SUNDAY PROGRAMS
This fall we will offer to Sunday Morning faith formation programs for adults, occasionally meeting together for an all-parish forum. Please note the schedule and program descriptions below.
The Weeks Sunday Forum (named after longtime Deacon Brad Weeks) is our weekly Adult Sunday program, with shared leadership between lay leaders and clergy. The group often focuses on the Sunday scripture readings, but also explores various topics on spirituality, current events, and other topics of interest. This group meets in the Barth Room on the 3rd floor. For more information, contact David Stanislawski: david.stanislawski@chattanoogastate.edu
|
This class, focused on Young Adults but open to all will begin on September 10 and will use the Animate Faith film series to explore what it means to follow Jesus in the 21st century, and how the church can be relevant to modern life. The young adults of the parish will also enjoy several fellowship and service opportunities throughout the year. For more information contact Michael Waterson: michael.jason.waterson@gmail.com
View an example film below: |
MIDWEEK PROGRAMS
Grace Studies: Potluck Book Reviews
Throughout the year, we gather for potluck book studies on Thursday nights at 6pm in the Merritt Room on the 3rd Floor, to which participants are encouraged to bring a dish to share. These gatherings are grouped as three week series, and newcomers are always welcome. You do not have to commit to attend all three weeks in order to attend. We explore various topics in the realm of theology, spirituality, and social justice. Copies of our book study books will be available for purchase in the Grace Book Store prior to the gatherings. The schedule is below:

September 14, 21, and 28
Joining God, Remaking Church, Changing the World by Alan J. Roxburgh.
The decline in mainstream religious denominations is palpable. For years, the question has been: How can we “fix” the church? With thirty years of experience pastoring congregations in small towns, suburbs, and urban neighborhoods in renewal, Alan J. Roxburg knows that the answer is to instead, embrace the church, reinvigorate communities with the Holy Spirit, and re-engage our neighbors with the mission of God. In this timely perspective on the role of the church in today’s environment, he shows how each one of us can become a leader in that mission.
Joining God, Remaking Church, Changing the World by Alan J. Roxburgh.
The decline in mainstream religious denominations is palpable. For years, the question has been: How can we “fix” the church? With thirty years of experience pastoring congregations in small towns, suburbs, and urban neighborhoods in renewal, Alan J. Roxburg knows that the answer is to instead, embrace the church, reinvigorate communities with the Holy Spirit, and re-engage our neighbors with the mission of God. In this timely perspective on the role of the church in today’s environment, he shows how each one of us can become a leader in that mission.

October 26, November 2, November 9
Radical Welcome: Embracing God, the Other, and the Spirit of Transformation by Stephanie Spellers
Stephanie's book is at once a theological, inspirational, and practical guide for congregations that want to move beyond diversity and inclusion to present a vision for the church of the future: one where the transforming gifts, voices and power of marginalized cultures and groups bring new life to the mainline church.
Radical Welcome: Embracing God, the Other, and the Spirit of Transformation by Stephanie Spellers
Stephanie's book is at once a theological, inspirational, and practical guide for congregations that want to move beyond diversity and inclusion to present a vision for the church of the future: one where the transforming gifts, voices and power of marginalized cultures and groups bring new life to the mainline church.

December 7, 14, 21
Beginnings and Endings (And What Happens in Between) by Maggi Dawn
Our everyday lives are full of small-scale beginnings and endings-births, death, marriages, careers, house moves and so on. How do the grand-scale beginnings and endings of Advent help to guide us as we seek to follow Jesus in the 21st century? This book of daily readings reflects on the stories of six groups of people and individual characters from the Bible. Each provides a focus on the idea of beginnings and endings, and each gives us a glimpse into the human experience in between.
Beginnings and Endings (And What Happens in Between) by Maggi Dawn
Our everyday lives are full of small-scale beginnings and endings-births, death, marriages, careers, house moves and so on. How do the grand-scale beginnings and endings of Advent help to guide us as we seek to follow Jesus in the 21st century? This book of daily readings reflects on the stories of six groups of people and individual characters from the Bible. Each provides a focus on the idea of beginnings and endings, and each gives us a glimpse into the human experience in between.
Other Midweek Groups
Centering Prayer - Fridays at 1pm
Education for Ministry - Mondays at 6pm
Twelve-Step Programs
The Joseph Cambell Round Table - Third Mondays at 7pm, contact Diana Peterson: dhpeterson9@gmail.com
Yoga - 10am Mondays and Thursdays
Quilting Guild - 10am Tuesdays
Education for Ministry - Mondays at 6pm
Twelve-Step Programs
The Joseph Cambell Round Table - Third Mondays at 7pm, contact Diana Peterson: dhpeterson9@gmail.com
Yoga - 10am Mondays and Thursdays
Quilting Guild - 10am Tuesdays
GRACE SPEAKS
ADULT FORMATION CALENDAR
Sunday, September 10 - 9:30 AM - RALLY DAY
- Sunday School Parents' Open House Brunch in the Undercroft
- Young Adults/Animate Faith Meet and Greet in the Library (3rd Floor)
- Weeks' Sunday Forum in the Barth Room
Thursday, September 14 - 6pm - Grace Studies
Joining God, Remaking Church, Changing the World by Alan J. Roxburgh.
Joining God, Remaking Church, Changing the World by Alan J. Roxburgh.
Sunday, September 17 - 9:30 AM
"Come to the Banquet" - All Parish Breakfast and Stewardship Forum PART I
Come enjoy breakfast, provided by the stewardship committee, along with a presentation on stewardship and generosity by the Rev. John Talbird - a fun morning complete with singing and food. All are welcome and encouraged to attend! All other adult classes cancelled.
"Come to the Banquet" - All Parish Breakfast and Stewardship Forum PART I
Come enjoy breakfast, provided by the stewardship committee, along with a presentation on stewardship and generosity by the Rev. John Talbird - a fun morning complete with singing and food. All are welcome and encouraged to attend! All other adult classes cancelled.
Monday, September 18 - 6pm Beer and Hymns
All are invited to gather with us at at Oddstory Brewery downtown for an informal hymn sing and beverages with Northminster Presbyterian and First Christian Church
All are invited to gather with us at at Oddstory Brewery downtown for an informal hymn sing and beverages with Northminster Presbyterian and First Christian Church
Thursday, September 21 - 6pm - Grace Studies
Joining God, Remaking Church, Changing the World by Alan J. Roxburgh.
Joining God, Remaking Church, Changing the World by Alan J. Roxburgh.
Sunday, September 24 - 9:30 AM
"Come to the Banquet" - All Parish Breakfast and Stewardship Forum PART II
Come enjoy breakfast, provided by the stewardship committee, along with a presentation on stewardship and generosity by the Rev. John Talbird - a fun morning complete with singing and food. All are welcome and encouraged to attend! All other adult classes cancelled.
"Come to the Banquet" - All Parish Breakfast and Stewardship Forum PART II
Come enjoy breakfast, provided by the stewardship committee, along with a presentation on stewardship and generosity by the Rev. John Talbird - a fun morning complete with singing and food. All are welcome and encouraged to attend! All other adult classes cancelled.
Thursday, September 28 - 6pm - Grace Studies
Joining God, Remaking Church, Changing the World by Alan J. Roxburgh.
Joining God, Remaking Church, Changing the World by Alan J. Roxburgh.
Sunday, October 1 - 9:30 AM
- Young Adults/Animate Faith - God: Faith Is a Quest
- Weeks' Sunday Forum in the Barth Room
Sunday, October 8 - St. Francis Day Blessing of the Animals - NO CLASSES
All Sunday Morning Classes Cancelled - Join us at 10:45 am for our Annual Blessing of the Animals for St. Francis Day. Bring your pets, along with any dog or cat food donations for animals in need!
All Sunday Morning Classes Cancelled - Join us at 10:45 am for our Annual Blessing of the Animals for St. Francis Day. Bring your pets, along with any dog or cat food donations for animals in need!
Sunday, October 15 - 9:30 AM
- Young Adults/Animate Faith - Religion: Spirituality is Not Enough
- Weeks' Sunday Forum in the Barth Room
Sat. October 22 - Grace Speaks 10th Anniversary Keynote with Rachel Held Evans
Click here for more info.
Click here for more info.
Sun. October 22 - 9:30 AM -All Parish Forum with Rachel Held Evans in the Undercroft
Join us for a talk and Q&A with Rachel Held Evans our 10th Anniversary Grace Speaks Series Keynote Guest. Rachel hails from Dayton, TN and is the author of several books, including Searching for Sunday, Faith Unraveled, and A Year of Biblical Womanhood. Don't miss it!
Join us for a talk and Q&A with Rachel Held Evans our 10th Anniversary Grace Speaks Series Keynote Guest. Rachel hails from Dayton, TN and is the author of several books, including Searching for Sunday, Faith Unraveled, and A Year of Biblical Womanhood. Don't miss it!
Thursday, October 26 - 6pm - Grace Studies
Radical Welcome: Embracing God, the Other, and the Spirit of Transformation by Stephanie Spellers
Radical Welcome: Embracing God, the Other, and the Spirit of Transformation by Stephanie Spellers
Sunday, October 29 - 9:30 AM
- Young Adults/Animate Faith - Bible: A Book Like No Other
- Weeks' Sunday Forum in the Barth Room
Thursday, November 2 - 6pm - Grace Studies
Radical Welcome: Embracing God, the Other, and the Spirit of Transformation by Stephanie Spellers
Radical Welcome: Embracing God, the Other, and the Spirit of Transformation by Stephanie Spellers
Sunday, November 5 - 9:30 AM
- Young Adults/Animate Faith - Jesus: The Revolution of Love
- Weeks' Sunday Forum in the Barth Room
Thursday, November 9 - 6pm - Grace Studies
Radical Welcome: Embracing God, the Other, and the Spirit of Transformation by Stephanie Spellers
Radical Welcome: Embracing God, the Other, and the Spirit of Transformation by Stephanie Spellers
Sunday, November 12 - 9:30 AM - All Parish Forum with Bridge Refugee Services
November 12 has been designated Refugee Sunday at Grace. Join us as we hear from Refugees resident in the Brainerd community, and learn about how we can participate in Bridge Refugee Ministries.
November 12 has been designated Refugee Sunday at Grace. Join us as we hear from Refugees resident in the Brainerd community, and learn about how we can participate in Bridge Refugee Ministries.
Sunday, November 19 - 9:30 AM
- Young Adults/Animate Faith - Salvation: Abundant Life Now
- Weeks' Sunday Forum in the Barth Room
Sunday, November 26 - 9:30 AM
- Young Adults/Animate Faith - Church: An Imperfect Family
- Weeks' Sunday Forum in the Barth Room
Sunday, December 3 - 9:30 AM
- Young Adults/Animate Faith - The Cross: Where God Is
- Weeks' Sunday Forum in the Barth Room