A program of the Institute for Applied Theology

Advent Spiritual Practices

While the air is still warm and summer lingers, it will soon be autumn and Thanksgiving and then, in a blink of an eye, Christmas. Advent is an important time for congregational leadership and those in the caring professions, for it allows us to quiet ourselves, body and spirit, in the midst of one of the busiest times of the year.

You are warmly invited to attend Advent Spiritual Practices.

Class instructor, the Rev. Brenda Buckwell Lifland says:

Using the Gospel texts of Jesus birth, this class will focus on preparing for Advent. Whether you are just beginning a relationship with God or have walked lovingly with Jesus for many years, this 10 hour class is designed for you.

We do not live our lives in isolation, neither are our prayer lives practiced solely as individuals. Entering into a community of prayer offers unique expressions and experiences of God among us. Novices to faith and veteran believers are encouraged to participate.

Come expand your experience and heighten your notice of God's presence in the midst of life, while preparing for Christ's birth in our individual lives and within our relationships.

Dates / Location

Dates/Times: Mondays: November 10, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. and December 1, 9:00 am – noon

Location: Westgate United Methodist Church, 61 S. Powell Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43204 (view map)

Instructors / Leaders

Dr. Brenda Buckwell Lifland

Dr. Lifland brings a unique blend of 20 years as a pastor of local congregations and 10 years as a trained, practicing spiritual director. She is skilled at opening space for others to notice God in everyday life through ancient spiritual prayer disciplines. Brenda also has the unique skill of integrating personal prayer practices into community relationships.

Roots or Wings Area

Roots 10-hour course

Cost and Registration

Cost for this course is $100, plus a donation for lunch on 11/10.

Register through:

Dr. Jacqueline Nowak
Director Institute for Applied Theology
United Theological Seminary
4501 Denlinger Rd.
Dayton, OH 45426
937-529-2201

Books

Dr. Lifland recommends, as personal preparation for the class:

Nouwen, Henri. Jesus: A Gospel. New York: Orbis Books, 2002. ISBN: 1570753849

Book title links to Barnes and Noble.com. You may also buy books through United's online Cokesbury store. Purchasing books through these links supports student scholarships at United.

Institute Contacts

Sabrina Berry, Director of the Heinrich Center for Wellness Ministry and Education

Marilyn Evans and Roger Evans, Co-Directors of Pohly Center for Supervision and Leadership Formation

Michael Johnson, Director of the Center for Urban Ministry

Lynn M. Labs, Coordinator of the Center for Worship, Preaching, and the Arts

Jacqueline Nowak, Director of the Institute for Applied Theology