"I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God – what is good and acceptable and perfect." ~ Romans 12:1-2

What is Spiritual Formation?
"Spiritual Formation is a process whereby we grow in our relationship with God and become conformed to the image of Jesus Christ for the sake of others." This definition is adapted from one written by M. Robert Mulholland, Jr., in his book, Invitation: A Road Map for Spiritual Formation.

Human beings are works in progress. "What we shall be has not yet been revealed." (1 John 3:2) Growth or formation is a fundamental characteristic of human life. It is happening whether or not we are aware of it. We are formed by the sculpting of our will, intellect and emotions into a distinct way of being. Spiritual growth or formation is a particular expression of personal formation by which we are shaped by God’s gracious design.

In his book, How to Keep a Spiritual Journal: A Guide to Journal Keeping for Inner Growth and Personal Discovery, Ronald Klug writes, "Spiritual growth does not refer to some aspect of life or one compartment labeled ‘religion.’ It concerns all of life – our goals, our time, our relationships, our work, our politics, our inner lives. To grow spiritually is to allow one’s whole life to come more and more under the lordship of Christ. When we become Christians, as children or as adults, we are not simply converted all at once. We begin on the path of spiritual life, but there are many areas of our lives still to be claimed by God. Spiritual growth is the process by which this happens. To put it another way, spiritual growth means that our lives are increasingly directed by the Holy Spirit.

UUMC's Spiritual Formation Committee suggests the following resources and activities to assist you in your spiritual growth:

Retreats
Small groups
Prayer Resources
Spiritual Direction
Community workshops and events

Talking with God:  Prayer 101
Please plan to join us for a special retreat on prayer -- “Talking with God:  Prayer 101” --  to be held at Union Grove UMC in Hillsborough on October 31. Rev. Carl King, Rev. Suzanne Dornsmith and other local pastors will lead this remarkable time together, which will focus on approaches to prayer, quiet time and listening to God. The deadline to register is Wednesday, October 23. For more information, pick up a flier near the sanctuary entrances.