Faith Formation

Join us this fall as we welcome our Theologian-In-Residence the Rev. Dr. Dawn Alitz!

Rev. Dr. Dawn Alitz's expertise is in the area of adult faith formation, coaching, and program coordination. Before joining the Luther Seminary staff in 2016, she had over 20 years of experience in congregation leadership in both mission-start and established congregations. She has her ACC credentialing with the International Coaching Federation, trained with the Global Team Coaching Institute, and is well-known within ELCA and ecumenical circles for her work with adaptive leadership, spiritual formation, developing online learning opportunities, and collaborating with various networks of educational and synodical professionals. She comes to us to provide Biblical teaching and theological insight on the topic of spiritual gifts, spiritual formation, and living out those gifts in the world.

September 14, 10:45am, Library: We are Known by the Christ

Starting with Isaiah 43:1-2, we will sit in the knowledge that we are known, beloved, and gifted with something the church calls Spiritual Gifts. These gifts are a sign of God’s love and grace, as well as, a source of rivalry and competition. What does it look like for a congregation to embrace these gifts of God’s abundance? Everyone will be invited to take a spiritual gifts assessment to learn more about who you have been created to be!

September 21, 10:45am, Library: What Does Jesus Teach Us about Spiritual Gifts?

Beginning with the text of John 13:2-5, we will explore some of the ways that Jesus demonstrated God’s work in the world. What does it mean that the one who created us comes to serve? We will gather together to share and celebrate what you learned about your gifts last week, and look at how Jesus might be inviting us to use these gifts for the good of community.

September 28, 10:45am, Library: Who is My Neighbor?

Exploring the text of Luke 10:25-37, we will continue to think about where our gifts might be called into service. While we might think that there is only one place or one way for our gifts to be shared, reality is far more nuanced and unexpected, especially at different times in our lives.

October 5, 10:45am, Library: Gifts that Heal

Exploring the text of Luke 5:17-26, we will think together about the purpose of our gifts beyond our own joy and sense of serving. How might our faith, as well as the faith of others, be deepened when we use our spiritual gifts?