Scripture
Growing by Encountering God in the Bible
Bible study is an opportunity to encounter God as well as learn about who we are as a Church. When people study God’s Word together in groups, they have an opportunity to know each other on a deeper level than is usually possible. It becomes an opportunity to build community and to extend that community in care for others.
Adult Bible Study: The Gospel According to Matthew, Part One
Standing at the start of the New Testament, the Gospel of Matthew provides a bridge from the Jewish world awaiting a Messiah to the emerging Christian world of Jesus and his followers. This Gospel introduces us to Jesus as the Master Teacher whose words of instruction are captured in large teaching sections. Part One covers Matthew 1:1–16:28, from the birth of Jesus through much of his public teaching life, to the first prediction of his passion.
Commentary, study and reflection questions, prayers, and access to online video lectures are included. Introduction and five lessons.
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The Nativity is depicted in a mural titled “Birth of Jesus” in the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception at Conception Abbey in Conception, Mo. (CNS photo courtesy Conception Abbey)
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Daily Personal Study: Participants spend time prayerfully reading and reflecting on an assigned section of the Scriptures. Each lesson includes prayer, the assigned Scripture text, solid biblical commentary, and questions for learning and reflection. Ideally, if you devote about 20 minutes a day to the process, you will find it manageable and allow time for the material to sink in. This time of personal study provides the foundation for each week’s small group discussion.
Weekly Small-Group Sharing (90 minutes): Gather weekly with others who are studying the same material. You will share the fruits of your personal study, and in the process, discover new insights. A facilitator will help to create an atmosphere of openness and trust in which God’s Word and its application to daily life can be discovered and discussed. A brief video lecture will help to develop and clarify the themes of the lesson. |
Mondays, 6:30 - 8 pm, St. Patrick's
Wednesdays, 6:30 - 8 pm, Immaculate Conception Thursdays, 9 - 10:30 am, Holy Cross Participants have the option to attend discussions in person or virtually. Anyone interested in a virtual option will receive step by step instructions for connecting to the Zoom meeting by internet or phone, and we have cameras/mics to lend. Meetings will be moved to Zoom if inclement weather or community spread of Covid-19 require us to close parish meeting spaces. Participants will be notified when books are available for pickup. Please read the Introduction and complete Lesson One for the first meeting. |
The Gospel According to Matthew, Part Two
Beginning with the Transfiguration of Jesus in chapter 17:1, the Gospel of Matthew continues to reveal through Jesus' teachings what it means to be a disciple. This second part of the study of Matthew reveals a growing tension as Jesus ministers around Jerusalem, is arrested, is crucified, and rises to new life. Revealed as Emmanuel (God with us) at the start of the Gospel, Jesus will promise his continuing presence as the disciples are commissioned at the close of the Gospel.