Adult Faith Formation
We learn, grow, and walk in the way of Christ.
Adult Faith Formation is offered in a myriad of ways and days, times, and seasons. We invite and support questioning, exploration, and wrestling with faith. Through a rich variety of programs for all stages of Christian development, we nurture and practice our core beliefs and are encouraged to live into our Baptismal promises. The Adult Faith Formation team meets 5-6 times a year to pray and plan upcoming offerings.
Weeknights on Zoom
Conversations On Faith
Tuesdays, February 24 and March 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31 at 7:00 p.m.
This Lent, join a discussion on Zoom about the book Conversations On Faith by renowned filmmaker Martin Scorsese and Jesuit theologian Antonio Spadaro. The six one-hour sessions, facilitated by Matt Barazia, will focus on themes raised in each chapter. You can join all or even just one of the sessions; and you don't even have to buy or read the book. Register HERE. Discussion points and Zoom link will be emailed in advance.
Men’s Bible Study
Tuesdays; 6:45–7:45 a.m. on Zoom
Women’s Bible Study
Tuesdays; 6:45–7:45 a.m. on Zoom
Sunday Bible Study
Sundays; 11:15 a.m. in the Chapel
Episcopal 101
Episcopal 101 is a class for newcomers and old-timers alike—anyone who seeks a deeper relationship with God and to learn more about the Episcopal Church. Over the course of 11 sessions we will dive into the theology and history of the Episcopal Church, scripture, and the Book of Common Prayer; explore different forms of prayer; and learn about the ministries of Holy Comforter. At the end, some will choose to be baptized, confirmed, or received into the Episcopal Church, but that is not a requirement.
Sunday Forums
Sunday Forums address a wide variety of subjects—all intended to deepen our relationships with one another and with God:
Just / Unjust War
Sunday, June 7 from 11:15 a.m. to Noon in the Community Hall
Rev Matt Streett will examine with us the moral conflicts of engaging in violence. Scripture, history, and reason all present arguments about the morality of war, so the challenge of today's Christian is how to understand and advocate for national actions that are ethical even when most available choices are volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous.
Buen Camino!
Sunday, June 14 from 11:15 a.m. to Noon in the Community Hall
Come hear from a group of Holy Comforter pilgrims about their experiences walking the final 100km of the Camino Frances, an ancient pilgrim route starting in Sarria and ending in Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
Compassion in Action: Introducing Pastoral Companions
Sunday, June 21 from 11:15 a.m. to Noon in the Community Hall
Join us to learn more about our new pastoral care ministry, Pastoral Companions. This team of trained lay parishioners will assist our clergy in supporting parishioners facing challenges such as illness, family crises, grief, or the ongoing demands of caregiving. Companions will offer both short and longer-term care through listening, prayer and practical and emotional support, including connections to community resources and other parish ministries. Come discover how this ministry will serve our parish community—and bring your questions!
What is Spiritual Discernment? Taste and See!
Sunday, June 28 from 11:15 a.m. to Noon in the Community Hall
Have you struggled with a difficult decision, unsure of which direction to take? Change jobs? Go back to school? Sell the house? Move across country? At times like these, when we have a special need for God's guidance, Listening Hearts offers individuals the opportunity to experience a confidential spiritual discernment process, with a team of trained discerners, free of charge. Join this interactive forum to discover firsthand what a discernment session feels like; by role-playing hypothetical situations in small groups using suggested questions, you will experience the process in a supportive setting, and if you find it helpful, you can sign up for a private, full-length 1–3 hour session.
Psalm-Singing!
Sunday, July 5 from 11:15 a.m. to Noon in the Community Hall
Music is a key component of our worship services. Come hear and participate in David Boulware-Kelley's presentation on psalm-singing.
Alien’s, UFOs/UAPs, and Theology
Sunday, July 12 from 11:15 a.m. to Noon in the Community Hall
From Steven Spielberg’s movie
Disclosure Day to Congressional hearings exploring the existence of extraterrestrial craft, the topic of UFOs/UAPs has shed its old stigma. Come join our Rector for a discussion of the background and implications for faith and prepare for further revelations about our understanding of our place in the universe.
Magnifica Humanitas
Sunday, July 19 from 11:15 a.m. to Noon in the Community Hall
Join Rev. Melissa and Deacon Keith for an engaging discussion of
Magnifica Humanitas, the landmark encyclical issued by Pope Leo XIV regarding artificial intelligence. While our conversation will center on a summary article (link forthcoming), you are highly encouraged to explore the full text if you wish to dive deeper. Bring your wonderings, your opinions, and your experiences with AI for a robust discussion on this intersection of our faith and artificial intelligence.
Spirituality in Nature
Sunday, July 26 from 11:15 a.m. to Noon in the Community Hall
We are blessed at Holy Comforter with lovely church grounds, a place where we can commune with God in nature. Join Amy Heard-Davison and Joanne Menke for a brief talk indoors with time for sharing, then move to the outdoor accessible areas near the church. Those who wish to continue after that can join us down at the entrance to the woods for a walk and reflection. Please feel free to wear or bring clothes and shoes that will be comfortable for you.
YOUR VOICE MATTERS
Letter-Writing Campaign
As members of Holy Comforter, we are called to live out our faith not just within the walls of our church but in the world around us. Our voices matter in shaping the decisions that impact our community, our nation, and the most vulnerable among us. Please CLICK HERE for updated resources to help you engage with elected officials and faith-based initiatives that align with our values of justice, compassion, and service. We encourage you to take a moment to review these resources, reflect on the issues close to your heart, and let your voice be heard. Together, we can be instruments of change and hope.
If you have questions about Adult Faith Formation and/or any of our current offerings, please contact the Church Office.