Adult Forum

Taking place from 9:00 to 9:45 a.m. on most Sunday mornings, Adult Forum offers space for members of the community to explore a variety of topics, ranging from civil dialogue to Advent spirituality to servant leadership and more! Adult Forum gathers in the lower level of Emmanuel in Wood Fellowship Hall, and we also provide a Zoom link for those who wish to participate remotely. We invite you to grab a cup of coffee and come together for spiritual nourishment and connection. 

Adult Forum returns on January 29 with a four-week series based on the grounding virtues that lend to Better Conversations (curriculum by On Being). Contact the church office to participate via Zoom. 

Emmanuel Book Club

Book Club meets monthly in members' homes to discuss current literature – and eat dessert.

Thursday Breakfast Group/M.M.O.E.

Join the 'Mighty Men of Emmanuel' (M.M.O.E.) for breakfast, fellowship and service. M.M.O.E meets on Thursday mornings at The Bistro located at 1900 US-31 in Petoskey. We gather at 8:30 a.m.

Women's Gathering

The Women's Gathering is a contemplative group that meets via Zoom for spiritual conversation and quiet prayer.  Beginning on Friday, September 30, the group will be using as a spiritual tool the book, The Gift of Years (https://joanchittister.org/books-page/gift-years-growing-older-gracefully) by Sr. Joan Chittister, OSB. 

Gatherings will continue through the fall, every other Friday 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM via Zoom. Please contact Betsy Lawrence through the church office if you would like to join the Gathering. All women are welcome.

Writer's Group

EEC's new Writer's Group creates space for those who express their creativity with pen and paper (or keyboard and screen). Participants share the joys and struggles of writing, explore the spirituality of this creative outlet, and find support and encouragement in each other. Between sessions we engage a writing prompt, then bring our work to share with the group. We meet every other Thursday at 2:00 PM. Contact Rev. Kay for the schedule or more information.

Contemplative Practice Circle

Imagine sitting together with other seekers, silently listening for the still small voice of the Holy Spirit.

The Contemplatice Practice Circle gathers in Emmanuel's chapel at 9:00 am on Tuesdays for Lectio Divina and Silent Prayer. We begin by reading the Gospel passage for the following Sunday three times. We observe silence between each reading to allow ours hearts and minds to settle and become receptive. After the third reading, we sit silently for 20 minutes. You will be provided a few tips and handouts to support your practice of silent prayer. After the prayer period, participants may wish to share a brief reflection. We hold these comments in respectful silence, allowing the Holy Spirit to continue her work. We conclude by 10:00 a.m.

Please consider joining us for one hour a week, to make space for loving attention to God.  

For more info contact Julie Eckhardt through the church office. 

Advent and Lent Studies

During the seasons of Advent and Lent, we meet via Zoom for an hour of prayer, conversation, and relationship-building. No nightime driving required, and if you spend your winter elsewhere, you can still participate! Past studies have included: Jan Richardson's Night Visions, the poetry of Mary Oliver, Listening Well in Lent from Living Compass, and Richard Rohr's Wondrous Encounters. Contact Rev. Kay for more information.