Last week I wrote about the conference on formation/e-formation that I attended in Virginia. Today I want to share some websites that I find to be filled with ideas to grow our faith at home, at work and in our congregations.

First Church in Simsbury has developed the kind of faith formation website that I have talked about developing for Grace Church. Grasping the importance of time together as community, time together as family and our own private devotions, their site offers some ways to nurture our spiritual lives.

The site that I am sending you to primarily concentrates on children, youth, young adults and their families.  Our goal at Grace is to develop one for all ages.

http://www.firstchurchsimsbury.com

The ministry of the people at Vibrant faith is flourishing and coming alive.  Their deep understanding of the 21st Century puts them in the forefront of church development and spiritual growth.

http://www.vibrantfaith.org/blogs-and-more.html

And lastly I offer one of the blogs that Sharon Pearson, author, editor and genius at Church Publishing, offers to Christian Formation folks and all people who want to grow a deeper understanding of God.

http://prayerbookguide.wordpress.com/

Enjoy!

-Shawn

P.S.  Correction to my article from last week: Suzanne Haraburd's website is not about Benedictine Spirituality, it is about . . . take a look:  http://suzanneharaburd.com/  

Photo by Erika Johnson

Our formation ministries depend on many dedicated volunteers, but they need support to help bring ideas into action and keep successful programs going once started.  The Formation Director would be responsible for developing and leading a core group of volunteers in a ministry for children, youth, and young adults and their families, as well as, working with the Rector and an Adult Formation team to develop and coordinate programs for adults.  We would also like to see more opportunities for intergenerational activities.

Our goal is to raise $40,000 for the first two years of salary for the Formation Director.  We are one-third of the way there.  Please help us to move this plan forward and join with those who have already made a commitment to strengthening our congregational life.  Give a gift of $300.00 or as generous as your means will allow.  Donate today by clicking on the donate button below or write a check with Formation Director in the memo line and drop it in Sunday's collection basket.   Thank you.

- Donna Anderson

Our next discussion is Wednesday, June 26 at 7 p.m. at the home of Bets Howland and Dennis Zavac.

Reminder:

The next book that we decided to read and discuss beginning in August or September is: Why Christianity Must Change or Die, by John Shelby Spong. It is available on Amazon in print format and Kindle edition.

Questions? Please contact Dennis and Bets. 

Please click here to reserve a ticket with Sue Wells by Wednesday, June 26. You can pay with cash or checks made out to Sue Wells.  

The Outreach committee will purchase 40 backpacks. We're asking you to help fill them.

Here's a list of what's needed:   

• No. 2 pencils
• Blue/black pens     
• Spiral notebooks
• Loose-leaf paper (wide ruled)
• Binders
• Folders
• Crayons (don't you just love to buy new crayons!)
• Glue sticks
• Washable Markers
• Rulers
• Calculator 
• Colored Pencils

Beginning June 30 we will have boxes in both the Parish Hall to collect your donations. In late August we will hold a bag-packing party. Hope you can join us then as well. THANKS so much for your generous enthusiasm. 

Questions? Please contact Sue Wells.