Sundays, 9:00–9:45am (between services, Sept-June) Adult Forum offers a weekly opportunity between services at 9am to every Sunday to strengthen who we are as a faith community. We come together for fruitful discussions around important topics. Read and talk about compelling and interesting books recommended by our church community. Learn about local organizations doing good work. And try our hand at artistic and movement activities that deepen our spiritual lives.

Coming up...

4/7 End 68 Hours of Hunger - Join us as we here from this important organization which provides food for school children from Friday afternoon until Monday morning. They will talk about their work in the Greater Nashua Area and ways that you can help.

4/14 Aging, Elder Care and Spirituality with Deacon Nancy and Nancy Madeira. Within the baptismal covenant we commit to the respect and dignity of all peoples. This includes actively promoting justice, equality, and compassion in our interactions with each other regardless of age, ethnicity, social status, or sexual orientation. During our time together we will provide an overview of “Aging & Spirituality” taught by Deacon Nancy, discuss “ageism” – “Lets End Ageism” by Ashton Applewhite and Assisted Living versus In Home Care. We look forward to a great open discussion.

4/21 CGS Book Group Discussion Living a Life that Matters by Rabbi Harold S. Kushner. Suggested by CGS parishioner, Becky Lentz. A bestselling work of spiritual advice from a nationally known spiritual leader and beloved author that offers “a set of guideposts for living a useful and fulfilled life, no matter what the future holds.” Nashua Public Librarian, Amanda Blair, has arranged for the inter-library loan of five copies of Harold S. Kushner’s Living a Life That Matters — our CGS Book Group selection for the Sunday, April 21 Adult Forum. If you would like to borrow a copy, please reach out to Amanda at akathrynblair@gmail.com or leave a message with the church office.

4/28 Nick Pothier, CGS Music Director will give a presentation on the history of singing in the church; from Anglican chant to hymnody, covering choral music as well. He will discuss influences on liturgical music and how the Episcopal church's musical tapestry is unique. Live musical examples will be included with a short slideshow.

5/5 Brother Eric, Our Lady of Walsingham, will talk about his experiences as a member of a lay monastic community,

5/12 Camino de Santiago Slideshow Join Pastor Kathy as she shares highlights of her 500-mile walking pilgrimage along the Camino Frances in Northern Spain.

5/19 CGS Book Group Discussion Maureen Fry and the Angel of the North by Rachel Joyce. Suggested by CGS Book Group 2022-2023 "Completing her trilogy of bestselling novels that began with The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, Joyce returns with a beautiful novella about motherhood, grief and the power of forgiveness. A decade on from her husband’s epic pilgrimage, Maureen undertakes a journey of her own, in search of answers about their son’s suicide. Prickly and wary of strangers, Maureen is nonetheless portrayed with compassion and tenderness by Joyce, and the novel’s conclusion is deeply moving and life-affirming." (www.theguardian.com)

5/26 TBA

6/2 Operation Renewed Freedom Geraldine Duncan will talk about how therapeutic horseback riding helps veterans, first responders experience renewed freedom.

6/9 TBA

PAST Forums

February 4: Starting a Group Bible Study

Marci Byrd started a group home Bible study last year that has unfolded in some wonderful ways. She will share some of her thoughts and experience on how she made that happen, and what keeps the group strong on its journey of scriptural study and discovery.

February 11: CGS Women

February 18: CGS Book Group Discussion

Alicia: My Story by Alicia Appleman-Jurman. Recommended by CGS parishioner, Jean Barrett. “Her name is Alicia. She was thirteen when she began saving the lives of people she did not know—while fleeing the Nazis through war-ravaged Poland.” A thrilling, uplifting story of true-life heroism unequaled since the publication of Anne Frank’s diary—a story that the young must hear and their elders must remember. Take Alicia’s hand—and follow.

February 25: Chair Yoga

Join Jane Wilkins as she leads us through a series of gentle seated yoga postures that will stretch your muscles and calm your mind.

March 3: Scripture through Improv

Sure to provide some new insights into familiar scriptures, AND get you laughing! John Budzyna, our Administrator and an amazing theatre actor, director, and teacher will lead us through some fun improv exercises using some of our favorite scriptures. No acting experience necessary, just come ready for some fun!

March 10: Vergers—Who? What? Why?

Ever wonder about the folks in the black vestments leading our processions each Sunday? Those are our Vergers, an important role in the church with a history that goes way back. Come learn more about this ministry and meet our Vergers.

March 17: CGS Book Group Discussion

Bastille Day: A Novel by Greg Garrett Recommended by CGS Parishioner and Vestry member, Sarah Patton. “With brilliant pacing and gorgeous prose, acclaimed novelist Greg Garrett tells the story of American TV journalist Calvin Jones, who travels to Paris to work with a producer friend he knows from their dark days covering the war in Iraq. Garrett’s characters wrestle with the ghosts of their pasts, as they long for love, friendship, and faith in the present. Bastille Day is a gloriously-affecting novel about how our histories can damage us, but hope can heal us. (www.paracletepress.com)

March 24: Palm Crosses and Collage

On this Palm Sunday, Denise Thompson, owner of Express it Arts, will guide us in making Palm Crosses to remind us of Jesus’s journey into Jerusalem, and lead us as we create collages that reflect on the upcoming holy week.

Sacred Ground
Once again, we will be offering this powerful series at CGS. Mark Sylor, who has participated in two iterations of this series, will be taking the lead on this film- and readings-based dialogue series on race, grounded in faith. Mark will be joined by Seth Bonvouloir. The 11-part series is built around a powerful online curriculum of documentary films and readings that focus on Indigenous, Black, Latino, and Asian/Pacific American histories as they intersect with European American histories. Participants are invited to peel away the layers that have contributed to the challenges and divides of the present day – all while grounded in our call to faith, hope and love.

When: April 16 -June 25, Tuesdays at 7pm

Session Leader: Mark Sylor and Seth Bonvouloir

Size limited to 12 participants

Register online, call the office 603-882-5352 or email administrator@cgsnashua.org

Aging & Spirituality: A Course about You
Back by popular demand. This class, taught by Deacon Nancy Meyer and guest experts, takes a deep look at Aging and how it can become one of the most profound spiritual practices of your life. In this class you will explore myths around aging, discover your Spiritual Gifts and more fully understand your Spiritual Needs. Through small group discussion, videos, and fun exercises you will learn how to make the most of every day, move from role to soul, and tap into your own natural wisdom.

When: Saturdays April 13 to June 1, 9-12:30

Class Leader: Deacon Nancy Meyer

Cost: $25 for class materials

Register HERE, or call the office at 603-882-5352

Questions? Reach out to Deacon Nancy at deacon@cgsnashua.org

Education for Ministry (EFM) , Wednesdays 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Contemplative Prayer and Brown Bag Lunch and Book Study
Every Monday at 11:30am we gather in the sanctuary of the Church for a half hour of quiet Contemplative Prayer. We'll follow our prayer time with Book Study and brown bag lunch. All are welcome to join!

Contemplative prayer is a practice of centering yourself in prayer and opening to God's presence. After Prayer we will move to the Lounge for lunch and book discussion. We will be reading books that deepen our spiritual journey and challenge us to broaden our theological understanding.

You may join us for both, or come just for prayer or for book study. If you come to the book study, feel free to bring a lunch.

I hope to see you there! Pastor Kathy.

Past Adult Formation Education Programs

Inquirers Class

Join Pastor Kathy for this six-week class where we will look more deeply into the history, practices and theologies of the Episcopal Church. Every wondered why our priests wear the vestments they do and what they are called; or how the structure of the Episcopal is different from other Christian Churches; or where we get our liturgies and what they represent theologically? Whether you are new to the Episcopal Church and Church of the Good Shepherd and want to learn more, or you’re a lifetime Episcopalian who wants to explore the church more deeply, this is the class for you.

When: Mondays, January 22 and 29, February 12, 19, 26 (note there is no class on February 5 as Pastor Kathy will be out of town), and March 5 from 6:30-8PM

Session Leader: The Rev. Kathy Boss

Suggested Donation: $18 for class text, Your Faith, Your Life by Jenifer Gamber

Kerygma—Sowing Tears, Reaping Joy: The Bible & Brahms’ Requiem.

Follow this famous requiem a tour of Biblical prompts about death, grief, the brevity of life, and faith for here and hereafter. Through music and Scripture, we move from graveside to grieving, from the challenges of self-reflection to new perspectives and hope beyond. Join us for this Lenten Bible study course lasting 7 weeks.

When: After Morning Prayer Wednesday mornings, 10:00 am-11:30 am, February 7 through March 20

Sesion Leader: Robin Hertel

Size: Limited to 10 participants.

Suggested Donation: $15.

Over the course of the Spring we will be inviting special guests to talk about issues confronting the world and the church today. These lectures are sponsored by various groups at CGS. Here are a few of the upcoming guests and their topics.

Exploring the Old Testament
Sundays April 14 and 21 at 6:30PM
Jeff Cooley, PhD Associate Professor in the Theology department of Boston College and long-time member of Chruch of the Good Shepherd is offering two talks that will give us the chance to dig deeper into the Hebrew Bible (what we call the Old Testament). If there is something you would like to learn about the Hebrew Bible or a burning question you have, reach out to Pastor Kathy at rector@cgsnashua.org and she will pass your thoughts onto Jeff, or simply find him during coffee hour.

Sponsored by: Curiosity!

Past events…

Mental Health Awareness Series Part One January 14, 2024 Following the 10AM service The Rev. Louise Howlett, LMFT, a mental health professional, Episcopal priest, and Dean of Clergy for the NH Episcopal Church, will join us to preach at both services. Following the 10AM service Rev. Howlett will facilitate a conversation on “Suicide, Mental Health and the Church--Stigmas and Supports” in the Fellowship Hall. A light lunch will be served.

Sponsored by: CGS STEPS (Support Through Education to Prevent Suicide) as a part of Mental Health Awareness Month

Mental Health Awareness Part Two
January 21, 2024 Following the 10AM service The Rev. Spencer Hatcher, Executive, Director of the Barbara C. Harris Center, will speak after the 10AM service in the Fellowship Hall on Mental Health First Aid. This talk will give an overview of how to recognize and respond to signs of mental illness and substance abuse.

Sponsored by: CGS STEPS (Support Through Education to Prevent Suicide) as a part of Mental Health Awareness Month

Sunday February 25 at noon following the 10AM service

Race, Relationships and Reconciliation
The Rev. Fred Chisolm, Priest in Charge at St. John’s in Walpole, NH will discuss race from his perspective as a black man. Living in New Hampshire and being in an interracial marriage, he will draw upon personal experience in his talk while discussing how we can all do our part in making changes that will heal some of the historical harm committed. A light lunch will be served

Sponsored by: The CGS Social Justice Committee REGISTER HERE