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Adult EducatioN

Faith formation and Christian education is not just for kids! We encourage every adult in the congregation to commit to taking a step in their discipleship journey by participating in adult faith formation. Through adult faith formation, we seek to:

  • Deepen our understanding of scripture

  • Engage in spiritual practices

  • Take the next step in our discipleship journey

  • Build relationships with others within the congregation

Adult Small Groups meeting at church, in homes, online and in hybrid format. If you have questions, ideas or want to get involved, please contact Pastor Keseley, Senior Pastor.

Ongoing Adult Faith Formation Opportunities

Abiding Table
Sundays from 10:05-10:45 a.m. in Bailey Hall
Grab a seat at one of our round tables and a cup of coffee to enjoy a time of adult conversation, relationship building, story sharing and learning. After a brief time of meeting the other people around the table, Pastor Keseley, Senior Pastor, will offer a “prompt” to get us going. It could be a thought, reading, bible verse, video clip, etc. to get everyone thinking. Then tables will engage in conversation around a few meaningful questions. Come to listen, come to share and come to build relationships with other adults in the congregation. This is meant to be casual conversation, not a class! No RSVP necessary. Show up whenever you can. Leader: Pastor Keseley, Senior Pastor

Literary Book Club
Fourth Mondays from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. in Room 1
All adults interested in discussing books- literary fiction, science, biography, history or other genres- are welcome. The group is not restricted to Abiding Presence members, so invite friends who are readers to come along. Group leader: Jane.

Women’s Thursday Morning Bible Study
Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in Room 1 & on Zoom
This group of women meet weekly for prayer, scripture study, conversation and support. Group leader: Kathryn.

3 B’s Adult Bible Study
Second Fridays from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in Room 1
A bible study group for women that uses the Gather magazine collection of Bible Studies as a source for discussion, faith formation, and fellowship. Group leader: Kathy.

Upcoming Adult Faith Formation Opportunities

Events Feed
"Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust" Study

Thursday Bible Study
Thursdays, August 20 - September 24 from 10:00-11:30 a.m.

In 2009 the ELCA Churchwide Assembly adopted the social statement Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust. Later, in 2022 it authorized two reconsiderations of that document. The first reconsideration was accomplished in 2025. The task force has now produced study materials for congregations to participate in the second reconsideration effort and has asked congregations to examine them and provide comments to the task force.

The Thursday Morning Bible Study group has agreed to participate in this effort. All members of the congregation are invited to participate in this effort either in-person or by Zoom. If you would like to participate, contact Ivan I who will be serving as coordinator.

Read more →
"Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust" Study

Thursday Bible Study
Thursdays, August 20 - September 24 from 10:00-11:30 a.m.

In 2009 the ELCA Churchwide Assembly adopted the social statement Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust. Later, in 2022 it authorized two reconsiderations of that document. The first reconsideration was accomplished in 2025. The task force has now produced study materials for congregations to participate in the second reconsideration effort and has asked congregations to examine them and provide comments to the task force.

The Thursday Morning Bible Study group has agreed to participate in this effort. All members of the congregation are invited to participate in this effort either in-person or by Zoom. If you would like to participate, contact Ivan I who will be serving as coordinator.

Read more →
Raising Kids in the Faith with Pastor Keseley, Senior Pastor
Sep 15
Raising Kids in the Faith with Pastor Keseley, Senior Pastor

Tuesday, September 15 from 5:00-7:30 p.m. (during Abiding Kids Club)

Geared for parents of kids ages birth through high school, this gathering will share in joys, challenges and practical tips for raising kids in the faith. If there is interest, we will continue meeting throughout the fall. No RSVP necessary, simply show up. Cannot make it on September 15, but would be interested in attending on future Tuesday evenings? Let Pastor Keseley know.

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"Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust" Study

Thursday Bible Study
Thursdays, August 20 - September 24 from 10:00-11:30 a.m.

In 2009 the ELCA Churchwide Assembly adopted the social statement Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust. Later, in 2022 it authorized two reconsiderations of that document. The first reconsideration was accomplished in 2025. The task force has now produced study materials for congregations to participate in the second reconsideration effort and has asked congregations to examine them and provide comments to the task force.

The Thursday Morning Bible Study group has agreed to participate in this effort. All members of the congregation are invited to participate in this effort either in-person or by Zoom. If you would like to participate, contact Ivan I who will be serving as coordinator.

Read more →
Iron Men Fall Retreat
Sep 18
Iron Men Fall Retreat

Weekend of September 18-20 at Caroline Furnace

All men of the congregation are invited to this intergenerational weekend retreat. Led by Chad D, the retreat is a chance for men to get to know one another, dig into scripture, pray, eat great food and relax. Cost is $125 and scholarships are available. Register by purchasing the below product here. Need a scholarship? Reach out to Chad or Pastor Keseley.

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"Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust" Study

Thursday Bible Study
Thursdays, August 20 - September 24 from 10:00-11:30 a.m.

In 2009 the ELCA Churchwide Assembly adopted the social statement Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust. Later, in 2022 it authorized two reconsiderations of that document. The first reconsideration was accomplished in 2025. The task force has now produced study materials for congregations to participate in the second reconsideration effort and has asked congregations to examine them and provide comments to the task force.

The Thursday Morning Bible Study group has agreed to participate in this effort. All members of the congregation are invited to participate in this effort either in-person or by Zoom. If you would like to participate, contact Ivan I who will be serving as coordinator.

Read more →
Adult Game Night (21+)
Sep 26
Adult Game Night (21+)

Saturday, September 26 from 6:00-9:00 p.m. in Bailey Hall

Adults (21+) are invited for a night of table top games, fellowship and fun. Bring a snack to share. Childcare will be provided by our Abiding Fellows for children ages 3-12 with a movie. Signup here.

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Literary Book Club
Sep 28
Literary Book Club

Fall Kick Off Meeting on Monday, September 28 at 2:00 p.m. in Classroom #1

The Abiding Presence Book Club will begin a new year with the process of choosing a book list for the coming months as well as a discussion of Quiet: The Power of Introverts. There are some copies of Quiet in the church office that can be shared by those wishing to attend the September meeting. Attendance is open to all adult members and non-members of the congregation.

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Adult Game Night (21+)
Nov 14
Adult Game Night (21+)

Saturday, September 26 from 6:00-9:00 p.m. in Bailey Hall

Adults (21+) are invited for a night of table top games, fellowship and fun. Bring a snack to share. Childcare will be provided by our Abiding Fellows for children ages 3-12 with a movie. Signup here.

Read more →
Prayer Class with Abiding Presence & Temple B'nai Shalom
Jan 13
Prayer Class with Abiding Presence & Temple B'nai Shalom

Wednesdays, January 13, 20 & 27 from 7:00-8:30 p.m.

Location TBD

This year’s annual joint adult education class between Temple B’nai Shalom and Abiding Presence be about prayer. Explore Jewish and Christian approaches to prayer while growing in your individual prayer life. Taught by Pastor Keseley and Rabbi Widzer, this annual joint class is a favorite tradition.

Read more →
Prayer Class with Abiding Presence & Temple B'nai Shalom
Jan 20
Prayer Class with Abiding Presence & Temple B'nai Shalom

Wednesdays, January 20 & 27 from 7:00-8:30 p.m.

Location TBD

This year’s annual joint adult education class between Temple B’nai Shalom and Abiding Presence be about prayer. Explore Jewish and Christian approaches to prayer while growing in your individual prayer life. Taught by Pastor Keseley and Rabbi Widzer, this annual joint class is a favorite tradition.

Read more →
Prayer Class with Abiding Presence & Temple B'nai Shalom
Jan 27
Prayer Class with Abiding Presence & Temple B'nai Shalom

Wednesdays, January 27 from 7:00-8:30 p.m.

Location TBD

This year’s annual joint adult education class between Temple B’nai Shalom and Abiding Presence be about prayer. Explore Jewish and Christian approaches to prayer while growing in your individual prayer life. Taught by Pastor Keseley and Rabbi Widzer, this annual joint class is a favorite tradition.

Read more →