Adult Ministries

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.
– Acts 2:42

At Holy Family, we gather regularly for formation in fellowship, study, and prayer, dedicating ourselves to common work and celebration of our lives in Christ. Find out more below about our programs and offerings for adults.

Adult Forum

The Adult Forum is offered from 9:15-10:15 a.m. in the Parish Hall from September through May. We engage in short-term studies around selected themes from Scripture and the daily lives and needs of Christians. We explore specific themes more intensively in the seasons of Advent and Lent. Previously this has included topics such as Race and Land, The Powers and Principalities, the prophetic book of Jonah, Gospel Canticles, Christianity and Incarceration, and the life and ministry of Lutheran pastor and theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer.

Summer Formation Series

During the summer we set aside time to focus on the Biblical story. This year’s Summer Series will meet from 9:15-10:15 a.m. in the Parish Hall, and we will learn about the Bible, book by book, with resources from The Bible Project.

Small Groups

Ongoing small groups, developed around group-selected readings, and practices of prayer. We currently have groups gathering to explore the Sunday lectionary, Saint Augustine’s Confessions, and Ministry in the second half of life. Our prayer shawl ministry meets weekly to knit and pray together. These groups meet at various times, some ongoing and others short-term or seasonally. Their goal is to offer space in which friendship, prayer, and ministry are nurtured over the long haul. 

Morning Prayer

A small group gathers on Zoom most Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m. to pray Morning Prayer together. Find more information, including how to join, here.

Fellowship

We are a community of potlucks, celebrations, and conversation. We gather weekly following the 10:30 a.m. liturgy for lite fare and coffee throughout the year.

Newcomers

We have a team set aside that focuses on receiving and helping newcomers get situated in our community. Check Church Center for more information or find a greeter after one of the services.

Confirmation, Reception, and the Renewal of Baptismal Vows

At certain points in the Christian life, many desire to enter more deeply into the life of faith by joining themselves to The Episcopal Church. In our Confirmation classes, offered annually in advance of the Bishop’s visit to Holy Family, we invite parishioners into that process of discernment through meeting as a community of prayer, learning about The Episcopal Church, and exploring the Three-fold Rule of Prayer: The Holy Eucharist, The Daily Office (prayers for certain hours of the day), and personal devotion. Learn more about Confirmation here.

Intergenerational Ministry

The Church is one of the last remaining spaces in which people from different ages and stages of life live and work together. We set aside special events and opportunities for formation that support the relationship between young people and the adults of the parish, inviting both into mutual responsibility, listening to Scripture, and service to one another. We believe that our ministry as adults does not happen without young people and theirs does not happen without us, so we look for opportunities to receive one another’s gifts and practice ministry together with intention and care in our common life.

If you have questions or thoughts about adult formation or want to get involved but don’t know how, please reach out to the Rev. Angela Compton-Nelson.