Spiritual Formation
Spiritual formation is the activity of the Holy Spirit which molds our lives into the likeness of Jesus Christ. This likeness is one of deep intimacy with God and genuine compassion for all of creation. The Spirit works not only in the lives of individuals but also in the church, shaping it into the Body of Christ. We cooperate with this work of the Spirit through certain practices that make us more open and responsive to the Spirit’s touch, disciplines such as Sabbath keeping, works of compassion and justice, discernment, worship, hospitality, spiritual friendships, and contemplative silence. (Office of Spiritual Formation, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.))
Download SPRING/SUMMER 2026 ISSUE OF Journeys
Journeys is a semi-annual publication offered by First Presbyterian Church’s Spiritual Formation subcommittee as a tool to encourage spiritual growth.
New Prayer Groups this Fall: October 1 - November 23
This fall, explore new ways to experience God’s presence through prayer. Three small groups will gather weekly for eight weeks to practice ancient and contemplative forms of prayer, engage Scripture, and lift up the needs of others. Each group meets in Room 239, with space for up to 10 participants.
Mondays 9 a.m. - Lectio Divina/Sacred Reading
Group members will experience this ancient prayer practice that combines slow, attentive reading of Scripture with silent reflection. Participants will ask themselves “What is God saying to me through this text today?” The passage for each gathering will be scripture read in worship the following Sunday. Led by Lisa Connolly.
Thursdays 10 a.m. - Centering Prayer
To be still and know God’s presence. That is the intention of this contemplative prayer practice. Group members will practice quieting their minds and keeping silent so that they can open themselves up to the presence of the Living Creator. Led by Margaret Suddereth.
In Memory Of… All Saints Labyrinth Walk
Sunday, November 1 in the outdoor Stone Labyrinth, Memorial Garden. The labyrinth walk gives us a sacred space to remember family and friends who have gone before us. As we move along the labyrinth’s winding path, we are reminded that our God walks alongside us while we carry both our love and grief for those who have passed away. All are invited to bring a memento of a loved one to hold as they walk the outdoor labyrinth anytime between 8 and 11 a.m. on November 1. Members of Spiritual Formation will be at the labyrinth to answer questions and give guidance to participants.
The School of Spiritual Formation 2027
“Spiritual formation is the process of being conformed to the image of Christ for the sake of others." - M. Robert Mulholland, Jr. in Invitation to a Journey: A Road Map to Spiritual Formation
Transformation into Christlikeness is our life’s work, but this is not work we can accomplish. We can only make time and space for God to do the work in us. Therefore, the Spiritual Formation Committee is offering a unique format in adult education. The School of Spiritual Formation meets this spring from 1:30p-3:30 p.m. Sunday afternoons in Room 238. This two-hour time frame provides time and space for deep learning and personal transformation to take place. Registration for these classes is required so that we can ensure we have sufficient materials for each participant.
Shalom: God's Intention for Our World
January 10-February 28, 2027
Carol Toombs, Instructor
This course traces the theme of SHALOM throughout scripture, unveiling God’s desires for how we are to live with one another and in creation. Intimations of Shalom are introduced in Genesis and fulfilled in Revelation. Tenets of Shalom living are introduced and developed through God’s covenants, the Hebrew Law, the prophets’ proclamations, in Jesus Christ, both his person and his ministry, and in the early church as they attempted to follow The Way.
It is hoped that our study not only clarifies God’s intentions for how we are to live with one another and co-exist with God’s creation but also reveals the urgency behind God’s persistent message to God’s people – over the millennia and still today.
Follow Me: Following in Christ’s Footsteps
March 14–May 23, 2027
In this course, we use scripture to discover the spiritual disciplines Jesus followed in his own life of faith and how he taught his followers these core practices of Christian life:
- Sabbath-keeping
- silence/solitude,
- discernment
- surrender
- humility
- simplicity
- hospitality
- justice
We will explore teachings from various ancient and modern-day spiritual mentors to flesh out what makes each of these a spiritual discipline and to suggest how one can incorporate these practices into his or her own daily life. You will be asked to spend the week between classes practicing these time-honored ways of making space for God and following in Christ’s footsteps. There will be an opportunity the next week for group sharing of personal experiences and of learnings gleaned from that week’s practice.