Adult Faith Classes 2026
WCC’s Adult Faith Formation Ministry is dedicated to nurturing the spiritual growth and lifelong learning of adults at every stage of life. Rooted in our inclusive and thoughtful approach to faith, this ministry provides a wide range of opportunities for individuals to deepen their relationship with God, explore theological questions, and connect with others on the journey of faith.
Thursday Bible Study
10:30 a.m. Colonnade
Join us for Thursday Bible Study led by our clergy team — Dan Stark, Dustin Janzen, and Lindy Purdy. Bring your curiosity and questions. All materials will be provided, but feel free to bring your favorite Bible. All are welcome!
WEDNESDAYS
Cultivating Holy Curiosity with Rev. Dustin Janzen
February 11
4:00 p.m. & 6:30 p.m. in the Chapel
It can feel risky to question what we’ve always believed about God, the Bible, or our faith tradition. But as Rev. Dustin Janzen reminds us, faith often grows deepest when we dare to ask hard questions. In this class, he will share the questions that have shaped his own spiritual journey and the new insights that emerged along the way. Together, we’ll explore tools and practices to help you cultivate holy curiosity—a faith that welcomes wonder, honesty, and growth.
Why God Wants Your Honest Anger: A Lenten Study on Lament
Wednesdays, February 25, March 4, 18, & 25 (*Not held on March 11)
4:00–5:00 p.m. or 6:30–7:30 p.m. • Colonnade
Led by Rev. Dan Stark
Are you tired of feeling like faith means pretending everything is fine? Lent is more than giving things up — it’s about getting real. Join Rev. Dan Stark for a four-week journey into the biblical practice of Lament — the raw, honest, and courageous language of prayer. Together we’ll stop avoiding our pain, doubt, and frustration, and instead learn how to voice them directly to God, just as the psalmists, prophets, and Jesus did. Lament teaches us that expressing sorrow, questions, and even anger is not a sign of weak faith, but a profound act of trust and spiritual honesty. Don’t just endure Lent — engage it. Claim the spiritual freedom that comes from speaking honestly to a God who listens.
Becoming the Peacemakers: A Crash Course in Christian Peacebuilding
Wednesdays, April 8, 15 & 22
4:00–5:00 p.m. or 6:30–7:30 p.m. • Colonnade
Led by Rev. Dustin Janzen
Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers.” In a world marked by conflict and division, how do we live that calling today? Over three weeks, we’ll explore the theology, history, and practical tools of Christian peacebuilding—learning how followers of Jesus can embody Christ’s peace in everyday life. Come reflect, learn, and grow as we seek to live more deeply into the call of Christ’s peace.
Session Topics
• Session 1 — The Theology of Peacebuilding: Explore the biblical and theological foundations of Christian peacemaking.
• Session 2 — The History of Christian Peacebuilding: Trace how Christians across the centuries have understood and practiced peace.
• Session 3 — Practices for Conflict Transformation: Learn practical skills and spiritual habits for living as everyday peacemakers.
Bad Boys of the Bible II: Rebels, Rulers & Redemption
Wednesdays • April 29, May 6, May 13
4:00–5:00 p.m. or 6:30–7:30 p.m. • Colonnade
We often imagine the men of the Bible as flawless heroes—but Scripture tells a far grittier story. Many were cunning, arrogant, impulsive, and deeply flawed… and yet, God used them anyway. Join Rev. Dan Stark for a three-week Bible study series exploring figures such as Ehud, the left-handed assassin who carried out God’s work in the shadows; Jephthah, the gang-leader turned judge whose tragic vow reshaped his life; King Manasseh, whose late-in-life repentance came from a foreign prison; and King David, a leader capable of betrayal and violence—and yet still called a man after God’s own heart. Each week, we’ll reflect on what these rebels and rulers teach us about leadership, human behavior, consequences, and the messy reality of redemption.
Come ready for a study that is honest, challenging, and deeply engaging.
SPRING RETREAT
Stillness & Spirit: Practices for Meeting God Within
WCC Chapel
Saturday, April 11, 2026 • 8:30 a.m.– 12:00 p.m.
Registration: $15. Click here to register.
Join us for a peaceful spring morning of community, reflection, and prayer as certified Spiritual Director Sarah Cledwyn guides us in opening our hearts to God’s presence within. Through quiet contemplation and guided spiritual practices, we will slow down, listen deeply, and nurture our connection with God and one another.
Participants will be invited to explore a variety of prayer experiences including labyrinth walking, embodied prayer, journaling, mindful eating, prayer of imagination, praying in color, and spiritual direction offered through gentle, accessible practice stations. We’ll conclude our morning with a simple community lunch, sharing conversation, and gratitude for the ways the Spirit meets us in stillness. The event is co-sponsored by WCC, the University of St. Catherine, and the Lilly Foundation grant for Contemplative Discipleship. For more information, contact Dana Essex, dana@danaessex.com, 612.716.8357.
Sarah Cledwyn, MA, Retreat Leader
Sarah Cledwyn, MA, is a certified Spiritual Director based in St. Paul, MN. She offers spiritual direction, supervision for spiritual directors, energy healing, retreats, and speaking. A lifelong student of spiritual growth and transformation, Sarah draws from Christian theology and practices from global faith traditions. She describes herself as a mystic who encounters God in everyday life — through nature, parenting, creativity, and contemplative practices. Learn more at GrowSoul.com.