Spiritual but not 'religious'? Lunch hour sessions to discuss this distinction

Wonder what might be meant when someone says they are “spiritual, but not religious?' Ministers, clergy folk, and pastors from Trail's Salvation Army; Baptist; Presbyterian; Anglican; Family Worship Centre and United Churches will be sharing their thoughts on the topic during sessions to be held at noon hour on Thursdays at Trail United Church. Each offering will feature a short presentation on the topic, followed by a conversation among participants.

The conversations will be held during the weeks leading to Easter, a season known as 'Lent' in the Christian tradition. Lent is a time of reflection and consideration during which Christians are encouraged to contemplate the meaning and mystery of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The luncheon series hopes to provide a ground of understanding between the various and disparate branches of the Christian faith, and beyond.

Everyone, Christian or not, spiritual or not, religious or not, is invited to attend the series, which begins at noon on Thursday, February 23rd, at Trail United Church with the always well-reasoned and spiritually-informed thoughts of Major Heather Harbin of the Salvation Army.

Ken Potter, a Baptist Minister whose ministry among Trail's children helps shape the Sanctuary Program, will follow on March 1st. Reverend Meridyth Robertson, an enthusiastic member of the clergy team at First Presbyterian Church in Trail leads the discussion on March 8th, while Canon Neil Elliot of St. Andrew's Anglican Church will share some of the thinking behind his doctoral thesis (on the spirituality of snowboarding) on March 15th.

Ever-popular speaker Pastor Andy David from the Family Worship Centre animates the topic on March 22nd, and Keith Simmonds, a diaconal minister from Trail United Church rounds out the conversations on March 29th, with a deacon's view of spirited practice.

Spiritual or Religious? What's the difference? Is there one? Let's explore together.

FMI –Trail United Church 250 368 3788

February 23 –Major Heather Harbin –Salvation Army

March 1          - Reverend Ken Potter –Baptist Minister (Sanctuary)

March 8          - Reverend Meridyth Robertson –Presbyterian Church

March 15       - Canon Neil Elliot   - Anglican Church

March 22       - Pastor Andy David –Family Worship Centre

March 29       - Reverend Keith Simmonds –United Church