Spiritual Formation
Deepening Our Faith and Connection to God
As Christians there is always more to discover about God, about our faith, and about ourselves. Through small groups, book studies, and retreats, our Spiritual Formation ministries have guided many people to a deeper understanding of their faith, and deeper connections with others in Christian Community.
A Fresh Start
New Groups are forming January and February!
Imagine Yourself in Spiritual Formation
Not sure how to enter this kind of intentional growth? Here are three ways First Lutheran offers for the congregation and friends to experience it:
Individual Reflection or Spiritual Direction (Monthly)
Imagine sitting quietly with a spiritual director, who listens deeply and asks gentle questions to help you notice God’s work in your life. This is ideal if you:
Want one-on-one guidance
Are navigating a life transition or season of questioning
Long for a consistent rhythm of reflection and discernment
First Lutheran has many trained spiritual directors in the congregation. Email Michael or Sheila for more information or to set up a time.
Group Reflection or Spiritual Direction (Monthly)
Picture a small circle of people, sharing openly while the group listens deeply. Everyone holds space for one another without fixing or advising, creating a safe environment for discovery. This works well if you:
Enjoy learning from others’ experiences
Appreciate mutual encouragement and community
Want to see God’s movement in a variety of life stories
Group Spiritual Direction Schedule- Once a month, the third Thursday of the month at 9 AM and 6 PM. Starts February 19 Register Here in Advance
Book Discussion Focused on Spiritual Transformation
(Weekly- SEE BELOW FOR DETAILS)
Or imagine exploring a thoughtfully chosen spiritual book with a small group. Together you read, reflect and discuss questions designed to stretch your thinking, challenge assumptions, and invite transformation. This option is great if you:
Enjoy guided reflection and discussion
Want a structured way to grow spiritually
Like combining personal study with shared insights
For more information on the book study, "A Hidden Wholeness," please see the schedule and times.
A Grace-Filled Invitation
Spiritual formation—through personal reflection, small group conversation, or a guided book study—creates space for God to meet you where you are. It’s not about achieving perfection but about noticing God’s presence, finding clarity, and learning to live more fully into the life God is calling you to. There’s room for you. The only step you need to take is the first one.
Group Book Discussion
Discover Your Hidden Wholeness
Have you ever felt pulled between who you are inside and how you show up in the world? Starting January 14, we’ll explore A Hidden Wholeness by Parker Palmer in an 10-week discussion series. This book invites us to live more authentically, deepen our inner life, and grow in community, using stories, reflection, and practical exercises to notice God at work in our lives.
Join us for this journey of spiritual formation, sharing insights, reflecting on your experiences, and supporting one another in the ongoing work of faith and wholeness.
Meets Weekly on Wednesdays from 10:00am-11:30am in Rm 307.
A Hidden Wholeness
Reading Schedule
Week 1 — January 14, 2026
Introduction to the Group & the Book
Reading: None
Week 2 — January 21, 2026
Reading: Prelude & Chapter 1- Images of Integrity
Week 3 — January 28, 2026
Reading: Chapter 2- Across the Great Divide
Week 4 — February 4, 2026
Reading: Chapter 3- Explorations in True Self
Week 5 — February 11, 2026
Reading: Chapter 4- Being Alone Together
Week 6 — February 18, 2026
Reading: Chapter 5- Preparing for the Journey
Week 7 — February 25, 2026
Reading: Chapter 6- The Truth Told Slant
Week 8 — March 4, 2026
Reading: Chapter 7- Deep Speaks to Deep
Week 9 — March 11, 2026
Reading: Chapter 8- Living the Questions
Week 10 — March 18, 2026
Reading: Chapter 9- On Laughter and Silence
Week 11— March 25, 2026
Reading: Chapter 10 & Postlude- The Third Way
What people are saying...
about Spiritual Formation
“Our stories reflect our hopes, dreams, visions, joy, fears, doubts, and failures. It is indeed a blessing to have such an opportunity to grow in my faith journey at church.” - Jasmine Wu
