Spiritual Formation Classes & Ministries
Spiritual Formation Classes and Ministries
SPIRITUAL FORMATION IS:
- the process of becoming a mature Christian in the likeness of Jesus Christ as we are shaped and formed by the Spirit of God.
- all attempts, means of grace, and spiritual disciplines intended toward deepening faith and furtherance of spiritual development.
- forming the life of Christ within and among us, always leading us back into the world to love, comfort, guide and serve others.
Spiritual Formation was central in the life of John Wesley, and he was continuously drawing upon the spiritual disciplines and traditions of the church to form and shape the people called Methodists. Wesley created class meetings to encourage spiritual growth, accountability and faith formation. The emphases of these groups were spiritual renewal, deepening of practice, mutual responsibility, and Christian practice in the world. Wesley formed distinctive groups according to maturation and one's desire to progress in faith. The Ministry of Spiritual Formation at First United Methodist Church provides various opportunities for deepening faith and accountability both personally and in community.
UPCOMING STUDIES, COURSES AND EVENTS
Our Spiritual Formation calendar displays courses and events, presently active and upcoming, and includes detailed course descriptions. Listed below are upcoming opportunities for growth.
Course books may be purchased through the McMains Center Library or your local bookstore. Contact Linda Beasley at linda@firstmethodist.org.
All events and classes will be held at the McMains Center for Spiritual Formation unless otherwise notified. To register or for more information, contact Cherri Johnson, Director of Spiritual Formation, at cherri@firstmethodist.org or Linda Beasley at linda@firstmethodist.org .
Spiritual Formation Courses, Classes and Events Listed by Day
Sunday
Sunday Morning Class at the McMains Center - June 6th - Sept 5th,9:40 - 10:40 AM. Join us for a weekly sharing from the book, "My Grandfather's Blessings", by Rachel Naomi Remen, M.D. Class facilitated by Carolyn McDowell and Liz Wyatt.
Things Hidden: Scripture as Spirituality - September 12 through November 28th, 9:40 - 10:40 AM Integrating theology and spirituality, this class explores the enduring themes of Scripture. Course book is Things Hidden: Scripture as Spirituality by Richard Rohr. Class facilitated by Rev. Liz Wyatt, Carolyn McDowell, and Cherri Johnson.
Spiritual Quest: Amazing Grace - Begins September 12th, 5:00 - 5:45 PM. Participants will continue reading Amazing Grace, by Kathleen Norris. Open to all who enjoy informal discussion about stimulating ideas and topics. Facilitated by Reverends Chris Andrews and Ann Trousdale.
Know Thy Self: The Enneagram - With roots in sacred tradition, the Enneagram personality system guides us toward true self-understanding. An added gift is that it also contains an insightful spiriutal component. A 2-session workshop: Session I on September 12th and Session II on September 19th, 4:00 - 6:00 PM. Facilitated by Sister Lucy Salvio, CSJ. Cost is $15.00 per person. Past participants may review the course for $5.00. Class full and registration closed. Please call to be added to the waiting list.
Who We Are is How We Pray: Personality and Prayer - In this class, you will explore ways you can live out your inherent spirituality in a manner that is most congruent with who you really are and how to discern activities and patterns that lead to joy and wholeness of life. A 2-session workshop: Session I on October 3rd and Session II on October 10th, 4:00 - 6:00 PM. Facilitated by Sister Lucy Salvio, CSJ.
Seeing with New Eyes: Photography - Join us on September 26th, 1:00 - 5:00 PM, for an amazing class on photography. Bring your camera, even your cell phone camera will do. Instructor: Todd Rossnagel, professional photographer.
How To Sleep When You Can't Sleep: Healing What Makes You Restless - October 17th, 9:40 - 10:40 AM. Loss of sleep is nature's way of getting us to deal with unresolved anxiety. In our morning session, you will explore what prevents sleep, what helps you sleep, and what you can do to heal the underlying anxiety that often surfaces at night. Facilitated by Fr. Matthew Linn, SJ.
Releasing the Power of Prayer: Healing Our Image of God - October 17th, 4:00 - 6:00 PM. Have you ever wondered why things still go wrong even when you pray to an infinitely, powerful God? During our evening session, you will explore your image of God, how it affects your prayer life and your relationships with others. You will also learn how to deepen your relationship with God. Facilitated by Fr. Matthew Linn, SJ.
Monday
The Ministry of Prayer: Is God Calling You? – Members meet from 9:30 – 10:00 AM at the McMains Center for Spiritual Formation. Is God calling you to share in the joys and concerns of our congregation through prayer? If so, join us Monday mornings for a special time of intercessory prayer. Contact Reverend Ann Trousdale at atrous@lsu.edu, or Cherri Johnson at 383-4777, cherri@firstmethodist.org.
Tuesday
Time for Centering: Contemplative Prayer – Begins Tuesday, September 21st. First and third Tuesday of the month, 11:45 AM – 12:30 PM. The McMains Center for Spiritual Formation opens its doors to all who seek a time of centering and quiet reflection. We will begin with a scriptural meditation, lectio divina, and move into Centering Prayer, a form of prayer that fosters intimacy with God. Facilitator is Cherri Johnson.
Men’s Speaker Series: Tuesday, October 12th - Join us at 11:30 AM for fellowship followed by our program at 12:00 PM. Our guest speaker for the month of October is J. T. Curtis, head football coach at the The John Curtis Christian School in New Orleans. Lunch is provided for $8.00 per person. Reservation required. Register on line or contact Cherri Johnson or Linda Beasley at 383-4777. Date is subject to change.
Wednesday
The Artist’s Way: Unleashing Creativity – Participants meet from 6:00 – 7:30 PM, September 8th through November 24th. This insightful class is designed to free your creative spirit, strengthen your self-confidence, and open your heart and mind to new ways of seeing and believing. The course book is The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron. Class is facilitated by Jennifer Carwile, professional artist and designer.
Jesus Our Spiritual Director: A Pilgrimage through Scripture – September 8th - November 24th , 6:00 – 7:30 PM. As we read Scripture together, we will encounter the Risen Christ as personal guide and companion; understand more deeply the biblical roots of spiritual direction and learn how to encourage others in their sacred journey through life. The course book is Jesus Our Spiritual Director: A Pilgrimage Thourgh The Gospels by Wendy Miller. Facilitated by Reverend Liz Wyatt and Carolyn McDowell. Class full and registration closed.
Thursday
Young in Heart and Spirit: Aging and Caring – October 14th – November 18th, 10:00 AM – 12 :00 PM. We live in a culture that primarily focuses on youth and image; which makes the wisdom inherent in aging even more important for today. Through numerous insights, you will discover again the deep joy in Christian friendship. The course book is The Gift of Years: Aging Gracefully by Joan Chittister. Register by contacting Renee Deaton at 383-4777, ext. 229. Facilitators: Reverend Brad Franklin, Reverend Liz Wyatt, Sandra King, and Paula Mercer
Spiritual Direction Supervision Peer Group – This Supervision Peer Group meeting, with a continuing education component, is for all spiritual directors in the UMC. For more information, contact Cherri Johnson or Linda Beasley at 383-4777.
Spiritual Formation Ministries
Life Mentoring Ministry: Come and See!
Spirituality is about developing relationships that help us grow and mature in Christ; we all need friends and mentors who will pray for us and walk with us along the way. The Life Mentoring Ministry at FUMC provides for such an opportunity. Join us, Sunday, September 26th, 9:40 – 10:40 AM, and learn more about this important ministry. Come and See what God is doing in and through our congregation! For more information, contact Kay or John Hoppe at kaysconnection@hotmail.com or Cherri Johnson at cherri@firstmethodist.org 383-4777.
International Speaker, Author, and Theologian, Richard Rohr: The Change that Changes Everything
Richard Rohr, founder of the Center for Action and Contemplation in Albuquerque, New Mexico, will speak at an interfaith conference at First United Methodist Church, Baton Rouge, Louisiana on April 8 – 9, 2011. You may register now by going to www.faithandreason.org . Click on “Seminars” and scroll down to the “The Change that Changes Everything”. Register now! Local contact is Cherri Johnson, cherri@firstmethodist.org , FUMC Director of the McMains Center for Spiritual Formation.
Spiritual Direction: Personal and Small Group Opportunities
One-on-one and small group spiritual direction opens us to the power and presence of God; helps us discern our gifts and calling; and leads us into maturing faith. Spiritual directors in the United Methodist Conference receive extensive training and are accountable to a supervision peer group. If you are interested in acquiring a spiritual director, or would like more information, contact Cherri Johnson at cherri@firstmethodist.org or Linda Beasley at linda@firstmethodist.org.
Contemplative Worship Services
Taize Worship Service – December 5th at 6:00 – 6:45 PM in the FUMC Ory Parish Hall.
Labyrinth Prayer Walk – December 5th at 6:45 – 8:00 PM in the FUMC gymnasium.
Retreats
Register on line for Spiritual Formation Retreats, or for more information, contact Cherri Johnson, Director of Spiritual Formation, at cherri@firstmethodist.org or Linda Beasley at linda@firstmethodist.org .
Personal and Small Group Guided Retreats - McMains Center for Spiritual Formation (by appointment)
Men's Spiritual Retreat, August 27th - 29th , St. Joseph Abbey in Covington, Louisiana. Using reflections from the story of Jacob in the Old Testament, Reverends Juan Huertas and Donnie Wilkinson will lead men on a journey to find the markers to true centeredness, peace, and life-abundance. To register go to www.firstmethodist.org or contact Cherri Johnson at cherri@firstmethodist.org.
Women's Spiritual Life Retreat: Friday evening through noon on Saturday, February 25th - 27th, 2011, at St. Joseph Abbey in Covington, Louisiana. A description of the retreat will be provided at a later date.
Other Methodist Ministries and Programming
- Walk to Emmaus for men, September 9 - 12, 2010
- Walk to Emmaus for women, October 14 - 17, 2010
- The Louisiana Conference Academy for Spiritual Leadership
For eight years The Academy for Spiritual Leadership of the Louisiana Conference, UMC, has been offering a two-year course in Spiritual Direction and Spiritual Formation in the Congregation. The scope of the class includes the art of spiritual direction as well as bringing the practices of spiriutal formation into the congregation. The course is held in the setting of six retreats beginning in October, 2010, and ending in May, 2012, at the Wesley Center in Woodworth, LA. It is open to both laity and clergy who sense a call to this gift and expression of ministry. Enrollment is limited to 25 persons. If you are interested, see the contact information listed below.
The Path of Spiritual Leadership course, comprised of four retreats, is held at the Wesley Center in Woodworth, LA. Each session features one of the following guest speakers: Rev. Dr. Don Saliers, Dr. Luther Smith, Rev. Jane Vennard, and Dr. Marcia McFee. The first retreat begins in October, 2010, and the last is scheduled in April, 2011. All retreats begin with registration at 5 PM on Thursday and close with Holy Communion at 11 AM on Saturday, followed by lunch. If you are interest, see the contact information listed below.
If you are interested in connecting with other Methodist throughout our conference and deepening your journey with Christ, please contact Cherri Johnson, Director of Spiritual Formation, at cherri@firstmethodist.org , or 225-383-4777. She can provide you with a wealth of information regarding enrollment in these opportunities for spiritual enrichment and development.
PRAYER MINISTRIES
Monday Morning Prayer Ministry
A prayer team meets the McMains Center for Spiritual Formation every Monday morning at 9:30 AM. Participants pray for those submitting prayer requests during our worship services. If you are interested in joining this ministry, please contact Ann Trousdale at: 336-4213 or atrous@lsu.edu, or Cherri Johnson at 383-4777 or cherri@firstmethodist.org.
Sunday Evening Prayer Ministry
A prayer team meets every Sunday evening in the Aldrich Chapel to pray for those submitting prayer requests throughout the week. If you are interested in joining this ministry, e-mail Reverend Ann Trousdale at atrous@lsu.edu .The Intercessory Prayer Ministry is part of our Communion Worship Service. E-mail Carolyn McDowell at slbrace@bellsouth.net if you are interested in joining this ministry.
The Prayer Room in the McMains Center for Spiritual Formation
The Prayer Room in the McMains Center for Spiritual Formation provides a quiet place for prayer and contemplation. If you have a special need for prayer, someone is available at the Center to pray with you and for you as needed.
MEN'S MINISTRY
Men's Ministry is important in the life of our congregation. The Ministry of Spiritual Formation offers opportunities for men to engage in Christian dicipleship and community as they deepen their walk with Christ. Such offerings include two classes: The Balanced Christian Man - Wisdom for the Journey and The Balanced Christian Man- Deepening Faith. The ministry also supports a men's speaker series addressing topics applicable to the Christian journey.
MCMAINS CENTER LIBRARY
The McMains Center houses a library dedicated to faith formation, the Christian classics and modern day spiritual practice. You are encouraged to visit our library and browse through the various resources and materials. You may choose to research a topic from our many books, or use the space for quiet reading. Books and curriculum may also be checked out for short periods of time.