Growing in a Relationship with Jesus &
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Jesus & Discipleship
We have selected a variety of excellent experiences for you - all designed to guide you in developing your prayer life and in growing the practices of the spiritual life. We have developed our offerings to make it easy for you to find a program or activity or resource that best addresses how you want to learn and grow in prayer and the spiritual life. You can select from a variety of large group, small group, and on-your-own activities - some are in-person, some online formats, and some have in-person and online components. The learning activities are organized into three types of experiences. We also offer programs that are for all adults.
- For adults who are just getting started or need a refresher: We have activities that introduce you to prayer and spiritual practices. Look for the activities with introducing or developing in the title.
- For adults who are growing: We have activities that help you become more confident in your practice of prayer and growing in your spiritual life. Look for activities with growing in the title.
- For adults who want to go deeper: We have activities that will deepen your knowledge and practice of prayer and the spiritual life. Look for activities with going deeper in the title.
Experience #1 (all adults). Ways to Follow Jesus Today -
A Sunday retreat experience
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Jesus’s first disciples called themselves “followers of the Way” and the first name given to the church is the “Way” of the “Journey” (see Acts 9:2, 19:23, 22:4, 24:14, 22). To live as a follower of Jesus and the Way we are called to embrace him as our teacher, to seek wisdom and understanding for what the path and cost of discipleship entails.
Discipleship begins with a call (see Mark 1:16–20, Luke 5:1–11; John 1:35– 51). The Gospels make abundantly clear that the life of discipleship begins not with a choice but with a call. It is Jesus who initiates the life of discipleship. It is a call to follow Jesus. Those who accept the call to follow Jesus share in his mission of establishing the reign of God. The Gospel stories also make clear that the lives of those called will be transformed—lives are fundamentally changed and new commitments are required. |
Join us for a one-day experience of community, relationships, food, and an exploration into the ways to follow Jesus today.
Every person on the retreat will receive a copy of Living Your Discipleship - A Practical Guide to Following Christ in Daily Life by Kathleen Cahalan and Laura Kelly Fanucci. 
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Experience #2 (getting started or need a refresh). Introduction to Jesus' Life & Ministry - A One Month Experience
Join a small group to discover or rediscover the life and ministry of Jesus.
If your schedule doesn't allow you to participate, you can learn on-your-own and share your thoughts in our Facebook Group.
If your schedule doesn't allow you to participate, you can learn on-your-own and share your thoughts in our Facebook Group.
Format
- Week #1. Watch Part 1 of the video, the Gospel of Matthew, from the Bible Project. Download the "Overview" and use that to follow along with the video.
- Week #2. Gather with your small group - in-person at church, at one of our local pubs, or in a home - OR online using Zoom
- Week #3. Watch Part 2 of the video, the Gospel of Matthew from the Bible Project.
- Week #4. Gather with your small group - in-person at church, at one of our local pubs, or in a home - OR online using Zoom
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Experience #3. Take the Next Step - Read Selected Gospel Passages on the Life of Jesus
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Learn more about the message of Jesus by reading the following Gospel passages (click on the blue highlight):
The Sermon on the MountThe Greatest CommandmentThe Final Judgment |
Learn more about Jesus’ death and resurrection in the Gospel of Matthew:
Scene 1: The Trial of Jesus Scene 2: The Crucifixion of Jesus Scene 3: The Resurrection of Jesus |
Experience #4 (growing and go deeper). Seven-Day Journeys with Jesus Scripture Activities
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Spend a series of seven days, or seven prayer opportunities, reflecting on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Each journey blends a Gospel passage, reflection, and prayer.
Download the Journey with Jesus PDF and select a seven-day plan to begin your journey.
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