A big part of my formation in Christ has been reading about the lives of significant people in the history of God’s Church. The Apostle Paul told those in the Corinthian Church, “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.” By imitating the life of St. Paul, the faithful folks in Corinth would be imitating Jesus.

Sometimes we need personal examples to help us know how to order and live our lives. I’ve found that I can take bits and pieces of various people’s lives, both in the present and in the history of the Church, and continue to root myself in Jesus in a way that cooperates with my personality, spiritual talents, and gifting. This is why I’m offering an opportunity this Fall for spiritual formation called Imitating Christ Book Studies.

Each month starting in September, I’m hosting a brown bag lunch at All Saints from 12:00 to 1:15 p.m. on selected dates for an introduction to a historically and spiritually significant book, followed by a discussion of the book in a second meeting. Each book will highlight a spiritual practice that we can incorporate into our present life. The following books and corresponding spiritual practices are listed below.

The Life of St. Antony
an ancient look at prayer and spiritual warfare
Book Introduction—Wednesday, September 12
Book Discussion—Wednesday, September 26

The Life of St. Francis of Assisi
reflections on simplicity
Book Introduction—Wednesday, October 17
Book Discussion—Wednesday, October 31

Introduction to the Devout Life
the harmony of the interior and outward life
Book Introduction—Wednesday, November 14
Book Discussion—Wednesday, November 28

Each book will serve to root us in both the interior life with God and our outward life in the world as we try to be Jesus’ disciples. You may not be able to commit to all three studies, but don’t let that keep you from participating as you can. If you can only be a part of one study, please do that. Or feel free to be a part of all three. If you miss the first two, that won’t affect being a part of the last one in November. While all the studies together serve to form us both interiorly and outwardly, each study has benefits independent from the others. Please attend as the Spirit leads you.

Books will be available for purchase on Sundays in the foyer and at each Book Introduction session.