
This spring, we will explore the practice of Meditation. There are many forms of meditation, but the basic premise is to still the mind. In that stillness one can hear one’s inner voice. That inner voice is God, Love, Divine Self.
Eknath Easwaren offers one definition: “Teaching attention to flow without a break toward a single inspirational focus within the mind until finally the mind becomes completely absorbed and all distracting thoughts disappear.”
More details of this exploration will be forthcoming.