Spiritual Formation is the growth and development of the whole person by intentionally focusing on one’s inner life, relationships with others and relationship with the Divine. It is usually accomplished through various spiritual disciplines and/or through the help of a spiritual friend or director. For Christians, spiritual formation is the process whereby we become more and more Christ-like by opening ourselves and responding authentically to the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And all of us, with unveiled faces, seeing the glory of the Lord as though reflected in a mirror, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord, the Spirit.” 2 Corinthians 3: 17-18
Another way of describing spiritual formation is that it is the process of becoming the authentic, loving person God created.
“The glory of God is a human being fully alive.”
St. Irenaeus, bishop of Lyon, 2nd century
At First Congregational UCC there is a sense in which everything we do is for the purpose of spiritual formation. Worship, pastoral care, works of social justice and beneficence, building a sense of the church as true community in which everyone is welcomed—all could be described as actions we take into order to deepen our faith and move toward becoming the people God is calling us to be. In a more specific sense, we offer the following activities/programs focused on spiritual formation. Please note that not all of these programs are offered on a continual basis. Please call the church for more information: 817-923-2990.
- Prayer Shawl Ministry is a small group whose members knit beautiful shawls, bless them, and present them to those in need of healing. The group meets on the first Thursday of each month.
- Spiritual direction is a ministry offered by our pastor on a very limited basis.
- Bible Study and book studies.
- Yoga, T'ai Chi, and InterPlay classes are open to everyone and offered at a very reasonable price.
- Sacred Conversations. Based on the work of Parker Palmer and Courage and Renewal North Texas, “Sacred Conversations” is our version of the “Circle of Trust.”
- Companions in Christ: A Small Group Experience in Spiritual Formation. Groups are formed occasionally.
- Centering Prayer. Offered each Monday at 7:00 p.m.
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