Sundays, 11:15 Beginning September 13th    Search and Discovery Bible Class

The SEARCH & DISCOVERY BIBLE CLASS is a basic comprehensive introduction to the Bible as a whole.  The phrase “the Bible as a Whole” is used to convey a concern for more than learning about each book and its contents.  It seeks to underscore an interest in seeing the inter-connections among the many parts of the entire Bible, as it speaks to us of God and faith and people.  Through a process of reading, reflection, discussion and creative expression we are discovering people, events and places and encounter a variety of biblical ideas.  While the focus of the course is to provide an introduction to the Bible as a whole, the hope and expectation is that it moves beyond learning details about people, events and places to new understandings and experiences of faith and life. 

Personal preparation is essential to the success of this learning experience.  While the time spent in class offers a variety of learning experiences, the course is based upon the readings from the Bible that are to be completed before the group meets.  During the class, individuals have ample opportunities to share the discoveries and questions that arise from the readings.  Some readings raise more questions than answers.  Other readings trigger ideas that invite further exploration and research.The class has just completed the Book of Psalms and will pick up with the Book of Proverbs when it resumes in September.  A study Bible with cross references, footnotes, and annotations is recommended. 

Each SEARCH leads to DISCOVERY – discovery about the history of the people of God; discovery about how God acts in the lives of people and nations; discovery about the ways God has been and is active in our lives today.   The process of “SEARCH & DISCOVERY” is completed only when, and to the degree that, the transforming message of the Bible becomes manifest in the faith and life of the people who participate in the study.  

 

Mondays, 10 am Beginning September 21st  Presbyterian Women’s study of Joshua 

The morning circle will begin their study of Joshua, Monday September 21st 10am in the lounge.  In the nine lessons of “Joshua: A Journey of Faith”, author Mary Mikhael invites us to explore the challenging, sometimes heartrending, book of Joshua. Pursuing such themes as leadership, the promise of land, the concept of “holy war,” and outsiders becoming insiders, we learn ultimately to find rest in the justice and mercy of God.  As a side note, some of our very own Bridgeport Presbyterian Women participated in the field study of this bible study in its infancy.  For details or interest please contact Sue Davis, morning circle chair.  Child care provided.

Wednesdays,  Noon Beginning September 16th   Pastor’s Brown Bag 

When you think of the book of Daniel, do lion’s and strange vision’s come to mind?   If so, now is the time to dig a bit deeper.  Daniel’s life and character provide help to those of us who are trying to live a distinctly Christian life in the context of a pagan, secular society.  The theme of godly living in and ungodly world runs throughout the book of Daniel.   

The book of Daniel is written in a literary form know as apocalyptic literature.  Apocalyptic literature speaks to us in those times when God seems to be absent.  The crushed people of Judah in Daniel’s Day were saying, “Where is God?”  Daniel answers their questions by showing them that, even in a national catastrophe, God is working out God’s purpose and plan. 

We will meet on Wednesdays over lunch beginning on September 16th.  Please feel free to bring your lunch and of course your bible, as we study the book of Daniel together.  For details contact Pastor Robin.

 

Thursdays,6:30 p.m. Beginning September 24th   Lectionary Study

Have you ever wondered how the Pastor picks her scripture on Sunday? Would you like time to study the scripture that will be preached on Sunday mornings?  Then this Thursday Night Bible study is for you as we study the lectionary passages each week and focus on the passages that will be preached by Pastor Robin.  The coordinating team  of PW has decided to open up the evening bible study to ALL people of the BPC.  Both women and men are welcome and encouraged to attend.  It will just be sponsored by Presbyterian Women.  Please come to the first meeting Thursday September 24th starting at 6:30pm for refreshments and conversation about the study.  For details or interest, please contact Lois Withrow, evening circle chair.