Adult Faith Formation
At North Church of Portsmouth, our primary place of Adult Faith Formation occurs during our weekly worship service. Each week, we read scripture, participate in spiritual practice, and ask questions about who God is and how we can grow in our faith. Outside of the weekly worship service, we offer weekly and monthly gatherings, such as our Theology on Tap events, Bible Study, Book Club, and Men’s Breakfasts.
If you have a curiosity, if you’re looking for connection, for an experience of the divine, exploring Adult Faith Formation is a choice you could make that might help. We host small group gatherings that invite participants into deeper relationships with each other, and through those relationships, we build a relationship with God.
What Types of People Participate in Adult Faith Formation Activities?
People of every walk of life, age, gender identity, and sexual orientation participate in Adult Faith Formation. You’ll find young families gathered around a fire pit, parents of young children, women gathered for Bible study, men gathered for breakfast, and people having lively conversations at Theology on Tap. We try to offer experiences that appeal to all.
About half of our congregation participates in some form of Adult Faith Formation. For programs such as Theology on Tap, some people attend monthly and others come when they can. We see the same for Bible Study and our book groups. All levels of participation are welcome–there’s no attendance taken!
What Are the Benefits of Participating in Adult Faith Formation Activities?
Building relationships. Belonging. Meeting new people and discovering ways you’re connected, similar, or different. The interactions help us to broaden our minds about the ways God is at work in our lives. We develop curiosity, and explore doubt and faith in equal measure. Adult Faith Formation activities are often a place to practice vulnerability, learning in public, and expanding our world view.
What’s the Typical Time Commitment for Adult Faith Formation Activities?
Usually, we dedicate between 1-1.5 hours per activity.
How would someone get involved with Adult Faith Formation groups?
Keep an eye on our Event Calendar for upcoming gatherings. There’s nothing to prepare for Adult Faith Formation programs–there’s no homework, no tests, no tasks, no people to please. You don’t have to bring a single thing (unless it’s Book Group and we’ve let you know in advance). Just bring yourself, an open mind, and an open heart.
If you have any questions about Adult Faith Formation, please reach out to us via our Contact Form.
Weekly Bible Study
Every Wednesday Pastor Jenn holds Bible study from 1-2pm. All are welcome to come, read a piece of scripture, ask questions, dig deep and learn about how God is still speaking to each of us all the time!
North Church Women
North Church women meet seasonally and monthly for book groups, luncheons and service projects! Together we celebrate each other’s joys and walk with each other through sadness, and we make plenty of time for fun in the midst of our faith. Come and join us!
Theology on Tap
On the last Tuesday of every month we gather at Dough Craft Pizza on Lafayette Rd in Portsmouth for conversation, delicious snacks and any beverage we’d like. We center these gatherings on our lived experience of faith: what does God’s love look like when we’re stuck in traffic? How do we practice gratitude when everything seems to go wrong? How do we find our way when we feel lost?
All are welcome - come join the conversation!
North Church Men’s Breakfast
Once a month, North Church men meet for breakfast at a local coffee shop or diner for conversation and fellowship. All are welcome!