Confirmation: Learning and Growing, 9:30 am, Sundays, Youth Room.
How many times have you thought “I’d love to read the Bible all the way through”? I think I say that about once a year… And usually give it an honest try… And then give up.
It’s intimidating. It’s hard to follow. The names are hard to pronounce. And it’s tiny print—which makes it very l-o-n-g… And let’s face it, sometimes, we just don’t get it. Sound familiar?
Well, as we started to question what our focus as a congregation should be this year we kept hearing whispers. Whispers of Bible studies, whispers of helping our congregation and new members start off on the same foot, whispers of needing to hear the scriptures in a new and exciting way.
And so we listened very carefully to those whispers and nudges—and we found a way! This year, we are all going to be journeying together through the Bible! We’ve found a book, called “The Story,” that will help us all to literally be on “the same page” as we read through it together every week—in worship, in small groups, in Sunday School, and in Confirmation. All of us—in it together.
“The Story” is a condensed, chronological Bible, and in our church-wide journey through it we’re going to dis- cover how our story fits into God’s story. (It.s an easy-to-understand version of scripture that allows each of us to fit into the grand narrative! Pretty cool!)
For some, this will be their first time going through the Bible. For others, it will be the first time they’ve seen the stories of the Bible in chronological order (which, I for one, am excited about!). For some, it will be a chance to learn and grow in their faith. For others, as they learn, they’ll get to help teach. For all of us, it’s a way of walking alongside each other on this journey—sharing our questions, thoughts, and delight in God’s story.
Want in on a little secret? You have to promise not to tell...
Ok. Here it is… You're getting a copy of “The Story” free of charge on Sept. 18th! Each family will receive the adult version, each youth will receive a teen version, and each of the 3rd-6th graders will receive a kid version. Our gift to you—so you can join the journey!
We're pretty excited about this—can you tell?!
Here’s the plan for September—we hope you’ll jump in with both feet, ready for our new adventure!
Sept. 11—The start of Sunday School; a Blessing of the Backpacks in Worship; and an Introduction to “The Story.”
Sept. 18—We welcome our new friends from First UMC of South St. Paul and we begin our journey through “The Story” with the stories of Creation, the Great Flood, and the Birth of Abraham.
Sept. 25—We continue into chapter 2 of “The Story,” learning about the first families through Abraham, Sarah, Jacob, and Joseph’s birth.
Led by Megan Adams, Youth and Outreach Director. Contact her at 952-913-2856 or findmeg@hotmail.com