Lifelong Faith Formation 2024
Registration Open Now for Fall Semester
Scroll down or click on a class name for details on these classes which begin in September and October:
In its fifth year, Lifelong Faith Formation is one way for people of the Northern Great Lakes Synod, and beyond, to be church together. Join the conversation. Enjoy the fellowship. Study the Bible, grow in spirit, and learn about Christian perspectives on contemporary issues.
Please try to register one week prior to the date your selected class begins. All classes are held online via Zoom.
Courses are FREE but may require the purchase of textbooks or other materials. See below for details.
Contact Deacon Lori Ward if you have any questions about Lifelong Faith Formation at (615) 519-1969 or lori.ward@nglsynod.org.
Christ's Kaleidoscope
Sunday evenings for 6 weeks, September 15 – October 20
7:30 – 8:30 p.m. Eastern Time, 6:30 – 7:30 Central Time
Capacity: 10 people, “first come, first served”
Christ’s Kaleidoscope is a group of NGLS people who are passionate about leading our Synod’s efforts to see others through the eyes of Jesus. Participants are invited to engage in difficult conversations about race, human sexuality, and social justice in our local communities and the world.
This year’s challenge unpacks and explores the ELCA social statement titled “Freed in Christ: Race, Ethnicity and Culture” along with the ELCA social message on Human Rights. In a world that often feels broken, we can be reminded of Christ’s love for humanity. Using recommended readings, videos, and reflection prompts each week, we will gather on Sundays to discuss, debrief, and ask questions.
Materials Needed:
Pastor Jared will provide the weekly schedule of readings, resources, and schedule.
You will need the following at home:
- A device with an internet connection
- Ability to watch YouTube videos, download pdf files, and open web pages
- A journal: whatever medium you feel comfortable with. A notebook, the extra book you have laying around, an online version, a word processing document…you choose what works best for you.
- An open mind and willingness to be challenged.
- 20-30 minutes of time each day without distractions
Introduction to Biblical Greek
Sunday evenings, beginning September 15
7 – 8 p.m. Eastern Time, 6 – 7 p.m. Central Time
Have you ever heard your pastor say, “In the Greek, this word means…”? This class will be an experimental way of learning to engage with the Greek, even if learning a whole new language seems intimidating.
Materials Needed:
A Primer of Biblical Greek by N. Clayton Croy
Note from Pastor Nicole: this book is a wonderful reference, and we will be using it for the exercises and vocabulary. Its true purpose is to be a resource even after the class ends. As much as I do love eBooks, I do find it easier to study language materials with a physical copy.
Cost: $33.99 new paperback, $22.00 eBook (cheaper on used book websites)
Click here to purchase the book.
Time needed to obtain materials: One to two weeks, depending on how you order; eBook is instant
Connecting to Christ through Prayer
Monday evenings for eight weeks, September 30 – November 18
6 – 7 p.m. Eastern Time, 5 – 6 p.m. Central Time
Have you ever wondered about prayer? Have you wondered if you’re praying the right way? Or why God doesn’t answer your prayers? Do you long to be closer to God and to feel more confident in your prayer? This Prayer Class will help those interested to learn more about prayer, discover different ways and methods of praying, and become more experienced in connecting with God in prayer.
If you are ready to commit 15 minutes a day to personal prayer and 1 hour a week to a group to grow in depth in your relationship with God, this group is for you!
A Kairos Moment: Earth's Climate Crisis
Wednesday evenings for 6 sessions, beginning October 2
7 – 8 p.m., Eastern Time, 6 – 7 p.m. Central Time
Schedule: October 2, October 9, October 16, October 23, two-week hiatus, November 13, November 20
Capacity: 24 people, “first come, first served”
Utilizing a study guide prepared by the ELCA, this class will dig deeply into the ELCA’s 2023 social message “Earth’s Climate Crisis.” The ELCA social message provides facts, raises questions, draws on previous social teachings, references scriptural texts, and identifies convictions that address caretaking for the Earth’s climate. Class learnings will include Bible study, readings, ideas for prayer, video presentations, and in-class discussion activities. In addition, class participants will be equipped with learning activities and actions they can do between class sessions. The class goals are to increase knowledge of our Earth’s Climate Crisis, fully understand the ELCA social message, and learn why and how our Church believes we should respond to the question: How are Christians called to care for Creation?
Materials Needed:
Your own Bible and the ELCA Social Message on Earth’s Climate Crisis (free of charge).
Click here to instantly download the ELCA Social Message.
Proverbs Part 2: Donning A Foreigner’s Clothes
Thursday evenings for 10 weeks, September 19 – November 21
7:00 p.m. Eastern Time, 6:00 p.m. Central Time
“One of the benefits of studying a non-linear and non-narrative book like Proverbs is that you can jump in anywhere without needing a whole lot of background,” says Pastor Tommy. “That means that even if you missed the first half of Proverbs in Part 1 of this class, you can still join us for Part 2 and you will be right at home. The second half of Proverbs is probably the better part anyway! I am excited to welcome you aboard as we read chapters 17-31 and we continue the ungainly project of donning a foreigner’s clothes as we navigate through these Hebrew Aphorisms from a modern perspective.”
Materials Needed:
No books are required for this class other than a Bible. For those interested, my scholarly companion for teaching will be Phillip Melancthon’s Commentary of Proverbs which has a new translation by Timothy Wengert.
Growing Younger: Sharing Ideas and Strategies to Engage Young People
Third Thursday of each month, October 17, 2024 – May 8, 2025
7:00 – 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. Central Time
Guest instructors: Pastor Brenda Greenwald, Gethsemane Lutheran Church, Wallace, and St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church, Stephenson; Amanda Rasner, Director, Fortune Lake Camp; Pastor Melissa Salminen, Bethany, Perkins and Trinity, Stonington; Charlotte Strom, Hospitality Director, Fortune Lake Lutheran Bible Camp; and Stacy McEachern, Immanuel, Negaunee.
What does it mean to Grow Younger? How can our congregations be more welcoming to youth and families? Why does it matter?
This class will explore these questions and more as we dive into the book, Growing Young by Powell, Mulder, and Griffin. Based on research conducted at over 250 thriving congregations, Growing Young provides ideas and strategies any church can use to involve and retain young people (specifically those who are 30 years or younger). Because this transformation will not happen overnight, this class will take place over the course of 8 months, with participants meeting via Zoom once per month. Participants are encouraged (although not required) to sign up for this class with another congregation member to encourage commitment and a continuation of conversations within church communities. All churches grow old. Strategic churches grow younger.
Materials Needed:
Participants will need a copy of the book Growing Young by Powell, Mulder, and Griffin. Some churches in our synod have expressed support of this class and are willing to cover the cost of books for congregation members, so please contact your pastor to see if this is an option for you. Books are available for purchase through Kindle or Audible subscriptions or through the Fuller Institute’s website (Growing Young – Fuller Youth Institute). Used copies are also available by doing an Internet search.
Please note that there are multiple books with this same name so please check the authors’ names before ordering. Please have the first chapter read before class begins on October 17.
Beyond the Policy: Equipping the Faith Community to Prevent, Recognize and React Responsibly to Child Sexual Abuse
Thursday, October 17 and Thursday, October 24
6:00 – 8:30 p.m. Eastern Time, 5:00 – 7:30 p.m. Central Time
Special Note: This course meets the training expectations of the ELCA and Northern Great Lakes Synod for pastors, youth group leaders, and Sunday School teachers. and other adults who are engaged in ministry for young people.
Pastor Kari Vadis has been training and coaching pastors in Child Protection since 2020. She has a passion for making the Church a safe community for children and adult survivors of child sexual abuse. Through story and practical next steps, she will prepare you for situations regarding abuse.
Session One, Thursday, October 17, focuses on Jesus, the Church and the Protection of Children through Scripture, personal Story, and experience with both sex offenders and survivors of child sexual abuse,
Session Two, Thursday, October 24, uses the training workbook of Darkness to Light, a nationwide model for child sexual abuse prevention through awareness, education, research, and stigma reduction.
Materials Needed:
Upon registering, you will receive a link to purchase the workbook needed for this course.
