Beginning in September From September 2019 through August 2020, TPC is exploring Brian McLaren's fantastic book, We Make the Road By Walking.

In opening words to the book, Brian says,

You are not finished yet. You are in the making. You have the capacity to learn, mature, think, change and grow.  Faith was never supposed to be a destination, but instead a road, path, or a way out of old patterns into new patterns.

This books offers everything you need to explore what a difference an honest, living, growing faith can make in our world today.

Broken into 52 chapters, each chapter is just 3-4 pages long and can be read in 8-12 minutes.  The end of each chapter includes questions designed for thoughtful reflection and transformative practices.

Here's your invitation:

1. Purchase a book
   1. Contact TPC's office to arrange to pick up one at the discounted price of $5
   2. Purchase/order a copy through any retailer.  Audio books are available.
2. Read a chapter a week
   1. Set aside a few minutes each week to read a chapter along with the Scripture lessons Brian suggests at the beginning of each chapter (TPC's Adult Spiritual Formation team found that reading the Scriptures really facilitated their engagement with the chapter).
   2. If you know already know a lot of the biblical stories this book is a great opportunity to explore them further.
   3. If you don’t have much experience with the Bible, this a GREAT opportunity for you to begin learning them. We encourage you to read the Scriptures and then the chapter.
3. Join a Small Group
   1. Sign-up for a fall We Make The Road By Walking Small Group that explores chapters of the book in community.
   2. Click Here to explore leaders and times.
4. Meet the Author
   1. Join us on Sunday, March 29, 2020 when we Skype with author Brian McLaren during our 10 a.m. worship service.
5. Podcasts
   1. Click here to listen to Pastors Joel & Rob's podcasts as they discuss the book and their own journeys of faith. 
   2. You can also subscribe through iTunes or Google Play.

If you've been pursuing growth in your faith for a while now, this book is for you.  It will only deepen it!

If you’re brand new to faith and not really sure where to get started, this book is for you.  It's a perfect place to begin!

Whether you began reading the book in September or much later, we sincerely hope you will join us on this journey!

Small Groups are all about growing closer to others, and growing closer to God. They’re safe places to explore an interest, engage a passion, serve a mission, or simply celebrate life with others. They're not about being an expert in anything, but simply desiring to do something with others who share a common interest.

Explore some of TPC's NEW Summer 2020 REMOTE Small Groups

Practice a Spiritual Practice (via Zoom)

• Thursdays || 7-8 p.m. || July 16, 23, 30 and August 6
• Alongside leader Patricia Jackson, dive deeper into two ancient spiritual practices, the Examen Prayer and Lectio Divina. When we practice our faith, we create space to remember God’s presence and leading in our life.
• To register click here:

“We Make the Road By Walking” Weekly Discussion (via Zoom)

• As our yearlong church-wide study nears its end, explore a chapter from Brian McLaren’s great book and allow it to inspire you in your spiritual journey. Come having read or not read that week’s chapter. The study groups are:
• Sundays July 12, 19 and 26 at 11:15 a.m.|| Led by Jim Kuhlman
  • To register click here
  • Once you register for the small group, a Zoom registration link will be sent to you.
•  Mondays July 13, 20, 27 and August 3 at 7:00 p.m. || Led by Bob Bickle & Phyllis Grey
  • To register click here
  • Once you register for the small group, a Zoom registration link will be sent to you.
• Tuesdays July 28 & August 4 and 11 at 7:00 p.m.  ||  Led by Patty O'Brien
  • To register click here
  • Once you register for the mall group, a Zoom registration link will be sent to you.

"How To Be An Antiracist" by Ibram X. Kendi via Zoom

• Thursdays || 7-8:30 p.m. || Aug. 6, 13, 20, & 27
• We not only do long to envision what an antiracist society entails; we yearn to play an active role in building it.  Ibram X. Kendi’s 2019 book “How To Be An Antiracist” can help us on that journey.
  • Prior to the start of small group gatherings, small group participants are asked to please read the book on your own (which can be purchased wherever books are sold).
  • Participants are also encouraged to participate in this virtual event event on July 20th hosted by Prince George County's Library System where Ibram X. Kendi will discuss "How to Be An Anti racist.
• To register for the small group, click here.
• Once you've registered for the Small Group a Zoom registration link will be sent to you.

Remote Men’s Groups (via Zoom)

• Last fall almost 30 men began joining Joel & Rob  the first Monday of the month to get to know each other, have a few beers or drinks, and explore a chapter of “We Make the Road By Walking,” and we did it with a cold beverage in hand.
• While we can't gather amid Covid's outbreak, our Adult Spiritual Formation team has organized two Small Groups for you that will meet either 3 or 4 times in July and August. The goal is to simply get together with other men from TPC for a casual hour of conversation over Zoom with a little structure (what are we grateful for from the past week and what are we concerned about).
• Men need opportunities like this to be together. Bring a cold beverage with you and join us!
• Mondays July 13, 20, 27 from 7-8 p.m.  || Led by Joseph Clark
  • Register HERE
  • Once you've registered for the group, a Zoom registration link will be sent to you.
• Tuesdays July 14, 21, 28 and August 4 from 7-8 p.m.  ||  Led by Ross Bregel
  • Register HERE
  • Once you've registered for the group, a Zoom registration link will be sent to you.

Additional Offerings

Intro to the Enneagram

• Certified Enneagram Coach Bev Gorman and Jimmy Carter
• Wednesday July 1, 8, 15 and 22 from 6:30-8:00 p.m.
• The Enneagram is an ancient typology that maps out nine fundamental personality types. It awakens self-awareness and describes why you think, feel, and behave in particular ways. In this 4-week class discover your number and path for spiritual growth.

Looking to take an online spiritual formation class on your own or with a friend? Check out these opportunities!

Church Next - click here 

NT Wright Online – FREE COURSE “Paul and His Letter to Philemon” - click here.

Additional resources (spiritual practices, online videos, podcasts) can be found at TPC’s Faith @ Home page.

If you need assistance contact the Group Leader or the church office.

Friendship/Fellowship Groups focus on sharing an activity of common interest or enthusiasm with others who share that interest or enthusiasm.

In Study Groups, participants explore (or study) a topic of interest (e.g. Scripture, books, beliefs, topical studies), and how their faith shapes the way they see the world.

Mission Groups involve participants in activities with a specific purpose of ministry. These groups also help provide partnerships to fulfill mutual callings with similarly gifted and motivated people.

Circle 13 - Open to all women, this group meets on the second Monday of the month from 7-9 p.m. in various members’ homes for fellowship and study.

Prayer Shawl – Meets on the third and fourth Tuesdays of the month in the Library at 1:00 p.m. Shawls and lap blankets are made and given to those experiencing illness and loss.

Men’s Breakfast – Meets on the third Tuesday of the month at Towson Diner at 9:00 a.m. for food, friendship and conversation.

Parents’ Night Out – Open to all parents of children, teens and college students, PNO meets 4 times a year at various members’ homes. Bring a dish to share and enjoy a night out. Childcare is included.