Join us on Thursday Mornings from 9:30-11am in the Parish Hall for engaging discussions, bible studies and exploration into theology and spirituality. We all share in choosing which books and subject matter we wish to study. We are meeting in person in the Conference Room
2024 Winter to Spring Schedule
This Winter we are reading: Inspired by Rachel Held Evans
If the Bible isn’t a science book, instruction manual, or position paper, then what is it? New York Times bestselling author Rachel Held Evans invites readers on a journey of rediscovery as she explores the magic of the Bible, engaging the old, familiar stories in new ways that honor the past and enlighten the present. We will read and discuss the book and associated Scriptures using the study guide created by the author to guide the discussion. You will need a copy of the book, which is available in both print and various electronic formats from Amazon, and the study guide that can be downloaded and printed by clicking here. This study will last for 9 sessions
February 1st Read: The Introduction to the book, (pp I – xxiii). Prepare to discuss the first seven pages in the study guide February 8th Read: “The Temple” and Origin Stories in the book (pp. 1-28) and the associated texts in Scripture: Gen 1 and Gen 32:22-32 . Prepare to discuss pages 8-11 in the study guide February 15th Read: “The Well” and Deliverance Stories in the book (pp. 29-57) and the associated texts in Scripture: Gen 16, Psalm 63:1-8, Matthew 23:37-40. Prepare to discuss pages 12-15 in the study guide February 22nd Read: “The Walls” and War Stories in the book (pp. 59- 79) and the associated texts in Scripture: Joshua 6, Judges 11, Phil 2:6-11. Prepare to discuss pages 16-19 in the study guide February 29th We continued discussing War Stories section. ***We will not have Women’s Study Group March 7th, 14th, 21st or 28th **** April 4th-Read: “The Debate” and Wisdom Stories in the book (pp. 81-111) and the associated texts in Scripture: Book of Job (especially Ch. 1-4, 38, 39, 42), Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, Proverbs 3, Psalm 139 .Prepare to discuss pages 20-23 in the study guide April 11th Read: “The Beast” and Resistance Stories in the book (pp. 113-140) and the associated texts in Scripture: Isaiah 13:19–22 and 25:6-12; Amos 5:21–25; Daniel 7:1–4; the book of Esther; Revelation 13:1–10 and 20:7–10. Prepare to discuss pages 24-27 in the study guide April 18th Read: “The Water” and Gospel Stories in the book (pp. 141-164 and the associated texts in Scripture: John 4:1–42; John 9; Acts 8:26–40. Prepare to discuss pages 28-32 in the study guide April 25th Read: “The Sea” and Fish Stories in the book (pp. 165-189) and the associated texts in Scripture: Matthew 14:2233; Mark 1:40–45 and 5:21–43. Prepare to discuss pages 33-35 in the study guide May 2nd Read: “The Letter,” Church Stories and the Epilogue, “And Then…” in the book (pp.191-221) and the associated texts in Scripture: Colossians 3 and 4; 1 Corinthians 13. Prepare to discuss pages 36-38 and 39-40 in the study guide
Past Studies:
Liturgy of the Ordinary: Sacred Practices in Everyday Life by Tish Harrison Warren Short Stories by Jesus by Amy-Jill Levine Giddy Up, Eunice by Sophie Hudson Journeys with Celtic Christians by Rodney Newman. Prayer in the Night by Tish Harrison Warren Love is the Way by Bishop Curry Holy Envy by Barbara Brown Taylor The Gift of Years by Joan Chittester The Grace of Les Miserables by Matt Rawle The Universal Christ by Richard Rohr In God's Holy Light Wisdom from the Desert Monastics by Joan Chittister A Simple Path to a Deeper Spiritual Life By: Becca Stevens Friedman's Fables by Edwin H. Friedman The Screwtape Letters by C.S Lewis Having a Mary Spirit: Allowing God to Change Us from the Inside Out by Joanna Weaver We studied the Gospel of Mary since July 1st and ended on September 23rd. Following are suggestions for reading on the topic” The Gospels of Mary: The Secret tradition of Mary Magdalene the companion of Jesus by Marvin Meyer AND The Meaning of Mary Magdalene:Discovering the Woman at the Heart of Christianity by Cynthia Bourgeault.
Here are further reading you might find interesting: The Gospels of Mary by Marvin Meyer The Gospel of Mary of Magdala: Jesus and the first woman apostle by Karen L. King Lost Scripture: Books that Did Not Make it into the New Testament by Bart D. Ehrman The Gospel of Thomas: Unearthing the Lost Words of Jesus by John Dart & Ray Riegert