FIRST COMMUNION CLASS  All children ages 2nd grade and up are invited to attend a 1st communion preparation class on Saturday, October 12. Instruction will be from 9-noon beginning in the JAM room. This will be an interactive experience where we will read about Jesus' command to celebrate this meal and bake bread to serve at worship on Sunday, October 13. *(We will be baking bread with regular flour, so we need to know if there any food allergies)
Parents are invited to join us the last hour of the class.  Register for first communion class here

WHAT IS What’s Your Story? The Bible contains many stories of God’s family. As children of God, these stories are in fact our family stories. We don’t often think of God’s story continuing in and through our lives. But it does. Just as our family’s story didn’t stop with our great-grandparents, grandparents and parents, God’s story continues to unfold in our own life stories.

You are a beloved child of God, fully sharing in God’s story not because of what you do but because of who God is. This study is designed to help you reflect on your story within God’s family story. How do these stories bring a sense of belonging, connectedness and purpose to your life and to those who hear your story? As you look for God in your daily life you will find God. You’ll begin to recognize God in the big and small moments of your life. This study will help you cultivate a mindset for experiencing, recognizing and sharing your story as part of God’s story. Each week for 10 weeks, you will have an opportunity to study the Bible, reflect on your story, and then share your story in a variety of fun and innovative ways.

HOW DO I JOIN THE STUDY? This is a church wide initiative. All adults are encouraged to participate. Confirmation and JAM will participate with a similar, age appropriate curriculum.

• • You can ask a few other people to create a group to do the study – it’s a great way to meet new people or get to know others better! Consider inviting friends and neighbors outside of Atonement. You decide when and where to meet. We’ll provide a leadership guide and training.
  • If you are in a small group already, we encourage your group to participate in the study. Please choose a designated leader for this study who can attend the training.
• Contact Mary Williams to find out when a group might be open and available for you to join.

LISTEN TO STORYTELLING PODCAST EPISODE 1

WHERE DO I FIND THE STUDY CURRICULUM?

HOW WILL WE CELEBRATE THE COMPLETION OF THE STUDY TOGETHER?

We invite the whole congregation participate in a final Storytelling Celebration on November 17. We’ll share a meal, some laughter and maybe some tears, and LOTS of stories.

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER: We will be exploring sharing our faith stories in worship and small group study throughout the initiative so you won’t want to miss a week! In addition, we have some special programming and events for you! Put them on your calendar now!

Sunday, September 15 – What’s Your Story? Study begins (small groups meet throughout the week)

Wednesday, October 9 evening (time TBA) – Guest Speaker Beth Nyland “Elements of a Great Story”

Sunday, October 6 at both worship services – Leslie Hunter guest preacher (this guy can tell a story!)

Sunday, November 17 evening (time TBA) – Church wide Storytelling Celebration and Dinner

WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO KNOW?  This study is designed to give Atonement a shared language and experience in sharing our faith stories.  You can “add-on” to your understanding by stopping by the What’s Your Story? storytelling booth in the Gathering Place and recording your faith story.

If you have any questions, please contact Jen Bradbury or Jennie Kramer