Faith Formation - Adults
What is faith (spiritual) formation?
Everyone has a spirit - it is the hidden dimension to every person’s life and is the very core of each human being. During the course of one’s life, the spirit is continually being formed by many different things: upbringing, friends, activities one gives one’s time to, TV, church involvement, reading the Bible, etc. At SMM we hope to provide faith (spiritual) formation opportunities that will form one’s spirit in a way that is good, that is strong, that is life giving....that is the image of Christ.
When you see an activity below which you feel would provide you with an opportunity to grow in your faith formation, please conact the Parish Office, 303-530-1421 or office@stmarymagdalene.org for the current meeting times and contact person.
Centering Prayer
Centering Prayer is available at the Church once or twice a week. Centering Prayer is a method of prayer that involves silence for 20 minutes as participants 'sit' with God. Although it involves silence, it is an active, intentional mode of being with God. This method of prayer is drawn from ancient prayer practices of the Christian contemplative heritage, notably the Fathers and Mothers of the desert.
Daughters of the King
Organized in 1885, the Daughters of the King is an order for women of the Episcopal Church who are dedicated to the extension of Christ's
kingdom and to the strengthening of the spiritual life of her parish. Each participant pledges herself to a lifelong program of prayer, service and personal evangelism. The SMM Chapter meets monthly to encourage and pray for one another and the needs of the Parish.
Discernment Committee
The Discernment Committee is a group of people available to anyone in the SMM Community who is facing a difficult decision or crossroads in life. This is the group to meet with if you feel you have been called to an ordained ministry. A contemplative process is used that people have found helpful and enriching.
Education for Ministry (EFM)
Education for Ministry (EFM) is a four-year theological study program encouraging the development of lay ministry. It provides participants with the basics of theological education. EFM includes twoyears of biblical studies, a year of church history, and concludes with a study of modern theologians and theological questions. Classes meet weekly for two hours beginning in the fall and ending in late spring.
Faith Matters
Faith Matters is a 10-week course that starts in the fall. It is a great introduction to the Christian faith and a prerequisite for adult confirmation. Participants commit to coming to the first class and then decide whether or not to continue. There are presentations and conversations on faith, prayer, Jesus, the Bible, the church, and many other related topics. Meetings are weekly, beginning with dinner and followed by a presentation and discussion. The course is offered at no charge and childcare is provided.
JustFaith®
JustFaith® is a formation program for those interested in social ministry. The name is a hybrid from the words 'justice' and 'faith'. It is an intensive study of the Christian's call to address the needs of the world. The 30-week program includes weekly meetings, regular reading, retreats, and immersion experiences. Classes begin in the fall and meet weekly for two hours.
Labyrinth Walk
The outdoor Labyrinth is available to walk any time. The indoor Labyrinth is often available during the seasons of Advent and Lent. It is a time to come away from the busyness of life to walk, reflect and pray. The Labyrinth is one of the oldest contemplative and transformational tools known to humankind. Both the outdoor and the canvas Labyrinth are replicas of the permanent stone Labyrinth that was set in the floor at Chartres Cathedral in France during the 13th century.
Library
Through the years, the Parish has collected a wide variety of books on the spiritual life including: Hebrew and Christian Scriptures,prayer, spiritual direction, theology, Christian history, and devotional classics. These books have been organized and catalogued and are available for self-checkout whenever the church is open. Directions on check-out are posted in the Library.
Retreats for Men and Women
These retreats provide an opportunity to get away from the busyness of life and spend some intentional time growing in our relationship with God and with one another. The women's retreat is typically offered in the spring and the men's has no set time.
Spiritual Formation Groups
Spiritual Formation Groups are small groups focusing on spiritual growth and discipleship. Between two and seven people meet weekly for 10 weeks to study and learn about various traditions of the Church and ancient Christian disciplines. In between meetings, members practice a classical Christian discipline. During group time, participants share their experiences with the disciplines, encourage one another, hold each other accountable, and pray for one another.
