Adult Spiritual Formation & Small Groups
Explore and expand your spiritual life through a variety of intellectual, social and creative opportunities that help you grow in faith and deepen your relationship with God, yourself and others.
ADULT EDUCATION CLASSES
From September through May, Sunday morning adult education classes start at 9:30 a.m. and generally meet in the South end of Fellowship Hall.
2012 Winter/Spring Schedule:
January 8 Presentation by Ms. Jan Thrope, author of Inner Visions: Grassroots Stories of Truth and Hope and Executive Director of Inner Visions of Cleveland.
Inner Visions is written and photographed from the perspective of people living in some of the most economically challenged areas of Cleveland’s east side urban core. It is a story of what is seen on these streets. But it is also about the power of what happens when neighbors connect to neighbors to co-create the life they envision.
January 15 The FHC Courageous Conversations on Race Group
January 22 Dr. John Lentz presents “What did Jesus Mean by ‘the Kingdom of God’?”
January 29 - April 1 Kerygma study of Mark
KERYGMA
A Church-Wide Experience in Bible Study
Forest Hill offers a pulpit-led, congregation-wide, Kerygma Bible study program based on small group study and personal commitment. Groups meet Sunday mornings and evenings, with a mid-week group that adds visual arts to the curriculum.
Kerygma classes require time, attention and prayerful reflection in new and sometimes unfamiliar ways. There’s homework, and generally a small fee for the resource book, but the importance of understanding the Bible justifies the extra effort. Our pastors center their sermons on texts being studied in the Kerygma groups, and study themes are integrated into our worship and community activities. For more info, contact Rev. Clover Beal.
SMALL GROUPS
Bibles and Bagels
Every Wednesday morning @ 7:30am, members and friends meet for coffee and bagels and a study of the upcoming lectionary reading. You’re invited to drop-in any time (there’s nothing to read ahead of time.) Bibles and Bagels meets in the Jin Room.
Faith Leader
As part of Forest Hill’s commitment to developing spiritual lay leaders, Forest Hill offers an intense, 28-week, small group program called Faith Leader.
The Faith Leader Faith Formation Program is designed to cultivate and develop lay leaders in the body of Christ and help lay persons develop a deeper connection with God, oneself, and others. The group gathers weekly to discern their spiritual gifts and types, develop spiritual disciplines, and explore and commit to personal plans for ministry.
The group is limited to 10 participants and is co-led by a team of 2 lay leaders and our Director of Lay Leadership Development, Rev. Clover Beal. The next series begins September 2011 and ends May 2012. For more information about the program or to express interest in participating, contact Rev. Clover Beal or Leadership Development Team Elder Laurie Muller-Girard
Sycamore
Past Faith Leader participants can continue their spiritual journeys in this bi-monthly small group led by members Jean Reinhold and Ron Polderman. If you did not participate in Faith Leader but are interested in the Sycamore group, please contact Rev. Clover Beal for more information.
Holy Conversations
Does the “E” word give you pause? If so, you’re not alone. Progressive Protestants all over the country are wondering how to rediscover, reclaim and redefine Evangelism for our postmodern society. A small group offering, led by lay leader Keith Logan and Rev. John Lentz, explores ways to talk about our faith with others.
(Note: NEW GROUPS form regularly and meet together for as long as desired. If you are interested in starting a new group, we are happy to assist in any way possible.)
SPIRITUAL PILGRIMAGES
The growth of the Pilgrimage program itself has been a journey. Eight pilgrims traveled to Scotland in 2006, 12 journeyed to Nicaragua in 2007, 18 went to the New Mexico desert in 2008, 32 gathered in Israel in 2009, and 35 traveled to Greece and Turkey in 2011. Learn more about these transformational trips.
OTHER SPIRITUAL GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES
Exploring Membership Classes several times a year
Use our special spiritual facilities including our Library and Spirituality Center and our Indoor Labyrinth.
Learn more about the Ministry of Education & Spiritual Formation
For fellowship and social opportunities including Men’s and Women’s spirituality groups, look under Fellowship on our Get Connected page.