The story of those first Christian believers is amazing.   Luke tells us that, after Peter’s sermon on Pentecost (Acts2), about three thousand people were baptized.  That sort of thing doesn’t happen very often anymore, at least, not around here.  But in those words from Acts, we do see how the church—the Body of Christ—grows:  through the Word of God preached and studied.

One of the four goals of our mission focus that developed out of congregational self-study last year—and was celebrated during our 60^th Anniversary service—was to re-build our congregational “infrastructure”.  We want to rebuild our network of small groups.  Just like county or state needs to keep the roads and bridges in good shape so people can be connected, so our “bridges” to one another need to be maintained.  Bible studies are part of that small group emphasis.  So, as the new school year rolls around, I wanted you to be aware of those small group Bible studies that are beginning or continuing. 

I’d like to put them all under heading, LIFE+CONNECT; since in Christ, His life connects with us through the cross and the Word of the cross; and, our lives, connected to Him connect with one another through the cross and the Word of the cross.  Here are those opportunities.

Monday Evening Men’s Study—led by Ron Hoffman and meeting in the Inn the second and fourth Mondays of each month at 7pm.  Ron’s group will be finishing a study of Philippians and beginning one on Colossians.  Newcomers are always welcome.

Monday Evening Women’s Study—led by Sarah Hengel and meeting in her home at 7pm on the second and fourth Mondays of the month.  Sarah’s group will be starting a study, “I AM,” by Lysa Terkeurst.  Newcomers are always welcome.

Young Adults Bible Study (YABS)—led by Joel Hoffman meets every Monday evening at 6:30pm in the Youth Room at Bethlehem.  All young people post-high school age through 29 years old are invited.  They will be starting a new study on Philippians in September.

Wednesday Morning Adult Bible Study—led by Pastor Jeff Shearier meets nearly every Wednesday at 11am in the Inn, beginning September 18.  We take a break for Advent, Lent and the once-a-monthly Senior Luncheons.  We usually study the lessons for the upcoming Sunday.

Joel and Amy Hoffman will be starting a new home Bible study group for couples in September that will meet one Saturday evening each month.  This group will study the Letter from James in the New Testament and is still gathering members.  You can call Joel at Bethlehem for more information.

Ken and Yvonne Lindow are looking to start a home Bible study group for couples later this year.  Details are still pending, but you could speak with Yvonne if you are interested.

Our Women’s Ministry Group is hoping to offer a topical Sunday morning Bible study beginning in January.   You can give Mary Heck a call to find out more information at Bethlehem.

Also, our Discipleship Team is offering two opportunities for adults on Sunday mornings beginning September 1.  Brad Loseke and Wayne Moses will be facilitating a group in the Community Center titled, “Death…Then, What?”  Greg Long will be facilitating a study from the NOOMA series on questions people ask about living as a Christian when the world/life doesn’t’ make sense.

Consider taking advantage of one of these opportunities.  If you have an idea for a study/group, please speak with me.  As we grow in the Word and grow together as the family of God through relationship with Jesus Christ, may it be said of us:  “The Lord added their number day by day those who were being saved. (Acts 2:47)”

Joy in the journey,

Pastor Jeff Shearier