New Faith Formation

Abundance: Building the Economy of the Beloved Community

In conversation with each other, and selected portions of “Abundance” and “The Serviceberry”, we’ll explore the possibilities of an economy of generosity. We’ll also consider the impact of “scarcity mindsets” on our faith and lives. Abundance is written by Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson. The Serviceberry is written by Robin Wall Kimmerer.

Searching for Sunday

Like millions of her millennial peers, Rachel didn’t want to go to church anymore. The hypocrisy, the politics, the gargantuan building budgets, the scandals—church culture seemed so far removed from Jesus. Yet, despite her cynicism and misgivings, something kept drawing her back…

For anyone who has been away from the church(at large) for a while, or who has recently decided to return to it, Rachel Held Evans offers a gentle & powerful invitation to explore what led us away + what drew us back.

Faith & Film

Representations of our faith are ever-present in the media. This group will explore the representation of faith and lessons offered through film and tv shows. Suggested media include: Midnight Mass, The Chosen, Star Wars IV: A New Hope, The Good Place, and 12 Years a Slave.

UCC 101

Central is not non-denominational! We’re part of a historic tradition that now gathers under the name “United Church of Christ.” In this monthly group, we’ll explore different parts of the UCC. Think history, tradition(s), theology, and more!

How the Bible Actually Works taught by Candler faculty

Beneath most disagreements in the church are different understandings about how the Bible actually works. Are its truths static or dynamic? What do we do with parts of the Bible that seem to contradict itself? If the Bible says something, does that necessarily settle what we should believe and do today? This group will explore the dynamic nature of Scripture through a close study of the Ten Commandments and the way in which these ancient laws are interpreted, debated, and re-imagined within the pages of the Bible itself.

End of Life Planning (EoLP)

Death is a part of life. Indeed, we are dust and will return to dust. This is a practical and hands on conversation series modeled off of Rev. Karen Johnston’s Date with Death Club. In this space, we’ll talk about death, grief, “owning” our dying, and preparing our wills and testaments.

The Prophets Speak

The prophets in our tradition(s) are still speaking too! An ongoing series, The Prophets Speak, will focus on one prophet at a time, exploring figures from the Old and New Testaments, as well as contemporary prophetic voices. Ex: Against the Nations: The Prophet Amos (6 weeks) and The Jeremiad (8 weeks)

Foundations: Intergenerational Sunday School 

Each story will be presented for 2 consecutive Sundays.

Everybody has to start somewhere! Sometimes that means simply starting over. This all ages(kids – vintage adults) group will explore the stories of the bible together through breaking bread, storytelling, prayer, and play. Following Rev. Meredith Miller’s “Woven Model,” this group will explore stories that help us to encounter and know the goodness of God.

Sunday Morning Lectionary Bible Study

This group will discuss the scripture for that Sunday. This is very similar to the Monday Lunch & Learn group! It would just meet on Sunday, without replacing or changing the Monday Lunch & Learn study group.

Sermon Talk-Back

Offered twice each month, Sermon Talk-Back invites you into a deeper engagement with that Sunday sermon. This is a space for dialogue not critique. Gathering in the fireplace room after worship, this is a space to ask questions, clarify what you heard, and offer your own reflections. We’re interested in how our sermons move from thinking to action!