“Come and See”: The Early Church’s Way of Forming Faith in People

June 25-27, 2015

Peace Lutheran Church ● 389 W. James Street ● Holland, MI 49424

 

Our synod is most pleased to be hosting an immersion event on the Adult Catechumenate in June. This event is designed to empower rostered and congregational leaders in re-tooling their ministries to welcome persons into a community of faith and prepare them for the life-long journey of discipleship beginning with baptism.

 

Pastor Paul E. Hoffman and Bishop Craig A. Satterlee will lead us through the ancient catechumenal process of faith formation in worship, lectures, study, and vibrant interaction. Participants will experience an entire church year condensed into three remarkable days which will include seven liturgies that span the liturgical year, real-life demonstrations of catechumenal rites (with opportunities to both participate and lead in worship), five coordinating small group Bible studies led by trained catechists, five plenary training sessions (which include lectures, testimonials, direct instruction, and allow question and answer times) and dedicated breaks for reflection.

 

 

What is the Adult Catechumenate?

Ever since the encounter between Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8, God’s people have proclaimed the life-giving news of the Risen Christ by sharing it one Christian to another. The ancient church developed a pattern of faith formation for new Christians, preparing them for both baptism and the Christian life. They did so using the most fundamental practices of our faith: worship, prayer, Scripture study, and discipleship. This is the origin of the Adult Catechumenate. In the mid-twentieth century, various expressions of the Christian Church began to reclaim this pattern of faith formation and adapt it for contemporary ministry, especially among people for whom regular Christian worship is not the norm. Sound interesting? Would you like to find out more? Come and See!

 

 

Costs, Registration, and Hotels

Thanks to grants from the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship and from our synod’s Outreach Committee, this immersion event is made available at the reduced rate of $30 per person. Also, congregations may register up to 5 participates for $100. Forms and checks are due in the synod office by Friday, June 5th. Please use one of the following:

 

Rooms at two hotels have been reserved for participants at discounted rates. Please note there is limited availability at the Country Inn & Suites. Thanks to generous grants from the Calvin Institute for Christian Worship and the Outreach Committee of our synod, we are able to provide free hotel accommodation for participants from our synod.  Spaces are limited and rooms will be allocated on a first-come basis.

 

Country Inn & Suites by Carlson

12260 James St, Holland, MI 49424

(616) 396-6677

Rate: $89 per night (+tax)

Group code: 1506PEACEL

This rate is available until 4 June, 2015.

 

DoubleTree by Hilton

650 East 24th Street, Holland, MI 49423

(616) 394-0111

Rate: $169 per night (+tax)

Group code: PLC

This rate is available until 26 May, 2015.

 

 

For further information:

 

Questions may be addressed to Pastor Justin J. Walker at pastor@peaceelca.org or 616-399-9000.