Sunday Morning Forum

Jan 5-26 – “An Altar in the World” – Led by various members of Wesley Memorial

With the honesty of Elizabeth Gilbert (Eat, Pray, Love) and the spiritual depth of Anne Lamott (Grace, Eventually), author Barbara Brown Taylor shares how she learned to find God beyond the church walls by embracing the sacred as a natural part of everyday life. In An Altar in the World, Taylor shows us how to discover altars everywhere we go and in nearly everything we do as we learn to live with purpose, pay attention, slow down, and revere the world we live in.

Feb 2 –   Climate Change – Led by guest speaker Kate Tarrant

Katherine Tarrant will lead us in a discussion on her work around climate change focusing on the current concerns and sharing how religious communities can continue to support climate justice

Feb 9 – Wesley Sermons – Led by Renita Banks

Renita will be sharing her wealth of knowledge on the sermons of John Wesley. Specifically, she will talk about Suzanna’s role in the sermons and how letters from Suzanna often helped him shape and write his sermons. She will guide us in a way that will lead in well to the Wesley Revival videos.

Feb 16-Mar 2 – Wesley Revival Video – Led by various members of Wesley Memorial

Join Adam Hamilton for a six-week journey as he travels to England, following the life of John Wesley and exploring his defining characteristics of a Wesleyan Christian. Wesley’s story is our story. It defines our faith, and it challenges us to rediscover our spiritual passion.

Mar 9 – Fall planning session – Led by Rick Hamilton

This is the time when we come together to brainstorm what topics we want to cover in our Fall Semester.  All are welcome to attend and bring your ideas.

Mar 16-April 13 – “The Final Days – A Lenten journey through the Gospels”

This Lent, ponder the Lenten themes of poverty, freedom, and love in Matt Rawles’ latest study. Although the New Testament Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John basically tell the same story about Jesus’ last week in Jerusalem and offer the same Resurrection hope, they don’t tell the story the same way. Each of the four Gospels looks at Jesus’ Passion through a different lens, highlighting different aspects and giving us quite a nuanced portrait of Jesus. One story reveals Jesus to be in control, while another emphasizes his suffering. In one portrait Jesus offers hope to the thief on the cross, and in another Jesus only receives derision. These different perspectives aren’t a reason to dismiss the Gospels; rather they reveal an abundant, diverse, and complementary picture of God’s work in the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

April 20 – Easter (no class)

April 27 – Disney and Christianity – Led by guest speaker Josh Parks

What can Disney movies tell us about American religion? From Snow White to Lady and the Tramp to The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Disney’s fantastical storytelling has been intertwined with Christian images and symbols. By looking at how Disney has represented prayers, churches, holidays, and other sacred things throughout its history, we can see how popular culture shapes what Americans understand as “good” religion.

May 4 – Intergenerational time with confirmands – Led by our Director of Christian Education, Tatum Tricarico

This will be a joyful and educational time planned by Tatum, where adults in SMF can connect with the class of just confirmed youth (confirmation is happening on Easter). There will be fun activities as well as a space to share meaningful advice and ask questions.

May 11 – Annual Conference – Led by Chris Reffett

We will talk through the current issues being raised at Annual Conference, what to expect from the gathering, and how the church can advocate for what we hope in the larger Church. This will give us a picture of what the broader UMC is doing as well as our role in it.