Adult Faith Formation at University Lutheran Church of

Adult Faith Formation at University Lutheran Church of Hope for Members Age 50 -80. What is its Place, Purpose, Direction, and Future? By: Sara Tufvesson Doure

University Lutheran Church of Hope

Contrary to Popular Belief: Faith formation does not end at Confirmation. The vitality of the church as a whole, is built on the vitality of the faith of the adult leaders. Feedback from interviews support this.

No coincidence! Church leaders and the “movers and shakers” of the congregation, recognize that faith and hope are closely related. Without hope, what is a church, and what is its future?

Faith Formation, defined by author John Roberto: The lifelong growth in the knowledge, service, and love of God as followers of Christ and is informed by scripture, tradition, and reason.

Hope Members Answered Yes Adult faith formation has a PLACE at Hope Church, and members used words, phrases, and concepts the same or similar to authorities in the field.

Hope Members on Adult Faith Formation: > Way to expand spirituality > Process integrating core values > Place to have child-like willingness > Never-ending process > Support and framework for change

Faith is Foundational at Hope, Literally and Figuratively. It stands on land purchased in 1906 by Pastor Brandt with funds earned preaching to the faithful at ninety-four congregations around Minnesota. *See citation, pg 20 ULCH

The importance of faith formation among adults has a solid foundation at Hope. They have a mentality that seeks growth. They recognize, initiate, invite, and participate in faith formation opportunities.

With PLACE established in adult faith formation, consider again that faith and hope are closely related. PURPOSE is introduced with this poem excerpt: What is Hope? It is a suspicion That reality is more complex

The reality is, the adult’s life is more complex than the child’s life. So adult faith formation has PURPOSE in as many shades and dimensions, visions and experience, directions and texture, versions of pain, hope, and guilt that adults live out in their lives.

Have you ever tried to stuff a cloud into a coffee cup? The ever-expanding purpose of adult faith formation cannot be contained. Purpose has been expressed as: >supporting hope >drawing closer to God >relating to our neighbors and the other

Our cup of faith overfloweth with PURPOSE. > It deepens and strengthens formative relationships that make us human. > Develops a spirituality of our faith > Expresses compassion > Helps us to follow Jesus

As Faith and Hope are connected, Trust and Truth link with adult faith formation in its DIRECTION at Hope. No programs are named Adult Faith Formation, but a plethora of opportunities exist, with a spirit of invitation as the norm.

Opportunities: > Baking bread or pizza outside in our new community oven and sharing with the neighbors. >Weekly farmers market in our parking lot > Justice work with ISAIAH > Worshiping in different languages

We trust our leaders in choosing the DIRECTION of adult faith formation because we share common truths. Trust and truth also direct our FUTURE. The future of faith formation is Spirit-led.

Spirit-led adult faith formation may include in the FUTURE what we do now: > Find truth in bible study > Trust our social justice efforts > Have faith in faith formation > Stay hopeful due to faith, and faithful due to hope.

What is Hope? It is a suspicion…. . . that the frontiers of the possible Are not determined by the limits of the actual And that in a miraculous and unexpected way Life is preparing the creative events Which will open the way To freedom and resurrection… - Rubem A. Alves

Adult faith formation matters. To shine light on this powerful force, not commonly promoted or named, but boldly present in its vitality, is to recognize its truth and beauty, and catch a glimpse of God.

Citations Alves, Rubem A. “Introduction. ”“What is Hope? . ”In Faith Formation 2020: Designing the Future of Faith Formation Connecticut: Lifelong Faith Associates, 2010. , 4. Lamb, Lynnette, Ruth Fingerson, Cathy Roinas, Marilyn Asp. A History of University Lutheran Church of Hope, 1904 -2004. Minneapolis: University Lutheran Church of Hope, 2003. Roberto, John. Faith Formation 2020, Designing the Future of Faith Formation. Connecticut: Lifelong Faith Associates, 2015.