Adult Faith Formation
Check calendar for meeting schedule or Contact Us for more information.
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ULC is blessed by the richness and diversity of its members, many of whom have ties to Michigan State University, state government, and a variety of local and national organizations. Each Sunday from September to mid-May, members have the opportunity to hear presentations and participate in discussions on a wide variety of topics.
During the pandemic, and while our building is closed, we gather via Zoom for "ZoomForum" (Sunday Forum) after our Sunday Facebook Live service. Grab a cup of coffee after the service is over to enjoy a few minutes of informal conversation prior to the presentation. Zoom invitation meeting codes will be shared in our weekly announcement emails.
2021-22 Speaker Schedule |
Pub Theology is led by Pastor Gary and meets on the last Tuesday of the month from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. on Zoom. Pub Theology is an informal discussion focused on four or five questions each month that often revolve around a specific theme. This is a great time for fellowship and to discuss matters of the faith. Invite a friend and bring your questions about God and faith. Beer, Conversation and God!
Here are the questions for our October 26 meeting:
Here are the questions for our October 26 meeting:
- If you had to eat one meal everyday for the rest of your life what would it be?
- If you restarted your life from scratch, would you end up in the same place?
- Bumper sticker seen in South Carolina: “If Jesus had a gun, he’d still be alive today.” Discuss.
- What has a pastor or clergy person said that made you cringe? If you are a clergy person, what four to six words do you dread hearing at a Sabbath or Sunday service?
- Where is the strangest place you’ve ever slept? In the UK, some churches are creating an experience called “Champing,” or church camping — overnighting in a historic sanctuary. Champers can spend the night snuggled on camp beds in the historic sanctuaries of churches for a modest fee. (Dogs stay for free.) Lest anyone feel guilty snoozing under the vaulted arches and stained glass windows of a 17th-century country church, the proceeds go toward restoring the churches and providing jobs in the communities where the churches are located. How else can houses of faith creatively use their physical spaces?
- The pandemic has helped religion’s reputation as new research shows Americans found houses of worship helpful during the pandemic, more than almost any other institution. Do religious vaccine resisters put this progress at risk?
Lectio Divina meets weekly via Zoom on Wednesdays at 12 noon for silent prayer and contemplation. Contact Bill Trevarthen, Pastor Gary Bunge, or Pastor Haley Vay Beaman for Zoom meeting code.
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Members and friends meet weekly via Zoom on Tuesday mornings at 7:30 am to review liturgical texts for the upcoming Sunday. Contact Jim Kiefer or Larry Wagenknecht for Zoom meeting code.
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Women's Circles
Pastor Gary enjoying holiday lunch with members of Lychnion Circle.
Many ULC women and their guests engage in vibrant Bible study and fellowship within the context of three long-standing circles. The circles typically meet for Bible study and refreshments once a month in the Fireside Room according to the schedule below. New members are always welcome!
Circle meeting times (COVID-19 meeting information):
Amnos and Lychnion Circles are still trying to determine the safest way to meet during the pandemic. Rhodon is meeting monthly via Zoom.
Amnos Circle (the Greek word for Lamb)
Group Leader: Marilyn Johnson
Third Wednesday of each month at 9 am
Lychnion Circle (the Greek word for Light)
Group Leader: Carolyn Lohr
Third Tuesday of each month at 12:30 pm
Rhodon Circle (the Greek word for Rose)
Third Wednesday of each month at 1 pm via Zoom. Contact Group Leader Kay Meints for Zoom meeting code.
Circle meeting times (COVID-19 meeting information):
Amnos and Lychnion Circles are still trying to determine the safest way to meet during the pandemic. Rhodon is meeting monthly via Zoom.
Amnos Circle (the Greek word for Lamb)
Group Leader: Marilyn Johnson
Third Wednesday of each month at 9 am
Lychnion Circle (the Greek word for Light)
Group Leader: Carolyn Lohr
Third Tuesday of each month at 12:30 pm
Rhodon Circle (the Greek word for Rose)
Third Wednesday of each month at 1 pm via Zoom. Contact Group Leader Kay Meints for Zoom meeting code.
Faith, Writing and Reflection
A new small group, meeting on Zoom, using 40-Day Journey with Madeleine L’Engel. Tuesdays, beginning Sept. 7 from 3 to 4:30 pm. For more information, contact Carole Ford.
New Member Classes
New member classes are held in the spring and fall as demand requires. New members meet with the pastoral staff for a "Lutheran Refresher" for those new to the Lutheran faith (as well as those wishing a refresher), and are welcomed to the congregation on "New Member Sundays." For further information please contact the church office.
