The first time I attended a formation event at the parish where I served, I was shocked by the way the room was arranged. Approximately 100 chairs formed neat rows, all facing front toward a podium and a blank white wall. From my experience as a college professor, I knew that this room was the worst set-up for a learning environment.

The very first change I made was to throw away the rows of chairs. Not literally, of course. I asked the sextons to set up round tables with chairs. On each table, we placed a pitcher of water (coffee remained on the side table), name tags and markers, writing paper, and any books (usually Bibles or Prayer Books) or handouts relevant to the class. After that, we added baskets of goodies (often chosen to match the topic—the baskets were full of apples for a discussion on Adam and Eve) or loaves of freshly baked bread with butter and jam. When congregants entered the education rooms, there was music playing—Taize, medieval chant, or hymns—to signal that formation is still an act of worship. In the congregation, people came to expect surprises from Adult Formation—and to feel cared for in the process of learning.

Occasionally, space constraints forced us to set up rows. In that case, handouts were placed on each chair. And we formed "buddy groups" of three or four people for discussion. In every event, everyone talked to someone else—no one was left behind.

Part of your job is to set the table for adult formation. As the minister sets the table for bread and wine, you are setting the table for the sacrament of the word.

Questions to consider:

• What do your education rooms look like?
  
• What do they communicate about Adult Formation and spirituality?
  
• How might they better create community?
  
• How does your job change when you think of yourself as "setting the table for the sacrament of the word"?