Sunday School at Highlands
Sunday School for all ages meets each Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 10:20 a.m.
Adults:
Centering Prayer: Making Room for God
Led by PJ Ellis in The Chapel
In a world that rarely stops talking, Centering Prayer invites us into a quiet place of trust. Rooted in the ancient contemplative tradition of the church this simple practice is less about finding the right words and more about consenting to God's presence and action within us. As the psalmist says, "Be still, and know that I am God." Each week we'll share a brief teaching on the practice and its history, spend 20 minutes in silent prayer together, and close with time for reflection and conversation. No experience is necessary, and you don't need to be "good at" silence. Come as you are, wandering thoughts and all. Whether you're a seasoned person of prayer or simply longing for some stillness, all are welcome.
Theology and Practices of American Religions
Led by Dr. Larry Brasher in Room 204
America has always been a place of faith: inventive, passionate, sometimes surprising, and never boring. Join us for a lively tour through some of the movements that shaped the nation's spiritual landscape:
The Puritans: their "city on a hill" and the faith behind it
The Great Awakening: the revival fires that gave birth to American evangelicalism (and helped spark Methodism)
The Shakers: simple gifts, ecstatic worship, and some very fine furniture
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: a homegrown American faith and its remarkable story
Black Family Gospel Singers: the sound and soul of faith carried through generations
Come curious and leave with a deeper appreciation for how Americans have sought God, and what their stories might teach us about our own.
Paying Attention: Reading Mary Oliver
Led by Angela Stowe, Craig Taylor, Kathleen Lalor, Janet Holt, Michelle Jones, and Reggie Holder in Room 209
Few poets have helped people notice the holy in the ordinary quite like Mary Oliver. Geese crossing the sky, a grasshopper in the palm of her hand, a morning walk by the pond: in her poems, simple moments become invitations to wonder, gratitude, and prayer.
Each week we'll read a few of Oliver's poems aloud, including beloved favorites like "Wild Geese" and "The Summer Day" along with some lesser-known gems. Then we'll talk together about what they stir in us. Along the way we'll explore how paying close attention to the world God made can itself be a spiritual practice.
You don't need to be a poetry expert, just someone willing to slow down, listen, and maybe be a little astonished. Bring a friend, a cup of coffee, and an open heart.