Group Spiritual Formation
Rev. Brandon Witwer Rector, Anglican Parish of Christ Church, Elbow Park, Calgary, AB
Check out this short 5 minute video as part of our November weekly video series on spiritual formation and discipleship. This series features scholars and practitioners from across theological traditions and Canadian regions, sharing Canadian research, theological reflection, and practical application.
Recommend Resource
Spiritual Classics: Selected Readings for Individuals and Groups on the Twelve Spiritual Disciplines Edited by Richard Foster & Emilie Griffin
From nearly two thousand years of Christian writing comes Spiritual Classics; two selections complete with a profile of each author, guided meditations for group and individual use, and reflections containing questions and exercises. Editors Richard Foster and Emilie Griffith offer their expertise by selecting inspirational writings and including their own commentary and recommendations for further guided reading and exploration.
Upcoming Events
Lament and Hope: The Vital Role of Creation Care in 21st Century Discipleship
Thursdays: November 10 - December 1, 2022 1:30 - 3pm Eastern
Newspaper headlines regularly report the disturbing realities of climate change and biodiversity loss - the ecological crises of our time. But how are Christ followers to respond? How is the care of creation related to discipleship? And what does the church have to contribute in the face of ecological degradation and the anxiety it generates amongst our parishioners and our neighbours? Join us as we explore this overlooked cornerstone and opportunity for Christian mission in Canada.
None of the Above: Nonreligious Identity in the U.S. and Canada
Thursday, November 17th, 2022 7:30pm Eastern
Nearly one-third of American and Canadian adults say they have no religion. Who are these individuals? Why and where has this population grown? How do religious “nones” in the United States and Canada compare? What are the dynamics of being a religious none in contemporary America and Canada? How does this willful distance from organized religion impact other aspects of daily and social life? To answer these questions, our lecturers will highlight aspects of their study which turns to high-quality survey and interview data positioned against the backdrop of three theoretical frameworks in the field of sociology of religion: stages of decline, individualization and spiritualization, as well as polarization.
Becoming a Church of Closeness: The Challenges and Opportunities of Synodality
Friday, November 18th, 2022 10am Pacific/1pm Eastern
Catholics around the world want to respond to Pope Francis’ vision of becoming a “Church of closeness”, but many are left wondering what it means to live out synodality practically in the parish. Join Father James Mallon and Sister Natalie Becquart in a conversation where they explore what it means to live synodality at a parish level.
"My Parish isn't Missional!": How To Lead When You Are Not in Charge
Thursday, December 8, 2022
11am Pacific/2pm Eastern
“But what if my parish isn’t missional?” This is the cry of many laypeople who long to see their parish come alive. When the parish priest isn’t actively leading change, fruits can be limited and parishioners can even feel helpless. But it doesn’t always have to be that way! Join a conversation exploring the ways you can influence, lead, pray, and serve fruitfully in a parish that is not yet oriented to mission.