A Word from the Pastor

Spiritual Formation is the experience of being “bent into shape” by the bible, teachings of the church and holy conversation. Spiritual formation includes learning information, but more importantly it is about the experience of transformation. Our Vision/Mission document includes a section on spiritual formation, stated in the second goal which says:

“We commit ourselves to grow in our understanding and experience of discipleship through spiritual formation for all ages.” Furthermore it says: “We recognize that strengthening the spiritual lives of adults is essential to providing spiritual growth for children and youth.”

The offerings listed in this brochure are a beginning place for this journey of discipleship. Both the Spiritual Advisory Team and I anticipate 100% participation. As a result faith will be strengthened and together we will bring new vitality and energy to our church community as we allow our lives to be formed and shaped in the love of God.

Complete the enclosed form and return to the church office or place in the offering plate on Sunday morning. If you prefer to register online, send an email to: office@prairiechurch.org and indicate which learning experience you intend to participate in. There is no charge for the fall/winter classes.

Looking Ahead

Lenten Sabbatical 2010:

During Lent all regularly scheduled Ministry Team meetings will be suspended, and additional opportunities for Faith Formation will be offered.  Details of the Lenten Sabbatical offerings will be provided in a separate brochure about a month before Lent begins.

Join church members and friends on a Travel/Pilgrimage to the beautiful Austrian Alps in the summer of 2010, including an option to attend the world famous Passion Play in Oberammergau. Pastor Mike Miller and Nancy Miller will host this 9-day travel experience.  You may pick up a brochure at the church office or call the office, 952-937-8781, for more information.

Travel with Pastor Mike and Nancy Miller on this journey of a lifetime. Visit many of the sites and cities where Paul preached and established Christian churches. Remember your baptism at the river where Lydia the first Christian convert was baptized. The pilgrimage includes airfare, hotels, English speaking guide, several lectures on Paul and morning and evening meals. A three day extension to Turkey and Greek Isles is also available. Departure from Minneapolis. Brochures with additional details are available from the church office.

 Spiritual Formation means getting “bent into shape” as we allow scripture, holy conversation and prayer to form or shape us in the way of Jesus.

   Child Care will be provided by Elisha Madoo, our regular nursery staff person, every Wednesday evening from

6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

(for preschool children only)

 Eden Prairie United Methodist Church

15050 Scenic Heights Road

Eden Prairie, MN 55344

952-937-8781

www.prairiechurch.org

Sunday Evening Series –

“Who is My Neighbor?”

 (Seeing the neighborhood from the perspective of others)

“For the Bible Tells Me So”  Sunday, 

September 27, 6:30 p.m.

The multi-award winning film, For the Bible Tells Me So, shares the stories of Christian families who struggled to come to terms with having a gay child or family member.  As a reconciling congregation, Eden Prairie United Methodist Church is committed to fostering open, respectful dialogues that will lead to acceptance and affirmation of every human being, regardless of sexual preference.

 -“Sons & Daughters of 

    Abraham - Introduction to 

    Muslim Faith and Practice"

“Living the Questions”

Segment 1 –Sunday evenings 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., beginning September 20, facilitated by Ginger Eddy  and Wednesday evenings 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., beginning September 23, facilitated by Eric Hyde              

Segment 2 – Sunday evenings 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. beginning January 3 and Wednesday evenings 7:00 p.m.to 8:00 p.m. beginning January 6

Segment 3 – scheduled for April/May 2010

Are you a thinker, a questioner, ready to discuss what YOU think it means to be “a Christian” in today’s world?  This thought-provoking series is being used in over 5,000 churches around the world to help Christians “define and align” their faith and actions in modern times.  No homework – your heart, mind and presence are all that is required.  Each session starts with a 20-minute video, followed by discussion.  You can get something out of it any time you come – the Sunday and Wednesday sessions are interchangeable to help accommodate schedules.  Wednesday sessions coincide with youth programming and include childcare for preschool children.

Are you intimidated by your Bible, or by Bible study?  Drake is leading this course just for you.  We’ll be using popular author J. Ellsworth Kalas' book, A Hop, Skip and a Jump Through the Bible as we go through the different books of the Bible, and focus on the overarching theme of God’s covenant love that binds the varied writings of the Bible together.  Whether you are a relatively new Christian, were “preoccupied” back in your confirmation days, or simply want to have a little more knowledge of scripture, this series is right for you.

“The Book of Genesis”

(10-week Disciple Bible Study)

Monday evenings 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., beginning January 4, led by Drake Talbert

Learn about Abraham and Sarah and their descendants.  Three faith traditions trace their heritage to the Abraham story: Judaism, Islam and Christianity. This is a story of human passion, faith, sin and forgiveness. 

Did you ever wonder where "Methodist" came from?  Who's that Wesley guy Pastor Mike keeps talking about?  What's with all the committees?  Do we really have to sing every two minutes in church?  Here's your chance to find out. 

Join us for Methodist 101 to learn a little bit about how our faith tradition started.  We will look at Methodist beliefs and organization.  We will see how one man's decision to love his neighbor still inspires others to become disciples of Christ. 

An internet study group is being formed and will start in early October.  Group members will read the study material on their own and share their thoughts on-line.  If this style of study appeals to you, email the church office and additional information will be provided as it becomes available.