FORMATION
THE TWO LENSES
“Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee” –Luke 17:11
His choice significant, the image compelling, Jesus walks along the border of Galilee and Samaria.
Galilee - family, upbringing, community, growth, the place of formation.
Samaria - historical conflict, pain, separation, enmity, the place of engagement.
Jesus walks in both worlds. Both places are important, staying rooted in the place of formation while engaging in the world of your neighbors. The border walking Jesus is a way of practice, a way of seeing, a way of being, a way of discipleship. These are the two lenses we look through: formation and engagement.
SUNDAY
Sunday gatherings are 60-75 minutes in length and are mix of song, sacrament, biblical formation, communal engagement, and hospitality. Come as you are, wear what feels comfortable, and participate in whatever way makes you feel seen and safe.
AFTERGLOW PODCAST
The Afterglow, an Alongsiders podcast, drops every Wednesday to help people stay present to the ongoing work of faith formation and engagement. Each week different voices will share their process and stories pertaining to what they’re learning, pondering, and leaning into. These 20 minute episodes will offer you the listener diverse insight and perspective with a light hearted banter. Be part of the conversation each and every week. We'd love to hear from you.
LECTIO DIVINA
We encourage the ancient Christian practice of Lectio Divina. Lectio Divina means “divine reading,” but is better translated “spiritual reading,” it’s reading the Bible prayerfully, slowly, thoughtfully, listening with your whole self. Lectio Divina has been part of the Christian tradition from the earliest centuries of the Church and continues to be a life-giving practice today. Jesus invites you into friendship. Real friends listen to each other. We publish a journal that helps nurture your faith and life, reminding you of how loved you are, and how good God is.
ROOTS
A six week deep dive into the way of Jesus and the Alongsiders culture. Roots is for every single person interested in being part of Alongsiders or who are currently participating in/with Alongsiders. We're walking into our future together and it starts with Roots.
SOFE (SCHOOL OF FORMATION
AND ENGAGEMENT)
The School of Formation and Engagement offers holistic learning opportunities focusing on array of subjects from faith and theology, to culture and compassion, to wholeness and global events. These opportunities will come in one day and two day intensives, with possible longer cohort learning in the future.
WATER BAPTISM
Join us as we celebrate and cheer those who are entering the waters of baptism. This ancient sacrament of the church is a beautiful expression of one's public confession of the inward work of God's grace. If you have yet to enter into the waters of baptism, and are feeling stirred by God to do so, please let us know.
Learn about Water Baptism
Ask to be Baptized
ALONGSIDERS MUSIC
For the Alongsiders community, and some of their very talented musical friends, writing and producing music is one way of discerning the seasons of life and faith we all walk through. Coming together to write and create melodies and lyric that speak to the wonder of God’s nature and our belovedness is why Alongsiders Music exists. We hope these songs help you to pause, breathe, worship, and remind you of the God who walks alongside. If you’re interested in joining this musical community let us know.
