Adult Study

In Faith After Doubt, Brian D. McLaren, a former pastor, postulates that questions of faith and doubt are not “the enemy of faith, but rather a portal to a more mature and fruitful kind of faith.” His model for faith development has four stages: Simplicity, Complexity, Perplexity, and Harmony.

McLaren writes: “Some people tell me they never have doubts. Faith comes easy to them, they say, at least it has so far. But many, many, many of us do have doubts, and sometimes our doubts seem more powerful than our beliefs. … I promise you: there is faith after doubt, and life after doubt, and life with doubt. … wait until you see where doubt can lead you and what doubt can teach you.”

Crawford will be participating with the entire New England Conference in reading this book that has been recommended by Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar. Bishop Devadhar is pleased to welcome the book’s author, Brian D. McLaren, to the NEAC for a four-session online discussion of this book that he called “important and insightful.”

If you would like a copy of the book, please contact the church office by September 1.

Each session takes place from 8-9 pm Mondays. The sessions will be recorded.

• Sept. 13, 2021 – Session One: An overview of Faith After Doubt 
• Sept. 20, 2021 – Session Two: Spiritual life, a personal perspective
• Sept. 27, 2021 – Session Three: Liturgy and spiritual formation, a congregational perspective
• Oct. 4, 2021 – Session Four: Outreach and evangelism for congregations

You can read more about these sessions here.

There will be some time for breakout discussion in small groups. If you want to participate in those as a congregation, there is a place to indicate that preference on the registration form. 

Registration is open. Space is limited, so you are encouraged to register as soon as possible. The deadline to register is Thursday, Sept. 9. 

Small Groups

Crawford has several active small groups that meet weekly for conversation and devotion.  All are welcome!  If you are interested in a group (or groups!) please contact the church office at office@crawfordumc.org or 781-729-5056 for more details.

Thursday Morning Small Group

Start your Thursdays with a cup of coffee with friends over Zoom at 8:00 am!