This is the monthly newsletter of the Spiritual Life & Learning Center.


We are a life-long learning community nurturing mind, heart, and body. The Center engages individuals through programs, conversations, and practices for people of all faiths and none.

SLLC is the Adult Learning Ministry of First Community, where all are welcome.


Included are our current offerings and gatherings. Please click on the image of the event that interests you for more information and to register.

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A Note from Rev. Seth Stearns

Greetings, Beloved Community and Happy New Year!


I hope that your holiday season was wonderful, and you are enjoying the lengthening of these winter days that brings with it the promise of spring.


We have many exciting programs that are taking place and that we are planning between now and June. With so much chaos and negativity in the world, I hope that you will find one or more of these programs helpful to your spiritual health and wellness. Be sure to keep an eye out for announcements and you can click here to access the SLLC calendar.


Every Sunday, we gather in room 101 at First Community North at 12:30 pm for Sunday Intersections. This is our adult Sunday school class where "spirituality, life, and learning converge". This Sunday, we welcome Tami and Dan Langen who will join us to talk about First Community's Good Trouble Ministry, which "seeks to challenge injustice and create meaningful change that promotes civil liberties, voting rights, and social justice". Next week, we begin to explore Elaine Pagels' book The Gnostic Gospels. We'd love to have you join us (and there's donuts each week).


Beginning Tuesday, January 13th from 6 to 7:30 pm in the Library at FC South, Rev. Karen Chakoian and I will be leading a six-week Bible Basics study on the Pentateuch (The first five books of the Old Testament). We will be using Tyler Mayfield’s outstanding book, A Guide to Bible Basics, as our primary resource. If you are interested in this study, please register ASAP as we need to know how many books to order.


Please remember that during these chaotic days our contemplative practices can help us stay centered with spiritual clarity. Consider joining us on Thursday evenings from 5 to 6 pm at FC South in Burkhart Chapel as we gather for Centering Prayer. We take some time to share with one another, gain understanding as to what Centering Prayer is, and then engage in silent Centering Prayer for 20 minutes. This time together may serve as an antidote to the negativity in the world.



We are working on two more Spiritual Searcher events that should be excellent.


More details to come.


Wishing you all peace and meaningful activity in 2026!

Rev. Seth Stearns

Minister of Spiritual Life & Learning

Ongoing Events

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