United Presbyterian Church of Binghamton

Grow Your Faith

Spiritual formation is the activity of the Holy Spirit which molds our lives into the likeness of Jesus Christ. This likeness is one of deep intimacy with God and genuine compassion for all of creation. The Spirit works not only in the lives of individuals but also in the church, shaping it into the Body of Christ. We cooperate with this work of the Spirit through certain practices that make us more open and responsive to the Spirit's touch, disciplines such as sabbath keeping, works of compassion and justice, discernment, worship, hospitality, spiritual friendships, and contemplative silence.

— Office of Spiritual Formation, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

Why Adult Education?

Spiritual formation is a lifelong process. At UPC, we offer several ways that you can continue to study the Bible, learn what it means for us today, connect with God and with other people on the journey, and develop your spiritual gifts to do God’s work in this world.

Adult Education Opportunities

September 2019–May 2020

In response to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, all non-essential programming and in-person gatherings have been canceled through April 30, 2020, and perhaps beyond. Please check our Programs & Events page for the listing of online programming.

To learn more about the book studies and film discussions being offered this year, click on the photo or title below.

Book Study
Falter: Has the Human Game Begun to Play Itself Out? by Bill McKibben
Mondays, April 27 and May 4 & 11, 6:15–7:30pm in the Zoom room

Read, then join us for a three-week book study led by Elder Chris Burger. Books are on back order, so you may have to download on Kindle. Everyone is welcome to join the discussion, even if you didn’t get to read the book.

Click here for more information about this book study.
Introductory Bible Study
Mondays, 12–1pm in the Zoom room

Starting on Monday, April 27, we will be shifting our format slightly and looking at the gospel texts that Pastor Kimberly will be preaching on for the coming week. Help her think about the text and its meaning, compare the story to parallel stories in other gospels, look at Hebrew Bible texts that might have shaped the gospel's telling, and prepare to engage more deeply with the text in Sunday's worship.
The text for Monday, April 27 and Sunday, May 3 is Luke 24:13–35. If we have time during the bible study we will finish reading chapter 24.

It would be good to have you with us.

To join the meeting online: https://zoom.us/j/8652748433
To join on your mobile phone: +16465588656,,8652748433#
To dial in as a phone call: 646-558-8656, then enter Meeting ID: 865 274 8433 #
Intergenerational Sunday School Class
Sundays, 11:15am–12pm in the Library Lounge
This program has been suspended in response to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic and the restrictions on non-essential gatherings. It will resume when conditions permit.

Our Intergenerational Sunday School is held during coffee hour in the Library Lounge. There are several stations, which rotate monthly. The stations incorporate all the scripture lessons for the month, and everyone can interact with them as they feel moved. You can do one a week, you can do several if you miss a week, or you can do the same one for several weeks if it is meaningful to you. Some stations are geared for all ages, some more for adults, and some more for children, but definitely something for everybody!
Film Discussions
This program has been postponed in response to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic and the restrictions on non-essential gatherings. It will be rescheduled when conditions permit.

Join us for fellowship and conversation around an assortment of interesting topics. After worship we will gather for a light lunch, then we’ll watch a movie and engage in some lively discussion. No previous knowledge necessary, all are welcome.
Passage Meditation guided by Judy Westcott
This program has been postponed in response to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic and the restrictions on non-essential gatherings. It will be rescheduled when conditions permit.

“Be still and know….” —Psalm 46:10

Church services with inspiring sermons, music, and community prayer. Committee work, programs including book discussion groups, movies with discussion, going to stage productions which inspire and educate, community action: Community Meal, Care and Share, Christmas projects, and more…
All of these parts of our life as a congregation involve thinking, problem-solving, reasoning, interaction with others.
So what does “Be still” mean to you?
This spring, we will explore the practice of Meditation. There are many forms of meditation, but the basic premise is to still the mind. In that stillness one can hear one’s inner voice. That inner voice is God, Love, Divine Self.
Eknath Easwaren offers one definition: “Teaching attention to flow without a break toward a single inspirational focus within the mind until finally the mind becomes completely absorbed and all distracting thoughts disappear.”
More details of this exploration will be forthcoming.