Read the Bible for Life
Posted on August 30, 2011 by Pastor Tom
Hello and welcome back! I hope many of you have enjoyed some refreshing times this summer. I love it when we come back together. It’s good to see you. I am really pumped about the Read the Bible for Life initiative. Many of you have questions about how it is going to work. So here’s some answers to frequently asked questions. There will be more info as we get closer to launch – Sept. 18th! I look forward to all of us drawing closer to God through His Word.
• WHAT is it? – RBL is a 9 session small group study with a workbook that teaches how to read the Bible. It talks about the different translations, types of literature and important keys to understanding the Bible. The workbook also contains 5 daily studies that participants do on their own. Participants then gather with a small group to discuss the daily studies, watch a session on DVD (30 minutes) and then follow that up with more discussion and prayer.
• WHY are we doing it? – I sense we need to connect more deeply with God through His Word. As I have listened and talked with people over the years, I’ve heard about the obstacles some face in understanding the Bible. I believe RBL will help us connect with God more deeply through His Word.
• WHO is doing RBL? Some small groups, the College/Career, Youth on Wednesday nights and one Ladies Morning Out study. Individual small groups can decide if they want to participate in this.
• WHERE is this happening?
o At the church – Sunday and Wednesday – Small groups can choose to meet at the church. They will meet initially as a small group at a room somewhere within the church. Then the groups will come together for the showing of the DVD in the sanctuary or fireside room. Then the groups will reassemble to debrief from the DVD.
o In homes – We have several copies of the DVD and leader’s kit available for small groups to do in homes if they choose to
• WHEN is this happening? We start the week of September 18th.
o Sunday – 7 PM at the church. Small groups meet. Then join for DVD. Then break off into their groups again.
o Wednesdays – 6:30 PM – Small Groups/ Youth Meet. Then join for DVD. Then they break off to debrief.
o Thursday AM – Ladies Morning Out.
o Thursday PM – College/Career
o Other times – with individual small groups in homes.
• HOW LONG will each session be? – Approximately 90 minutes. (But some groups may choose to go longer).
• HOW MUCH does the workbook cost? $13.
• What if I’m not part of a small group? We will be surveying current small groups to find space for new participants. We will also be forming some new small groups that you can join.
• How do I sign up? Please add your name to the sign up lists in the foyer. Also indicate if you are part of a small group. Workbooks will be available starting this Wednesday and next Sunday. Please pay with cash or cheque.
I'm not into Bible Trivia
Posted on June 29, 2011 by Pastor Tom
I’m not into Bible trivia for a couple of reasons. One, it can breed a superiority complex for those who know more than the next person. Two, the Bible is not trivial. The Read the Bible for Life initiative this September is not about getting strong in Bible Trivia.
So Why are we looking at this “Read the Bible for Life” thing in the Fall? Read the Bible for Life is all about further connecting us with God. As your pastor, I want you to go deeper with God. I want you to discover more of God. I want you to hear from God more than you already do. One of the greatest resources God has provided for us is His Written Word.
So in September, we will begin this journey by exploring together “How to Read the Bible for Life.” The author of the material writes this:
“In his work Eat this Book, Eugene Peterson rightly notes concerning the Bible, ‘We open this book and find that page after page, it takes us off guard, surprises us, and draws us into its reality, pulls us into participation with God on his terms.’ This should be our experience of reading the Bible as we move from dry duty, beyond a checklist Christianity, slogging through the ‘reading of the day,’ to delight. If we are not being moved in heart and moved to new places in life – new levels of obedience to God – we are not really reading the Bible the way God wants us to.”
Did you catch the description of what can happen when we read the Bible to encounter God: “It takes us off guard, surprises us and draws us into its reality, pulling us into participation with God on His terms.” We’re going to Read the Bible to go deeper with God. I’m looking forward to beginning the journey with you this September.