Spiritual formation is a rather general term referring to all attempts, means, and disciplines intended towards deepening of faith and furtherance of spiritual growth. It includes educational endeavors and prayer as well as the more intimate and in-depth process of a covenant group or spiritual direction.
Food and Faith Class, October 13 - November 17
The second half of autumn on Sundays at 11AM during the Adult Forum hour!
Sign up here.
Food is one of the most basic and necessary ways that we can love God, love ourselves, and love our neighbors as ourselves. Eucharist invites us into abundant life as followers of Christ… that we would “taste and see that the Lord is good.” This class explores the intersection of faithful eating, our Nashville food system, and falling in love with the land we live on as a part of our discipleship. We will receive the invitation God is extending us to care for creation, our neighbors, and ourselves. It is the invitation of abundant life. When we taste it, there is nothing better.
In this class, we will learn and eat together, hear compelling stories of good work being done, and tour farms. With the challenges of land in Middle Tennessee being quickly developed for housing and commercial interests as well as rising farming input expenses, Middle Tennessee farmers need support as they care for the land and grow nutritious food that supports the local food system. Additionally, food insecurity and food justice issues are pervasive in Nashville. Faith communities within Middle Tennessee have a myriad of volunteer, land, infrastructure, and financial resources to care for the land, care for folks experiencing food insecurity, support farmers, and invest in the local food system. Through this holy work, we can engage in faithful discipleship, caring for God’s creation and growing closer as a church around a table.
Food and Faith Schedule
October 13th - “Introduction to Food and Faith” at Benton Chapel with Kate Fields
October 20th - “Farmers of Middle Tennessee” at Bells Bend Farm (5188 Old Hickory Blvd, Nashville, 37218)
October 27nd - “The Middle TN Local Food System” at the A-Frame with Natalie Seevers from TN Local Food
November 3rd - “Good Food Nourishes Body and Soul” at Zysis Garden with Bridget Bryant (12944 Old Hickory Blvd, Antioch, TN 37013)
November 10th - “Feedback Nashville” at the A-Frame with Stephanie Roach from Urban Green Lab
November 17th - “Conclusion” 100 Mile Dinner potluck & St. A’s Autumn Festival at the Welcome Garden (1575 Campbell Rd, Goodlettsville, TN 37072)
Adult Forum Continued
November 24th - “The Longing of Advent” led by Becca Stevens
December 1st - Advent Wreath Decorating/ Hot Cocoa for all ages
December 8th - “Contemplative Advent” led by the Justice Salon (Last Adult Forum of 2024)
Save the Date for our St. A's Fall Festival and 100 Mile Food and Faith Lunch on Sunday, November 17th after the service. Our Fall Festival is in lieu of the Fall Retreat and all St. A's folks and friends are welcome to come! We will have SO many fun fall activities and a beautiful potluck of local food at the Welcome Garden, 1575 Campbell Rd, Goodlettsville, TN 37072.
Sign up Genius for potluck lunch:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C054CAFA72BA0FE3-52443701-100mile#/
Click for schedule.
See map below for parking!
Wednesday Morning Book Study at the Center for Contemplative Justice
Wednesday mornings 9:45 a.m. - 11 a.m. at the CCJ, 5201 Alabama Ave, 37209
Pop in & out as your schedule allows. Questions? christy@staugustineschapel.org
September 11 – November 20, 2024 Graceland, At Last by Margaret Renkl
Sept 11 - Intro and pp 1-17
Sept 18 - Rest of Flora and Fauna pp 18-50
Sept 25 - Politics and Religion: Southern Monuments through Gun Control pp 53-81
Oct 2 - Politics and Religion: American Tragedy through Jimmy Carter pp 82-102
Oct 9 - Social Justice: America to Me through White Christians pp 105-124
Oct 16 - Social Justice: Racist History through Kids Are Done pp 125-151
Oct 23 - Family and Community pp 197-235
Oct 30 - Environment pp 155-193
Nov 6 - Arts and Culture: America’s Roadside through After War pp 239-270
Nov 13 - Arts and Culture: Proud Graduate through Graceland, At Last pp 271-291
Nov 20 - Potluck and Final Thoughts on the Book
Spiritual Direction
Spiritual direction is a time-honored term for a conversation, ordinarily between two persons, in which one person consults another about what it means to live with God in mind. Unlike counseling or psychotherapy, spiritual direction is focused not on problem-solving, technique, or intervention but on relationship with God, questions about suffering, the true self, and vocation. As Thomas Merton once said, “Spiritual direction is, in reality, nothing more than a way of leading us to pay attention to the real Director — the Holy Spirit hidden in the depths of our soul."
Although spiritual direction has had a burst of new life in recent times, it is really quite ancient and simple. Throughout the ages and across faith traditions, we find people seeking guidance on how to choose appropriate directions in response to felt questions, leadings, and inclinations.
For more information, email Scott Owings at scott@staugustineschapel.org.
Grief as Praise: A Conversation with the Rev. Dr. Scott Owings and tallu quinn From the January 31, 2021 Home Church Service at St. Augustine’s Chapel
Covenant Groups
Covenant Groups are small (typically 7-10 members), and meet together regularly (often weekly) for the express purpose of encouraging each other through honest conversation and prayer. For more information, email Scott Owings at scott@staugustineschapel.org.