Seekers of God However Known is a United Church of Gainesville program focused on fostering spiritual growth by exploring a variety of spiritual topics, concepts, practices, and perspectives. Sessions may consist of a one-time session or a series of two or more sessions on a particular topic or spiritual practice. At least 20 minutes of the 45-minute session will be devoted to presenting a topic, and the remainder of the time will involve participant discussions to reflect on how the topic applies to, and/or might be integrated into, their own lives.
Sessions will take place on Sundays from 9 – 9:45 a.m. in Reimer Hall unless otherwise noted. Everyone is welcome. Participants do not have to register, attend regularly (even if a series is offered), or read in advance for any session.
April 12 – with Rev. Dr. Donna Schaper
“Being Born Again”: One of the great phrases of Jesus is, “You MUST be born again.” Very few verses of scripture are as widely manipulated – while carrying majestic meaning. Join Rev. Donna and other Seekers to get inside the nugget of this phrase and why it gets too much use causing spiritual injury. Spiritual injury joins moral injury in the way we use the word “must.” Rev. Donna likes to use the word “must” in the same invitational way that Jesus uses it. You may be born again. You may be born again and again. You must try to be born again and again. You won’t go to hell or get to heaven by following Jesus’ powerful instructions. You may take them seriously. Find out how.
April 19 – with Tony Miller
“The Holiness of Disappointment”: The group will focus on both the necessity and the practices that enable us to achieve positive spiritual growth through the trials of disappointment, which is an unavoidable aspect of human existence.
For those of you who do not know Tony, he is another treasured resource of our community at UCG. Tony holds a Master of Divinity degree from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and has served churches in Alabama, Indiana and Michigan as well as serving as a U.S. Army chaplain.
April 26 – with Rev. Andy Bachmann
“Mourning Light”: Join Rev. Andy Bachmann and friends for a time of considering HOW we mourn in the modern era. Finding hope in times of difficulty can feel contradictory. We will explore how grief and mourning unfold in our hearts, and how we can adapt our lives by adopting new practices of remembrance, celebration and sadness. We’ll share, sing a little and have some time for quiet consideration.