The fall/winter 2021-22 theme of ACF is “Going Forward, Together,” and features a cadre of speakers who address faith, wellness, healing, justice, and wholeness. We meet from 10:20 to 10:50 a.m. in the parish hall. An audio recording of each lecture will be available the following day via SoundCloud.
View the speaking schedule below:
Oct. 3 – The Rev. James P. Adams – “A Time for Healing”
Mindful of how painful and disorienting the past 18 months have been, our rector, The Rev. Jim Adams, will begin our adult education year with an exploration of God’s healing grace, as it is found in Holy Scripture, poetry, story, and song. We will explore how these rich resources can serve as a kind of “spiritual GPS,” to help us find our way home again.
Listen via this link.
Oct. 10 – The Rev. David Frazelle – “Going Forward Together, In Faith: An Autobiographical Approach”
We live our lives moving forward, but we understand them looking backwards. Seeing how God has been present and active in our lives in the past can help clarify the present and future, into which God calls us. David Frazelle will share a brief version of his spiritual autobiography, with the hope that his story might help illuminate elements of your own.
Listen via this link; To access the handout, click here.
Oct. 17 – The Rev. Daniel J. Reeves – “Unclinched Fists: Opening up Our Hands to be Led by the Spirit”
Drawing upon his past experience of teaching tennis, Daniel will explore how we may open ourselves to be led and to be changed by the Holy Spirit. This talk will include an exercise of a contemplative practice of entering into Holy Scripture.
Listen via this link. To access the handout, click here.
Oct. 24 – The Rev. Mary Davila – “Going Forward Together: The Road to Emmaus“
As some of Jesus’ followers make their way back home from Jerusalem, having endured the death of Jesus and not yet believing the good news of his resurrection, Jesus meets them. In what ways are we on a similar journey, feeling downcast about all that we see and hear, and yet so longing to remain open to the truth that God makes all things new?
Listen via this link. To access the handout, click here.
Oct. 31 – Liz Howes – “Marked as Christ’s Own Forever: Our story of Belovedness and Belonging”
Baptism is the place where we celebrate and acknowledge our belonging to God, whether it is our own baptism or that of someone else. What does it look like to allow ourselves to belong to God? How does it change the way we see ourselves? Join us as we reflect on the prayers and promises shared at baptism and why, with each service, we witness we are drawn deeper into the story.
Listen via this link.
Nov. 7. – Dr. Sandra Wartzski – “Resilience: Build the Bounce Back”
Resilience is the ability to cope with difficulty or adversity in order to “bounce back” effectively. This session will overview some facts about resilience as well as some tips about how to use psychological tools that foster moving forward successfully.
Listen via this link.
Nov. 14 – Matt Calabria – “Achieving Prosperity for All: The State of Affordable Housing in Wake County”
Housing affordability continues to be one of Wake County’s most acute issues. Wake County Government and numerous public and nonprofit organizations have taken major steps to address our housing challenges, but more must be done. Wake County Board of Commissioners Chair Matt Calabria will review where we are as a county and provide a vision for the path ahead.
Listen via this link.
Nov. 21 – The Rev. David Frazelle & Karen Connor McGugan – “But What do I Say?”: Helpful (and less helpful) Ways to Respond to Someone Who is Suffering”
We often want to offer compassion, concern, and comfort to those who have lost a loved one, become ill, or received bad news, but we might feel unsure of what to say or do. This session will provide resources to equip and empower you for those moments.
Listen via this link.
Nov. 28 – no programs during Thanksgiving weekend
Dec. 5 – King’s Ridge – “King’s Ridge: Reducing Homelessness in Wake County by 10%”
Molly Painter, King’s Ridge Campaign Chair, Missy Hatley, Senior Director of Resource Development and Everett McElveen, new CEO of CASA, will update the parish on the exciting progress and future plans of the Campaign for King’s Ridge.
Listen via this link.
Dec. 12 – The Revs. Mary Davila & David Frazelle – “A Study of Mary and Joseph”
Mary and Joseph: We will explore how Jesus’ parents fall in line with their Biblical foremothers and forefathers, and consider how their journey is new, life-giving, and empowering for us. Join The Revs. Mary Davila and David Frazelle for this study of The Holy Family.
Listen via this link. Access the handout via this link.
*We plan to resume ACF in mid-February.
Committee Members
Janice McLaughlin – Chair
Jennifer Doerfler – Incoming Chair
Sally Wooten – Vestry Representative
Lindsay Sartorio – Communications Chair
The Rev. Mary Davila
Mack Little
Meredith Nelson
Betsy Ludwig
Ronda Stahl
Delois Ward