Adult Formation
Sunday Morning Formation
Begins September 13, 2026
9:30a.m. - 10:15a.m.
Rector's Forum | The Chapel
The Kingdom of God is like.... - Led by The Rev. Katie Bradshaw
What does Jesus mean when he talks about the Kingdom of God? Over five weeks, we’ll explore this central biblical theme and consider what God’s kingdom looks like and what it asks of us. We’ll begin with creation and God’s vision for the world, explore shalom and community, listen to the voices of the prophets, and discover what Jesus’ parables reveal about the kingdom. Along the way, we’ll ask how this vision of God’s kingdom shapes the way we live, love, and participate in God’s work in the world.
Book Group | Library
For young adults and young families looking for a place to explore faith, doubt, questions, and the messy beauty of following Jesus. Inspired by the work of Rachel Held Evans, this book group will create space for honest conversation, thoughtful questions, and a little laughter along the way. Come read together, wrestle with faith together, and discover that you don’t have to have all the answers to belong.
Sunday Afternoon
Natural Spirituality | Library | Noon
Emmanuel’s Natural Spirituality program began in 1991 and provides a context for exploring inner work by working with dreams and synchronicity. While this is relatively new for our time, it is not new for Christianity. People of the Old and New Testaments were led and enriched by their dreams, as we are today. The program is based on Jungian concepts of the unconscious in a Christian framework and explores the images and metaphors that come to us in our dreams. Journey Group members help each other gain insight into their individual lives by unfolding the symbolic language of their dreams. A light lunch will be served. The group is open and all those interested are welcome to attend either in person or via Zoom. For more information, please contact Heidi Simmonds at heidihsimmonds@gmail.com.
Monday
Bible Study | LL Coventry Room | 10:00a.m. | Begins Monday, September 14
The weekly lectionary Bible study exegetes the scripture passages for the upcoming Sunday service. We share responsibility for facilitating the group. The group is lively and engaged in hearing how scripture is informing our lives in our context. All are welcome. Drop in whenever you have time. The readings for each week can be found here: https://www.lectionarypage.net/
Living Well in the Midst of Grief | Library | 3:oop.m. | 2nd and 4th Mondays | Begins Monday, September 28
Grief comes in a variety of shapes and sizes. The way we respond to and process grief depends on the relationship, manner of death, if and how you were able to say goodbye, as well as our beliefs, background, and personality. We also acknowledge grief from sources other than death, such as the loss of health and independence, a job, moving, sending a child off to school, divorce, to mention a few.
As part of a plan to live in wholeness through all aspects of our faith and life, our Grief Support group is forming a new group on Monday’s beginning September 28 We will meet in the library beginning at 3PM. Please reach out to the Rev. Cheryl Brainard at rev.cheryl@emmanuelathens.org to register, or for more information.
Tuesday
Natural Spirituality | Library | 10:00a.m.
Emmanuel’s Natural Spirituality program began in 1991 and provides a context for exploring inner work by working with dreams and synchronicity. While this is relatively new for our time, it is not new for Christianity. People of the Old and New testaments were led and enriched by their dreams, as we are today. The program is based on Jungian concepts of the unconscious in a Christian framework and explores the images and metaphors that come to us in our dreams. Journey Group members help each other gain insight into their individual lives by unfolding the symbolic language of their dreams. The group is open and all those interested are welcome to attend either in person or via Zoom. For more information, please contact Heidi Simmonds at
heidihsimmonds@gmail.com.
Wednesday
Centering Prayer | Chapel | 10a.m.
Centering Prayer is a method designed to facilitate the development of contemplative prayer by preparing our faculties to receive this gift. It presents ancient Christian wisdom teachings in an updated form. Centering Prayer is not meant to replace other kinds of prayer; rather it casts a new light and depth of meaning on them. It is at the same time a relationship with God and a discipline to foster that relationship. Our Centering Prayer group meets in the Chapel from 10:00a.m. - 11:30a.m.
Wednesday Night Programming | Common Room | Dinner 5:00p.m. | Program 6:00p.m. | Begins September 16
On Wednesday evenings, a dinner will be served from 5 - 6p.m. in the Common Room. Programming for all ages begins at 6:00p.m.
Thursday
Approaching the Bible Conference Room | TBD | Begins September 17
An Eight-Week Hybrid Class
What is the Bible, where did it come from, and how are we supposed to read it? Approaching the Bible is an eight-week hybrid class that invites us to explore Scripture with curiosity, openness, and a willingness to ask difficult questions. Think of it as Education for Ministry (EfM) Lite: a chance to go a little deeper into the Bible without the commitment of the full four-year EfM program. Together, we will explore how the Bible came to be, different ways Christians have understood and interpreted it, and how Scripture continues to shape our faith and lives. We will also wrestle honestly with troubling passages, consider what isn't included in the Bible, and explore ways of reading Scripture as a place where we may encounter God. This class is for anyone who wants to become a more thoughtful, confident, and curious reader of the Bible.
Led by The Rev. Katie Bradshaw and Casey Cole Higginbotham
