Adult Spiritual Formation at

Grace St Paul's Episcopal Church

 Mid-October 2016
Sunday Mornings @ GSP
Islam: A General Introduction
Sunday, Oct 16 at 9:00 am
in the Bloom Room
Almost every time an "Islamic terrorist" perpetrates a crime in the West, our news media recycle their one- or two-paragraph stories that list the Five Pillars, emphasize that Islam is a peaceful religion, and assert that the perpetrators are "not real Muslims." While this information is more worthwhile than not, it hardly explains Islam in sufficient detail to allow readers/listeners to reflect adequately on what Islam is or why we should care to explore it. This general introduction to Islam will provide significantly more facts than the typical news story is likely to include and will show how the various "pieces" of the Muslim way of life fit together into a meaningful whole.

Suzanne Morrison describes herself as a “spiritual mutt”, having been a Protestant, an atheist, an agnostic, a Buddhist, and simply an individual who is fascinated by many of the diverse religions found on this planet. She holds a Ph.D. in Religious Studies and currently teaches Religion courses at Pima Community College. Suzanne and her husband Tom have lived in Tucson and attended GSP since November 2014, and are thrilled to be part of a community that is open to learning about what is different.

Quranic inscriptions, Bara Gumbad mosque, Delhi, India
Visible & Invisible:
An Intro to Celtic Spirituality
Sunday, Oct 23 at 9:00 am
in the Bloom Room
Many people are discovering a resonance in the nature-based spirituality of the early Celtic Christian church. This class will introduce participants to the history, unique characteristics and spiritual practices of our Celtic Christian ancestors. Our time together will include an experiential component using music, images and a contemplative exercise. 

Catherine Penn Williams is convener of the Adult Spiritual Formation ministry team. She has made nine trips to Ireland, her soul home, since 1993.

Sermons on Tap
Sunday, October 23 at 11:45 am in the Bloom Education Center

Ever leave worship on Sunday and wish you could talk about the sermon with others? Why not join like-minded folks for an informal and relaxed discussion of the day's sermon over beer and sandwiches? This small group is for anyone with a desire to connect more deeply with others and a willingness to explore their own questions about how we live into the "good news" as preached at GSP.

Beer, iced tea, and a light lunch will be available. Donations will be accepted to cover the costs of lunch . No need to register, come anytime. All are welcome!
What is All Saints Day?
Sunday, October 30 at 9:00 am in the Bloom Room

Come and hear the answers to these and other questions:
  • What do we mean by a “saint” and by the “Communion of Saints”?
  • Who are recognized as “saints” in the Episcopal Church?
  • What makes this day so special?
  • How is this day linked with the Reformation?
  • Why is it celebrated on 1 November?
  • What is its relationship to All Souls’ Day and to Tucson’s All Souls Procession?
  • What does Hallowe’en have to do with All Saints’ Day?
A retired history professor, Dr Chuck Dickson, is a member of the Adult Spiritual Formation ministry team and a frequent and engaging presenter for GSP’s ASF program.
Report from Diocesan Convention
Sunday, October 30 at 11:45 am in the Bloom Room
Have you ever wondered what goes on at the Annual Diocesan Convention (Oct 21-22, 2016)? Every year there are workshops on ministries of all types, both spiritual and secular, as well as legislative and business actions. Five lay members of the congregation, the wardens, our deacons, and priests represent GSP every year at the convention. Come hear your representatives report on the inspirational activities in which they participated this year!

Nanalee Raphael , a delegate to Diocesan Convention for 2016, will moderate the panel of speakers.
3rd Friday Films @ GSP
Fall Film Series: Food & Stewardship
3rd Friday of each month at 6:30 pm in the Bloom Room

As Christians, we believe we are called to be good stewards of the Earth. Do we really need to concern ourselves with what we eat? Yet, we live in a very different world than our grandparents’ generation, and nowhere is this more evident than in the mass production of food. The influence of lobbyists and multinational corporations on the huge business of agriculture has changed the way food is grown, impacts the environment and has challenged the health of our nation. And the poor are often left with the price tag.

Join us on the third Friday of each month during the fall for a free film and discussion about food production in America today.

Friday, October 21 at 6:30 pm in the Bloom Room
FORKS OVER KNIVES (2011) examines the profound claim that most, if not all, of the degenerative diseases that afflict us can be controlled, or even reversed, by rejecting our present menu of animal-based and processed foods. The major storyline in the film traces the personal journeys of a pair of pioneering yet under-appreciated researchers, Dr. T. Colin Campbell and Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn.

This film series will be hosted by Jim Franks, a member of the GSP Vestry and the Adult Spiritual Formation Ministry Team. 
Special Workshop @ GSP
Awakening the Soul: Imagining the Possibility of New God Words
Saturday, Oct 29 from 10:00-11:30 am
in McBride Hall

Presented by The Rev Gil Stafford, Canon Theologian for the Diocese of Arizona, this workshop is designed to prompt our thinking, speaking, and writing about God in new and imaginative ways. This 90 minute interactive workshop is based on the book, Writing to Wake the Soul: Opening the Sacred Conversation Within by Karen Hering. Please bring something to write on and with to the workshop. The workshop is free and the public is invited.

The Rev. Canon Gil Stafford, PhD, DMin, is Canon Theologian for the Episcopal Diocese of Arizona. Prior to being ordained a priest, he was the President of Grand Canyon University. He also had been the head baseball coach at the university for twenty years, winning three national titles. Life is a pilgrimage and Canon Stafford has taken many, including walking Ireland coast-to-coast. He has taught courses and led seminars on Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Anglican Spirituality, Evelyn Underhill, Celtic Spirituality, pilgrimage, leadership, and spiritual direction. His publications include works on higher education, leadership and spirituality. His latest book, When Leadership Meets Spiritual Direction: Reflections and Stories for Congregational Life was published by Rowman & Littlefield. (Alban, June 2014). He has also been published in "Forward Day by Day," and writes a blog at 4peregrini.blogspot.com.

Understanding Scripture @ GSP
For Everyone: Coffee, Bagels
and Bible Stuff
Every Thursday from 7:30-8:30 am in McBride Hall

Join a diverse group in a discussion of the 1 Timothy. In our second year many are attending their first bible study and are enjoying the attempt to put the weekly readings into historical prospective while finding current application. All materials are provided. Drop-ins are welcome, and we start and end on time.

Facilitated by Bill Moore, GSP Junior Warden.
Bible Women
Friday, October 21 from 10:30-11:30 am in the Weeks Room

What do the voices of women in scripture have to say to us about our own lives, regardless of our gender? This class studies the Bible through the words of women in the Old and New Testaments. The focus is on actual scripture and its contexts; an optional text, Bible Women: All Their Words and Why They Matter by Lindsay Hardin Freeman is available through Amazon. The group meets twice a month on the 1st and 3rd Friday. No registration is necessary and participants are welcome to join the group at any time.

For more information contact Vicki Stefani, 520-743-3978 or here.
Weekly Small Groups @ GSP
Sharing Our Spiritual Journeys
Every Monday from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm in the Bloom Room

In this small group we share what matters most to us as followers of Jesus and how we practice this in our individual lives and the life of our community. Each meeting focuses on a different intersection between spirituality and religion, and the conversation always takes us where the Spirit guides.

Each session stands alone and all are welcome. No registration is necessary.

Co-facilitated by Catherine Penn Williams, Brian Arthur and Jim Franks.
Saturday Java Jive:
Coffee & Conversation
Every Saturday from 8:30-11:00 am at Epic Cafe (745 N 4th Ave, at University Blvd)

Want to meet and get to know folks in a relaxed and friendly environment? All are welcome to join this long-running motley crew that meets every Saturday morning for coffee and conversation. We never know who will show up, the topic is always up for grabs and hilarity often ensues.