Christian Formation
Since the early church, Christian Formation has filled God’s people with purpose and vision. Beginning at baptism, we are called to search out and experience a range of learning by exploring the Bible, experiencing fellowship, in our everyday work and through service.
Our Sunday Morning Christian Formation Hour begins at 9:45 AM. We will have offerings for ages 3 through adults and our Nursery will be open at 9 AM. Please read on, for the many ways we have for children, youth & adults to be involved in Christian Formation both on Sundays and during the week.
Adult Christian Formation at All Saints
November/December 2008
Sunday Morning Offerings (9:45 AM)
November 16 & 23 –
Praying with Jesus: A Bible Study (in the Library)
Jesus was a person of prayer, and a careful examination of his commitment to spiritual disciplines can provide guidance as we struggle to strengthen our own prayer life. In this three session series offered by The Rev. Thomas O’Dell, we will explore Jesus’ life of prayer from the beginning of his ministry to his final, agonizing prayers at Gethsemane and on the cross. In our study, we will focus on the search for support for our own spiritual journeys. Participants are asked to prepare for our informal discussion sessions by reading and reflecting on these assigned passages of Scripture:
Nov.16 – Jesus’ Prayer in the Wilderness – Matt. 4:1-11 and
Jesus’ Prayers for His Disciples - John 17:1-26
Nov.23 – Jesus’ Prayers at His Passion – Mk 15:33-39, Mat. 26:36-46, Lk. 23:32-49
Thy Kingdom Come, Will our Wills Be Done? (In Activity Room)
This adult forum is the first of a 2 part course presented by the Planned Giving Team. The forum on November 16 will focus on end-of- life issues that many of us unfortunately never get around to handling or ignore under the mistaken impression that planning is only for the “wealthy”: implementing a living will/health care directive/power of attorney for health care; implementing a financial, durable power of attorney; setting up a last will and testament; and considering probate avoidance techniques or will substitutes such as a revocable trust. The members of the Planned Giving Team will lead discussions on topics focused on planning for serious illness, incapacity, bequests and inheritance.
The second part of this forum will be offered on Sunday, November 23 and will address tax-advantaged planned giving strategies for all parishioners. Planned giving is not just for parishioners who have accumulated wealth but is available to all, regardless of the degree of financial gifts one has received. For example, a married couple may choose to bequeath a sum certain or a percentage of their assets when the survivor passes away. Other options, such as a charitable gift annuity, may actually generate income for the donor’s retirement, while serving the long-term financial health and programs of All Saints.
November 30 –
Showing Christ’s Love – Welcoming at All Saints (Activity Room)
We all know it can be awkward to walk up to someone you don’t know at church and start a conversation. Come join the welcoming and evangelism committee in a hands on practical forum on how to strike up a conversation and welcome someone you don’t know as you would Jesus Christ himself.
Advent Sunday Scripture Discussions (In Undercroft)
Advent calls us to await Christ’s coming but are we paying close attention to God’s Living Word? Do you ever want more time to discuss the scriptures we hear on Sunday morning? This is a perfect way to take that time to delve further into God’s Word. This group will gather in the Undercroft, so grab a cup of coffee and join us as we explore the Advent readings for that Sunday. The following are the dates and leaders:
Nov. 30 – Leaders: The Rev. Tom O’Dell & Sheila Smith
Dec. 7 - Leaders: The Rev. Jason Emerson & Judy Stribley
December 7 –
Rector’s Forum (In Activity Room)
You are invited to join The Rev. Tom O’Dell for a Rector’s Forum. This meeting will have an open agenda for you to bring topics before the Rector. Whether you have questions or just wonder what your fellow parishioners may have on their minds, please come and enjoy Christian community and discussion at their finest.
Mid-Week Offerings
“A Child is Born for Us”
Images of Advent in Isaiah
Advent is a time of joyful waiting as we prepare our hearts anew for the greatest gift ever given. Others have waited, as well. The Book of the Prophet Isaiah is filled with powerful, poetic images of hope. In this four-week weekday Bible study, we’ll enjoy some of these as we find strength and joy for the living of our lives.
Offered by the rector, the series is offered on Tuesday mornings at 9:30 am and Wednesday evenings at 7:00 pm. Simply choose the time that works for you.
Tuesday, November 18/Wednesday, November 19
Tuesday, December 2/Wednesday, December 3
Tuesday, December 9/Wednesday, December 10
All Saints’ Progressive Dinner – Friday, November 21st
Fifty plus parishioners have signed up for All Saints’ First Progressive Dinner on Friday, November 21st. It is not too late sign up! Just fill out a registration form (found in this copy of the Witness or at church), you will receive instructions on which parishioner’s home you will begin at for appetizers at 5:30 pm. When you arrive at that house, you will receive the address (with directions) of your dinner host which begins at 7:00 pm. Dessert will be back at the Church in our beautiful narthex at 8:30pm. The cost of the evening is $15 per person. If you have further questions, please contact Linda Rafael at lindar@allsaintsomaha.com.
Men’s Retreat – Saturday, November 22nd
Calling all men of the parish. Join us on Nov. 22nd from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. for the men’s retreat day. We will be joined by author and missionary Chris Heuertz talking about his book Simple Spirituality. In the book he breaks down spirituality into five behaviors he learned from working in some of the poorest neighborhoods in the world. Continental breakfast and lunch will be served and we will meet in the retreat center. RSVP to Don Girard at dgirard@nebsports.net by November 20th.
Advent Wreath Making Night
All Parishioners are welcome to join us on Wednesday, December 3rd for our annual Advent Wreath Making Night. We begin with a Eucharist at 6 pm, followed by dinner at 6:30 pm and the advent greens, candles and embellishments will be ready for you to create your own advent wreath to take home and use to celebrate the season. We will give you prayers to use to light your candles at home. Come and join us as we share in taking the “Light of Christ” to our homes.
Saturday, December 6th
A Morning of Advent Meditations
Join the Rev. Thomas O’Dell as he leads us through a morning of meditations on the season that calls us to wait with hopeful anticipation. Our rector will guide us with Scripture and prayer through times of silence for individual meditation. The morning will run from 9 am until noon.
Babysitting Offered by Youth Making Trip to Alaska
Saturday morning, December 6th, the youth making their J2A Mission Trip to Alaska this coming June, are offering babysitting from 8 am – noon. You may choose to use this time to attend the Morning Advent Meditation (see above) or you may want to use this time to get some Christmas Shopping done. Either way, the youth look forward to spending time with your children age 6 months to 10 years old. The suggested donation is: $20 for one child, $30 for two or $40 for family. Be sure to see the Luncheon served at noon mentioned below.
St. Nicholas Luncheon
December 6th is the Feast of St. Nicholas and we will celebrate with a luncheon at noon that day. Be sure to mark this on your calendar, because a special visitor is planning on joining us!!