Regular Bible study has always been and will always be a core Christian practice. However, everyone must find a way to enter into and engage with the Scriptures that works for them. At the very least we read the Bible together in church every week. During this, the first of this year's spiritual practice newsletters, I'd like to suggest a few ways for you to more fully engage with the readings that are read on a Sunday. In the coming months we will also offer suggestions of other ways to incorporate regular Bible reading or study into your spiritual life. Some people follow what is called a daily lectionary, use various apps or tools or take on big challenges like reading the whole Bible in one year. But before we get too far ahead of ourselves let's start with Sundays!
Every Sunday at church the Bible readings that are read come from a three year cycle of readings called the Common Lectionary. Recently we have returned to the practice of reading all the chosen readings including one each from the Old Testament or Hebrew Scriptures, the Psalms, the Epistles and the Gospel.
As your preacher I find that it's enough of a challenge to provide a competent sermon on one of the readings and a nearly impossible task to address all four! However, I invite you, over the next months, to pay attention to all four of the readings and to see if one of them might have particular themes or messages that speak to you. Take note of that reading and, later in the day or the week, open a Bible and reread that particular passage. You may also find yourself reading the text before and after that passage to help you understand the larger context of the passage.
Another practice to help you fully appreciate all four of the Sunday readings, would be to take the time during the week to read the upcoming Sunday's readings. You can easily find out what they will be by going to www.textweek.com This is an excellent ecumenical resource that not only tells you what the upcoming lectionary readings are but gives you countless links to Bible studies, sample sermons, historical notes etc. . It's the resource I often go to when preparing sermons. It would also be a good resource to go back to if there was a reading on a Sunday that stumped or confused you or that you had questions about that were not addressed in the sermon!
The other thing I would say is don't be afraid to talk about the Bible readings with others. Is there someone in your life you could share the practice of reading the weekly lectionary readings with ? Could you, at home around the table, read one of the readings before or after a meal? Do you have time to join us for the Tuesday Animate Bible sessions? The study of the Bible is so much enriched by hearing from our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.
How a Bible reading is read in worship (loudly, clearly, slowly, with the right emphasis) is also very important for our collective experience of hearing Scripture in Church. We're so blessed that Juleta Severson-Baker, who teaches voice at Mount Royal University, is offering a free session on speaking in church for all of us on Sunday, October 25th after church. So many of you read, pray and speak in church. Even if you don't please do join us for that session. As lunch is included please call the office to register or simply reply to this email and let me know.
Finally, there are all sorts of on-line resources to help you quickly look up and compare Bible passages in different translations. This is often helpful particularly if you are having trouble with a particular passage. A favorite is www.biblegateway.com. There are also all sorts of free apps for smartphones that do this same work.
The Rev. Anna Greenwood-Lee
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October at St. Laurence
Thursday, October 1
9:30 am Contemplative Prayer Service with Geri Urch
Sunday, October 4
10:00 am Eucharist. Harvest Festival. The Rev. Anna Greenwood-Lee preaching.
Harvest Lunch after the service. We will also be celebrating the total repayment of our renovation debt and the abundance of blessings we enjoy at St. Laurence.
Monday, October 5
11:30 am Loretta's Lunch Lemongrass Restaurant
Tuesday, October 6
Animate Bible Study
1:30 pm - 3:00 pm
7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Thursday, October 8
9:30 am Prayer Group with Stuart McKay
Sunday, October 11
10:00 am Eucharist. Thanksgiving Sunday. The Rev. Anna Greenwood-Lee preaching. No Conversations due to Thanksgiving Weekend
Tuesday, October 13
Animate Bible Study
1:30 pm - 3:00 pm
7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Wednesday, October 14 11:30 am Larry's Grill Shillelagh Pub West Market Square
Thursday, October 15
9:30 am Contemplative Prayer Service with Geri Urch
Sunday, October 18
10:00 am Eucharist.
James McAra of the Calgary Inter-faith Food Bank will be our guest speaker during the service and will lead Conversations
This is also Food Bank Sunday. Please remember to bring your donations.
Tuesday, October 20
Animate Bible Study
1:30 pm - 3:00 pm
7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Wednesday, October 21 10:00 am to 12 noon
Ladies Coffee Time
Thursday, October 22
9:30 am Prayer Group with Stuart McKay
Sunday, October 25
10:00 am Eucharist. Stewardship Sunday. The Rev. Carolyn Herold Preaching. Voice Workshop with Juleta Severson-Baker following the service.
All welcome, lunch included so please register with the office.
Tuesday, October 27
9:30 am Larry's Griddle Grey Eagle Casino
Animate Bible Study
1:30 pm - 3:00 pm
7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
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