Adults

Who are we and where are we heading as a worshipping community? A presentation following the two capstone worship services about Rev. Katherine’s doctoral process, with time for feedback and Q&A.

Each day is a gift from God. Join us in this dynamic 3-week class as we explore the gift of aging. Each week a new group of teachers will lead us in an exploration of the gifts, sorrows, joys, and practicalities of aging faithfully. Class leaders will include Mary Lee Anderson of Senior Services of Alexandria (Sept. 24), Elizabeth Kukla and her dog, Dieter, on the comfort of animals (Oct. 1), and Stephen Ministers Olivia Michener, Susan Grandy, Christine Heiby, and Jerry Stalun (Oct. 8).

September 24: Practical advice for Aging Well! Mary Lee Anderson, OPMH member and Executive Director of Senior Services of Alexandria, will share a wealth of information about topics regarding: ways to stay active and involved, staying in your home vs moving to a senior community, support services, the importance of downsizing and essentials for estate planning.

October 1: All are welcome to meet Elizabeth Kukla and her therapy dog, Dieter, and find out how they bring comfort to people in nursing homes as part of The Alliance of Therapy Dogs—and how to apply for a visit. She will discuss the differences between therapy dogs, service dogs and facility dogs, and the physical and emotional health benefits for seniors owning pets.

October 8: The Meeting House has been a Stephen Ministry congregation since 1995, joining the national Stephen Ministry outreach mission which launched in St. Louis in 1975. Our trained Stephen Ministers provide confidential support to adults in our congregation and community. In this session, we will share some personal experiences and explore how to find peace amidst life’s changes and challenges.

As the Meeting House continues to refine our role as a force for good and for effectuating God’s will for service-oriented leadership, we need to carefully steward our resources. This session will explore OPMH’s role in our community and the world, how we are currently situated financially, and how our congregation can further amplify our impact. We will consider relevant biblical touchstones for giving and how we can manifest our social justice objectives and preserving our unique historical character.

The Dismantling Racism Team invites you to learn about the intersection of community and faith through the actions of the Alexandria Community Remembrance Project (ACRP).

October 22: Gretchen Bulova, director of the Office of Historic Alexandria, will share how and why the Project was formed to memorialize the racially motivated lynchings that occurred in Alexandria in the late 1800’s. We will learn about the ACRP’s actions to date, and its plans for the future to educate the public. 

October 29: We will turn our attention to The National Memorial for Peace and Justice in Montgomery, Alabama, which honors lynching victims across the country. We will watch some of the documentary, They Are All Honored Here, and hear testimony from several Meeting House members and guests who have worked on or participated in ACRP events, or have visited the Memorial. 

At the end of 2021, a poll entitled “Jesus in America” examined American opinions and habits regarding religious life.  One surprising piece of data revealed that most everyone, regardless of religious profile, identified being outdoors or in nature is spiritually fulfilling.  The majority of those surveyed named it as the MOST spiritually fulfilling activity in their lives. So what does this mean for the church and how we gather? Do we continue to wait for people to come through our doors, or do we go where they already are- in nature? Join Jerusalem Greer to look at creative practices of gathering for worship in the great outdoors – the place where evangelism, creation care, and discipleship can grow together.

Jerusalem Jackson Greer is the manager for evangelism and discipleship for The Episcopal Church of America in the Office of Presiding Bishop Michael B. Curry. She serves on the Council of Advice for Episcopal Relief & Development and on the board of Edible Theology, an educational ministry connecting the Communion table to tables we eat at every day. In addition to her work for The Episcopal Church, she is also a speaker, preacher, podcast host (Spade, Spoon, Soul), and the author of At Home in this Life: Finding Peace at the Crossroads of Unraveled Dreams and Beautiful Surprises, and A Homemade Year: The Blessings of Cooking, Crafting and Coming Together, as well as several faith-based curricula. You can learn more about her work at jerusalemgreer.com

In 2014 Jerusalem Greer and her family moved to a seven acre farm in Central Arkansas. Filled with plans and dreams of starting a CSA program and farm ministry they set about working the land, adopting animals, and remodeling the house – all with a “next day delivery” mentality. What the land, the animals, and even the house taught them about pace of life changed their faith – especially their understanding of scripture and prayer. Hear Jerusalem share her story and the spiritual practices that continue to shape her faith.

Jerusalem Jackson Greer is the manager for evangelism and discipleship for The Episcopal Church of America in the Office of Presiding Bishop Michael B. Curry. She serves on the Council of Advice for Episcopal Relief & Development and on the board of Edible Theology, an educational ministry connecting the Communion table to tables we eat at every day. In addition to her work for The Episcopal Church, she is also a speaker, preacher, podcast host (Spade, Spoon, Soul), and the author of At Home in this Life: Finding Peace at the Crossroads of Unraveled Dreams and Beautiful Surprises, and A Homemade Year: The Blessings of Cooking, Crafting and Coming Together, as well as several faith-based curricula. You can learn more about her work at jerusalemgreer.com