Adult Formation Groups
In addition to its formal programs of adult formation, St. Columba’s also has a variety of other groups for adult formation and spiritual growth. Click on the following links for more information:
Benedictine Cell
Branches Discernment
Centering Prayer
First Monday Prayer Group
Lenten Book Group
Listening for Call
Sunday Adult Bible Study
Thursday Morning Bible Study
Benedictine Cell
St. Benedict’s 5th-century Rule has been used by monastic communities for well over a thousand years. Despite the centuries that have elapsed between Benedict’s time and ours, it offers a surprisingly sturdy model for using the daily stuff of life—work, relationships with others, issues of authority and obedience—to grow closer to God. This group of parishioners meets twice a month to reflect and meditate on how they can use the Rule of St. Benedict to shape and inform their lives. They work with a brief passage from the Rule each week and with a guide, “The Rule of St. Benedict: Insights for the Ages,” by Joan Chittister, OSB, which is available at meetings. Newcomers are welcome.
Schedule: First and third Wednesday evenings from 6:30 to 7:30 pm
Contact: Dick Dowd (benedictinecell@columba.org)
Branches Discernment
This small gathering, sponsored by the Discernment Ministry, focuses on contemplative prayer, discernment principles and sharing in community.
Schedule: Fourth Tuesday of the month from 7:30 to 9 pm
Contact: Barbara Zangler (discernment@columba.org)
Centering Prayer
Centering Prayer is a contemporary method of Christian meditation whose origin dates back to the early centuries of the Christian Church. It is prayer without thoughts, words, images or feelings designed to open the mind and heart to a deeper relationship with God and to an awareness of the divine presence in daily life. Centering Prayer is not meant to replace other ways of praying; it merely augments our prayer repertoire. Instead of speaking to God with our thoughts, words and intentions, it teaches us to rest and listen to God in silence.
A Centering Prayer class is offered on Tuesday evening. That group begins with Lectio Divina (meditative Bible study) followed by centering prayer at 6:45 pm.
On Thursdays, a Centering Prayer class gathers at midday for readings, discussion, and periods of silent prayer, preceded also by Lectio Divina. This class is especially suited for those wanting to learn the method.
All who seek to deepen their relationship with God through prayer are welcome to join us on either Tuesday or Thursday in the St. Aidan’s chapel.
Schedule: Tuesday evenings from 6:30 to 7:30 pm; Thursdays from 1 to 2:15 pm
Contact: Anne Jarman (centeringprayer@columba.org)
First Monday Prayer Group
This group comes together once a month for deep listening for God’s voice and guidance in our daily lives. Group members share prayerful reflections on Bible stories of call and discernment. A new scripture reading is assigned for each month. Newcomers are always welcome. Contact Bill Jensen [link] for the upcoming scripture reading.
Schedule: First Monday of every month from 7:30 to 8:30 am
Contact: Bill Jensen [link]
Lenten Book Group
Sponsored by the Discernment Ministry, this small group uses discernment listening guidelines to discuss a book related to contemplative prayer.
Contact: Barbara Zangler (discernment@columba.org)
Listening For Call
Sponsored by the Discernment Ministry and led by Chris Schumann, this 8-week class explores our relationship with God as preparation for hearing the Spirit’s call to purpose and action in our lives.
Contact: Barbara Zangler (discernment@columba.org)
Sunday Adult Bible Study
This group meets each Sunday to discuss the assigned readings for the day as prescribed in the Revised Common Lectionary (RCL), which has been adopted by St. Columba’s and many other churches for use throughout the liturgical year. Our Bible study complements worship by providing an opportunity to explore the week’s RCL texts in more depth during the education hour. Looking at the readings in a group context offers a dynamic and provocative view of the scriptures. All are welcome. No preparation is necessary.
Regular Schedule: Sunday mornings from 10:20 to 11:05 am
Summer Schedule: Sunday mornings 9:30 to 10:10 am
Contact: Ken Valentine (sundaybiblestudy@columba.org)
Thursday Morning Bible Study
Meets weekly to study and discuss the upcoming Sunday lessons and gospel. This is a fun, provocative, experiential Bible study. Newcomers welcome. Light breakfast and good fellowship served each week.
Schedule: Thursday mornings from 7:30 to 8:30 am
Contact: Jon McBride (thursdaybiblestudy@columba.org)
Photo: Anne Stone
