SPIRITUAL FORMATION
Growing deeper into the heart of God.
What is spiritual formation?
Spiritual formation dances in the tension of being and becoming - being absolutely and unconditionally loved by God, and becoming the full radiance of beautiful spirits God has called us to be.
Here are a few ideas that can help us explore the mystery of spiritual formation:
1. We have been formed by the Spirit of God: “you sent forth your Spirit and it
formed them” (Judith 16:14)
2. We are engaged in the process of having Christ formed in us by the Holy Spirit:
“until Christ is formed in you” (Galatians 4:19)
The first idea declares who we are; the second affirms who we are becoming.
Click here f
or more information on "What is spiritual formation?" or visit
http://www.pcusa.org/spiritualformation/whatis.htm.
Ann Starrette, Director of Spiritual Formation (704-488-5825).
Our Mission
To offer a variety of experiences for persons to discover their personal, intentional path of becoming more Christ-like in every aspect of their life. These experiences will include short term studies, one day retreats, and various weekly offerings to allow people to spend time in reflection, prayer, and study.
Spiritual Formation Opportunities
PRAYER BAND - Pray for our DUMC staff and leaders
In addition to a number of spiritual formation programs and retreats offered throughout the year, the following opportunities are on-going:
THE LABYRINTH
A prayer path of reflection and response
Offered periodically throughout the year, the Labyrinth is a walking meditation path of prayer. It has always been associated with taking time to step away from life’s rampant responsibilities and enter onto a pathway that allows for personal reflection, silence, and prayer.
Click here for a fall 2010 labyrinth brochure.
CENTERING PRAYER: Offering Our Hearts to God
Each Monday • 9:00 - 9:45 a.m. • Chapel
Beginners welcome. Experience a simple prayer service as well as time for sharing. Come as you are able. No registration required.
To learn more about centering prayer - what it is, reading resources, retreats, links, and more, visit www.cpcharlotte.org.
PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY
EVENING Group: First and third Tuesday
7:00 - 8:30 p.m. in Room G1
MORNING Group: First and third Wednesday
10:00 a.m. - 11:30 p.m. in the Purcell Room
Learn to knit/crochet in 15 minutes - no experience required! Gather to pray healing prayers into shawls created to comfort and enfold hurting souls with God’s love, and to share our own faith stories. Groups meet September - May.
Not a knitter? Each prayer shawl costs about $20 to make. Monetary donations can be made payable to DUMC, note “Prayer Shawl” in the memo. Questions? Contact Marsha Brodsky (704-896-8334 or 704-236-1502).
INTERCESSORY PRAYER
The Prayer Room (located between the Sanctuary and the elevator) is available for prayer and quiet meditation seven days a week until 9:00 p.m. If you have a prayer request, fill out a Prayer Request card, available in the pews, and place it in the offering plate on Sunday. You may also write your request in the Prayer Request book located in The Prayer Room.
The Intercessory Prayer Ministry is conducted in The Prayer Room. You are invited to participate by signing up for a time to pray weekly.
TRUST CIRCLES FOR DISCERNMENT
Want Help to Recognize and Respond to God’s Guidance?
A Trust Circle is a spiritual discipline; an intentional action on our part to join with a few others to stop our busyness, turn to God, and help each other look and listen for God’s movement and invitations in the story of our individual lives. We help each other notice how God is wooing us toward wholeness and transformation. The “short course” sessions provide you with the needed tools to discern if a Trust Circle is right for you. Coming to “short course” does not obligate you in anyway.
Click here: What is it and is it for me?
Recognizing and Responding to God’s presence and guidance in your life
You are invited to learn more about this ancient spiritual discipline at the upcoming
Trust Circle “short course” sessions. Come to session 1 for an overview of the purpose and process. If it sounds like something you’d like to be a part of, continue.
This spiritual discipline is an intentional action on our part to join with a few others to stop our busyness, turn to God, and help each other look and listen for God’s movement and invitations in the story of our individual lives and notice how God is wooing us toward wholeness and transformation. The sessions provide you with the needed tools to discern if a Trust Circle is right for you. Coming to “short course” does not obligate you in anyway. However, the training is required to participate in a September - May circle.
There is no charge. There is no homework. To accommodate summer travel schedules, two opportunities are provided; you can mix and mingle dates if needed.
“Short Course” Sessions • DUMC Chapel • 6:30 - 8:15 p.m.
Session 1: Overview of Purpose, Process and Terms - July 12 or August 16
Session 2: The Role of Focus Person - July 19 or August 23
Session 3: The Role of Facilitator - July 26 or August 30
Each session will also include a short “real play” of the Trust Circle process, time for questions and answers, and reading resource. To Register: call the church office at 704-892-8277 or contact Ann Starrette (704-488-5825), Director of Spiritual Formation.
QUIET SPACE:
No-Agenda Days at The Farm
A day-apart for rest, reflection, and revitalization
Second Friday of each month Starrette Farmhouse Retreat, Statesville
NEW for 2010: Saturdays!
January 23, April 17, July 24, October 16
Doors open 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (arrive and depart as you are able)
Cost: $20.00 Bring bag lunch OR purchase for $10.00
Are there times you could use a recess from life to help you refocus and recharge? Some quiet space to think? Some breathing room to explore? If so, you are invited to experience a simple concept: No-Agenda Days. The Starrette Farm offers you a safe space apart to do whatever... read, write, draw or dream... a sacred spot to tend your soul, nurture your mind and free your spirit. An optional “welcome/centering time” will be provided at 9:30 am.
Detailed brochures are located in the Missions Corner of the Gathering Space and in the church office.