By Julia Eliades, Interim Christian Formation Director 

During the upcoming program year, the Christian Formation committee is planning a series of adult forums that will meet one Sunday a month at 9:00 a.m. between Manakin’s two worship services. In September and October, Rev. Dr. Karen-Marie Yust will lead Manakin’s adult forums (see below for information about Rev. Dr. Yust).

Join us as we explore the complexities of living faithfully in an ever-changing world.

September 24
9:00 – 9:50 a.m.
Faithfully Tracking the Course of Change
We live in a time of accelerating social and technological change, both locally and globally. These changes can feel like a threat to our faith and well-being. The adult forum on September 24 will explore various social and biblical perspectives on change and explore how we can respond to change in life-affirming ways.

October 22
9:00 – 9:50 a.m.
Following God into the Future
Science fiction often sets the tone for our visions of the future, either by depicting how technological advances will improve human life or threaten human survival. The adult forum on October 22 will explore our anxieties about the future and how we can embrace a biblical vision of hope that affirms the future without losing touch with the past.

 
Other Opportunities for Adults

October 23
6:30 p.m.
Practical Ways of Living Your Faith
Transforming the World, Living Well: Christian Practices for Everyday Life
During September and October, we will explore a variety of practical ways to live out our faith. In Denny Hall, there will be copies of the Living Well chapter on Transforming the World, published by Lifelong Faith Associates. Pick one up, and take the material home to read on your own or with your family. Try out the activities. Reflect on the content and questions raised in the chapter. Pray about it. On Monday, October 23, join other adults to talk about the chapter and your experiences. Share your thoughts and ideas for serving the poor and vulnerable; acting for justice and peace; and caring for God’s creation. Let’s turn out thoughts into actions, transforming the world we live in!

 

About The Rev. Dr. Karen-Marie Yust:

Rev. Dr. Yust is a professor of Christian education at Union Presbyterian Seminary. She holds a Th.D. in systematic and historical theology from Harvard University, a M.Div. from Brite Divinity School, and a B.A. from Trinity University. She has published extensively. Her books include Real Kids, Real Faith: A Practice of Nurturing Children’s Spiritual Lives (Jossey-Bass, 2004) and Attentive to God: Spirituality in the Church Committee (Chalice Press, 2001). A focus in her work includes exploring the changing dynamics of congregational life and asking how these changes offer opportunities to develop new approaches to faith formation and new foci for educational ministries. She is an experienced pastor with dual ordination in the United Church of Christ and Disciples traditions.