Bible Study
An adult Bible study meets at 9:30 a.m. most Sundays (except for a few holidays) and, this year for the first time, will meet during the summer, in the Friendship Room. The class follows the lectionary, which usually means that we are looking at the text that will be the basis for the morning’s sermon. Each class session can stand on its own, and visitors are always welcome. We use the Seasons of the Spirit curriculum. Pastoral associate Maureen Smith leads the class most weeks.
Lesson for June 29, 2008
Focus Scripture: Matthew 10:40-42
In the arid regions of biblical Israel, water was both a precious commodity and a powerful symbol of life. Life depended on water and welcome. To give the gift of either was to extend a gift of compassion. To receive the gift of either was to experience grace. Matthew links water and welcome here to underscore that the presence of Christ may be revealed in basic acts of hospitality.
Lesson for July 6, 2008
Focus Scripture: Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30
In ancient Hebrew tradition, "wisdom" had less to do with intellect and more to do with discernment evidenced in the conduct of daily life. Wisdom in Judaism was relational--a gift of God exercised in community with others. In this passage, Jesus teaches from that same tradition. To say that "Wisdom is vindicated by her deeds" is to say that the way events transpire will reveal who has made wise decisions.
Lesson for July 13, 2008
Focus Scripture: Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23
Jesus often taught in parables. The language in a parable invites readers to wonder about the meaning of the words for their own lives in God's realm. Jesus frames the parable of the sower with "Listen!" (verses 3, 9), an invitation to such reflection. Hyperbole--exaggeration--was a common feature of Semitic teaching in general, and Jesus' teaching in particular. In this parable, the very act of sowing in what some might say is a reckless fashion, letting seeds fall where they may, hints at the generosity and abundance of God's grace that is available to all
Lesson for July 20, 2008
Focus Scripture: Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43
In the word picture of God's reign that Jesus paints in this parable, grace and compassion, dissent and opposition exist together as those who follow Christ form a community of faith. In God's reign, disciples patiently support each other's growth in faith.
Lesson for July 27, 2008
Focus Scripture: Matthew 13:31-34, 44-52
Today's focus passage includes short, sharp parables that expand Jesus' teaching about God's reign (the kingdom of heaven), perhaps intended to be heard as a unit. Jesus' images may astonish and challenge.
Lesson for August 3, 2008
Focus Scripture: Matthew 14:13-21
An experience of grief leads to the act of compassion recorded in this focus passage, following the death of John the Baptizer. As Jesus seeks rest--and perhaps time to grieve--in withdrawal from community, the crowds follow. The disciples find themselves called to trust God's abundance--abundance that is not yet in view.
Lesson for August 10, 2008
Focus Scripture: Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28
Genesis tells the stories of Israel's ancient leaders and their experiences of God's salvation. Joseph's story is an epic tale of God's gracious action and intervention to fulfill the covenant made with Abraham. Those listening can easily identify various characters or groups within their own life experiences.
Lesson for August 17, 2008
Focus Scripture: Genesis 45:1-15
Joseph's reunion with his brothers is dramatic. There is a lot of movement in this scene. People are sent away. The brothers move closer. Joseph sends his brothers to Jacob. Jacob is instructed to come down to Goshen. The storyteller also describes various emotions. The brothers are distressed and dismayed. Joseph and Benjamin weep together.
Lesson for August 24, 2008
Focus Scripture: Exodus 1:8--2:10
Four centuries had passed since Jacob's family entered Egypt. The Hebrews had become a significant ethnic group, living free, settled, and prosperous lives in the fertile delta region of Egypt. God's promise to Abraham of a people who would be a source of blessing to other nations was moving toward fulfillment. Then a new dynasty of pharaohs came to power in Egypt, noted the Hebrews' prosperity and power, and feared that these resident aliens threatened the dynasty's security.
Lesson for August 31, 2008
Focus Scripture: Exodus 3:1-15
God knew the oppression and misery of the Hebrews. God acted, securing Moses' survival, safety, and education. As an adult, Moses killed an Egyptian while defending the life of a Hebrew slave, then fled to Midian. It is here that we pick up the story in the focus passage.