Discover ways to connect with our community beyond our Sunday gatherings.
Season 13 – Fall 2022
This season we’re putting a renewed emphasis on spiritual formation. We are offering a number of groups with different focuses. We hope you are able to find one that interests you!
1. Podcast Theology
In talking with many people almost all express some disappointment in life, and confusion in how to walk the Jesus path. In the Podcast theology group this term, we’d love to hear episodes that you have found both challenging and encouraging
in your journey on the Jesus path. Maybe you have some in mind already, or you can begin noting podcasts and episodes that you’re interested in sharing. Each evening is directed by both the podcast and the reaction of the participants to the
material and each other. This is a very open forum where questions, opinions, thoughts and doubts can be expressed freely (i.e. no judgement)
Date/Time: 7:30-9pm, Tuesdays, Oct 11 – Nov 29
Location: Zoom
Register here:
https://nexus.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/1437601
2. A Look into Spiritual Growth (Dinner Included)
“The Work of the People” is a wonderful resource (Nexus has been using for 3 years) that has 100s of excellent short videos on spiritual formation. All are quite short and very thoughtful and can lead to great discussions. Each evening 1 or 2 we will watch 1 or 2 of these 3-6 minute videos from a variety of speakers with helpful perspectives on subjects such as prayer, silence, the Holy Spirit, forgiveness, compassion, contemplation, wholeness, being loved, detoxing, sabbath, freedom, pain, dying to self, plus more. I am hoping that a number of these will resonate with you, perhaps meeting needs in your life. Being part of a group will allow you to hear others’ thoughts, questions and doubts in these areas and even give you more resources and ideas to pursue in your quest.
A TWIST – We invite you to join us for supper at 6:30p.m. We’ll provide the main course and you can bring either a salad, a vegetable or a dessert once every few weeks. If you can’t do supper either occasionally or at all, you can still join at 7:30 p.m. for the video and discussion time.
Date/Time: 6:30-7:30pm Dinner, 7:30-9pm Group. Thursdays, Oct 13 – Dec 1
Location: Murray & Jane’s place. The address will be emailed.
Register here: https://nexus.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/1438322
3. Spiritual Direction with Karla
“Do you seek God?” and then, “What does this seeking mean for your life?” – these are the two main questions of spiritual direction. I propose to run a few spiritual direction groups of four people, beginning as soon as we can this month at a time that suits the group members (maybe one daytime, one evening). We’d meet monthly for the season (ending in June), at our place in Northwest Waterloo.
If you are interested in growing in honesty and receptivity with God, are able to listen prayerfully on behalf of others, and are willing to open your spiritual journey to others’ gentle input, these groups are for you. The process is simple: each person shares briefly about something in their lives, remembering God is found in the most surprising places. You can bring just about anything to share – just notice what’s arising in you as we hold those first moments of silence…something you wrestle with, an image of God you’d like to update…places of tenderness or strong emotions…hopes, disappointments, a question… After a brief time of silence, the others ask the person some questions for reflection. There’s another moment of silence, and then it’s the next person’s turn. For more information, the Shalem Institute describes the process quite well.
We hope to grow a warm and compassionate space to explore our individual journeys with God in community.
Date/Time: These will be determined by the group members.
Location: Karla’s place. The address will be emailed.
Register here for daytime: https://nexus.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/1437583
Register here for evening: https://nexus.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/1437594
4. Spiritual Disciplines – Family Friendly
Steve and Christie Martin are hosting a family-friendly option on Sunday evenings from 6-7:30, beginning Sept 25, This is a weekly group on a monthly rotation: Week 1: Men meet; Week 2: Women meet; Week 3: Whole family week; Week 4: Off
This group will use the Spiritual Disciplines Handbook by Adele Ahlherg Calhoun. Everyone chooses a spiritual discipline to focus on and brings their experiences with it back to the group. Spiritual disciplines are best experienced in the midst of real life – they’re for everyone, and it’s all about freedom and joy.
Date/Time: 6-7:30pm, Sundays, Sept 25 – Dec 11
Location: Martin’s place. The address will be emailed.
Register here: https://nexus.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/1437608