2012 WINTER-SPRING ADULT CLASS & SERMON SERIES:

12 PRACTICES FOR OUR LIFE WITH GOD

On January 29^th, we begin a new adult class and sermon series, in which we will explore 12 simple spiritual practices we can use to foster a deeper connection to God and the world. As a resource, we will be drawing upon the new book by Brian McLaren titled, Naked Spirituality: a life with God in 12 simple words (HarperOne 2011).You are invited to purchase a copy and read it, but this is not a requirement for the class which will meet on Sunday mornings at 9:30 a.m. in the Dennison room.  There are two video introductions to this book that can be viewed at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ENq_aYFgGE andhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SEia2e5rm2o

SIMPLICITY: The Springlike Season of Spiritual Awakening

1. HERE: The practice of invocation and presentation, awakening to the presence of God

2. THANKS: The practice of gratitude and appreciation, awakening to the goodness of God

3. O: The practice of worship and awe, awakening to the beauty and joy of God

COMPLEXITY: The Summerlike Season of Spiritual Strengthening

4. SORRY: The practice of self-examination and confession, strengthening through failure

5. HELP: The practiced of expansion and petition, strengthening through weakness

6. PLEASE: The practice of compassion and intercession, strengthening through empathy

PERPLEXITY: The Autumnlike Season of Spiritual Surviving

7. WHEN: The practice of aspiration, exasperation, and desperation, surviving through delay

8. NO: The practice of rage and refusal, surviving through disillusionment

9. WHY: The practice of  lament and agony, surviving through abandonment

HARMONY: The Winterlike Season of Spiritual Deepening

10. BEHOLD: The practice of meditation and wonder, deepening by seeing

11. YES: The practice of consecration and surrender, deepening by joining

12. [….]: The practice of contemplation and rest, deepening by being with