Connect | Formation Groups

Engaging Community

Duke Memorial formation groups offer an opportunity for curiosity, learning, conversation, and relationship with a goal of journeying together towards better faithfulness. Duke Memorial offers a range of formation groups for people at various stages of life and faith. Contact one of the leaders below or Minister Garrett for more information. 

New Opportunity!

Empathizing with the Villain

Wednesdays | 7 Weeks | Hybrid
​In the Gospels, Jesus tells us to love our enemies. 
One of the ways we can do that is through empathy and understanding. In this study, we will take movie villains and delve deeper into who they are, other than the bad guy. Along with scripture, we will learn how to empathize with villains and those we see as our enemies.  
- Emma Rankin and Garrett Rocha

Sunday Formation Groups

Open Door Class
Join by Phone 
1) Call: 301-715-8592
2) Enter Meeting ID: 990 2074 3125
3) Participant ID: Press # to bypass
4) Meeting Password: 887260
5) Use *6 to mute and unmute​
Sundays | 9:45 AM | In-Person & Zoom
We are a traditional Sunday School class meeting each Sunday from 9:45-10:45 to study Scripture and enjoy time together. We use the Adult Bible Study Series, video presentations about the holy land or biblical personalities, and enjoy the varied talents shared by our three teachers.  We welcome those from 30 to 95+ (open to all).  The Open Door classroom is located on the second floor of the Education Building around the corner next to the elevator.
Contact: Linda Adkinson

Beginnings in Bradshaw
Sundays | 10:00 AM | In-Person & Zoom
We are a relaxed and friendly group of folks with young children, from babies through grade school.  We meet by Zoom on Sundays before worship from 10:00-10:45, and we divide our time between fellowshipping and discussing scripture from the week’s lectionary.  A study guide with a few thought questions is emailed on Fridays, but advance preparation is entirely optional.  Please join us, with your kids, your dogs, your pancakes – whatever is happening in your world on Sunday morning!

Contact: Eliza Ferguson

People in the Parlor
Sundays | 9:30 AM | Zoom
Our group is very informal and we welcome adults of all ages, sexes, marital status, etc. who are interested in having real, open, honest dialogue and discussions about living a Christ centered life.
Contact: Stephen Zapotoczny

​Mid-Week Formation Groups

Heart of the Bible
A Weekly Scripture Study
Tuesdays | 10:30 AM | Zoom
Looking for a place where you can question faith and scripture? Where you can struggle with the church and still be counted as faithful? Have you found Bible studies boring? Are you wanting to hear God more clearly so you can follow God more nearly? Then this may be the Bible study for you. 
We’ll let the Spirit lead us as we explore God, life, and faith through Holy Scripture. No homework or commitment required. No wrong answers or questions. Come be surprised by God. 
Contact: Renee Burnette

The Seekers Connection

Wednesdays | 8:00 AM | In-Person
The Seekers is a group that has been meeting on Wednesday mornings at 8 am since 2016 when we studied the book of Matthew. Since then, the reading has included the Bible as well as religion and spirituality in general and how it impacts our lives as Christians.  All are welcome to our usually small group. We have recently started the book Lies My Preacher Told Me by Brent Strawn, so if you are a morning person, please consider joining us. We hope to see you there.
Contact: Gary Boyd

Living Into The Scriptures
Join by Phone 
1) Call: 301-715-8592
2) Enter Meeting ID: 982 0261 0429
3) Participant ID: Press # to bypass
4) Meeting Passcode: 292199
5) Use *6 to mute and unmute
Thursdays | 10:30 AM | Zoom
The Living into the Scriptures group is studying Tattoos on the Heart:  The Power of Boundless Compassion, by Gregory Boyle. a Jesuit Priest who founded Homeboy Industries. It gives story after story of young men who were in gangs in Los Angeles and changes that were made in them by people showing compassion.
“An astonishing book about suffering and dignity, death and resurrection, one of my favorite books in years. It is lovely and tough and tender beyond my ability to describe and left me in tears of both sorrow and laughter." - Ann Lamott, author of Grace (Eventually)
New members are welcome.
Contact:  Ann Stallings Smith - 919-384-2981

The Downtown Group

Thursdays | 7:30 PM | In-Person
The “Downtown Small Group” invites YOU to join us each Thursday for fellowship and conversation. We typically discuss current events with a Christian lense. Each week we will email the questions and location. No preparation is needed!

Contact: Beverly to be added to the email list (and know the location)