I just wanted to jump on here and let you know of a few things… first of all our Thursday Night study group will meet this Thursday, January 12th at 6:30pm in the Lighthouse for our Introduction session on James. If you have signed up to come, please make every effort to be here this first night – the introduction teaching video sets the stage, so to speak, for how James, the actual 1/2 brother of Jesus, fits into the account of the activity of the early church. If you have never thought about how this man, James, fits into the history and story of God (and I didn’t before I did this study) you won’t want to miss out.
Also, even if you haven’t signed up, or if you are interested in just knowing a little more about the study, please come – the door is open and we invite you in!
Our Wednesday Night study group had our first session in our study of the book of Ruth last week. We shared together last week some of our thoughts about how the story of Ruth fits into the history of Israel and how would we describe what the book is about. Some interesting comments. I still am captured by how the book is just as much about Naomi, as it is about Ruth. As a matter of fact read this quote from the book, ‘The Gospel of Ruth, by Carolyn Custis James’,
‘Several factors utterly changed the book of Ruth for me… I learned that the Ruth story is told from Naomi’s point of view. The narrator writes of Naomi’s husband, her sons, her daughters-in-laws, her losses, her God, her return to Bethlehem, her people, her relative, and the land she is selling. Readers are observing events as they relate to her. We also view God through the eyes of a woman.’
Sounds intriguing doesn’t it? So, here we are at the start of a study that has so much to teach us, I can’t wait. Again, it’s not too late to come and join us on Wednesdays, we meet in an upstairs classroom in the main church building at 6:30pm.
If you have any questions about a study, you can email us at wim@fcccarthage.com
See you in bible study!
Julie
At the end of every study there is always a time of reflection for me (Julie). Such was the case last night, as our Wednesday Night Study group completed the ‘Brave’ bible study written by Angela Thomas.
Indeed, for those who finished the study I can testify that you truly are some of the bravest women I know. One doesn’t have to look far to see that God is working in so many of you. I forget that far too often. You know, part of leading is just reminding others of things they already know.
That leads me to another thing that I was reminded of over the past weeks, actually the last two weeks of this study, and that is the power of hope. I am still not where I need to be in relation to fully relying on the fullness of hope that is available in Jesus, but I am encouraged to continue to pursue hope in all areas of my life. Hope is tough work at times. It can also be incredibly painful. I think, or maybe I know, that one of the bravest things for us to actually live out is this pursuit of the hope that resides in us. What is the hope that resides in us who believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God? It’s the power of the Holy Spirit working in cooperation with our spirit to accomplish the will of the Father in our lifetime for the glory of the Father. It’s the hope that what we are doing matters for the kingdom of God.
I was also reminded of the fact that I’m not alone in my struggle with certain things. There was one week of homework that quite honestly, I didn’t do. It hurt too much. I still have a few masks of my own that I am working on laying down.
What inspires me this morning – and what is renewing my strength in regards to ‘discipleship focused bible study’ opportunities for Women In Ministry – is to recognize that there is the desire among us not only to finish a bible study by filling in the blanks but there is the desire to know God and to be transformed by Him in such a way that we are moved beyond the written page and into the lives of those that we all interact with on a daily basis, whether it is in the home, the workplace, or the ball field. Isn’t this our mission? Our goal? Our purpose?
I think so… girls, let the whole world know that Jesus was born to bring us life, both for now and forevermore.
See you in Bible Study.
‘For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.’ Romans 15:4 (NIV)
This is Julie writing to you, I had a great time at study group last night – albeit a little uncomfortable for me at first. I stepped out of the ‘facilitator role’ for this study and have handed that responsibility over to the very capable hands of Ellen Hynes – so, I was able to do something that I really enjoy doing and that is: observing! So, the following is what I observed last night…
‘Selfish’ – that was the word spoken last night in our Wednesday night group… It was interesting from my vantage point to watch the expressions of so many faces in the room change. Some were amused, some were confused, and some were curious to see where the conversation would turn next.
Oh, I know, ‘selfish’ isn’t a term we often use in the context of our lives as followers of Christ and for good reason. A ‘selfish’ person, defined by Webster’s, is one that is ‘concentrating on one’s own advantage, pleasure, or well-being without regard for others.’ By the way, have you looked up the word ‘self ’ anything in the dictionary lately? Numerous words with the prefix ‘self’ that is telling in itself!
In relation to context in our study group last night, the word ‘selfish’ would be more in alignment with the word ‘self-care.’ It’s true, life isn’t about us; but it starts with us making choices that honor God. We must learn to care for ourselves in some capacity, agreed? (Sabbath rest, being still, etc.) So, self-care is a good thing, maybe even ‘brave’ for us to consider.
My eyes and ears observed this message last night from our discussion: there aren’t any easy answers. The tension that comes when faced with the abundant need that we face in a fallen world is overwhelming. So, here’s my encouragement for you in this study. The tension is there to help you and me to determine our own heart and its motive. There will always be some sort of tension, let it grow and listen to it, be patient with the process and follow the movement of God’s direction.
And also, let’s remember the underlying premise of our study, ‘Do You Know Who I Am?’ Remember, this is God’s question for you and me in our circumstance. Remember the character of God and what He will do in a heart fully surrendered to Him.
See you in Bible Study!
Julie
The Maple Leaf Gospel Sing is scheduled for Wednesday October 12 – so our start off date for the Brave study will be October 19th – Thanks!
We have a new study forming on Wednesday, October 12 – entitled, ‘Brave – Honest Questions Women Ask’ written by Angela Thomas.
Sign-ups are going on now – If you want a workbook (not absolutely necessary – but your study time will be enhanced if you have one) let us know. The cost for the workbook will be $12.
Also, if cost is a factor we have scholarships available, so please let us know if this would be helpful for you at this time. If you have any questions you may call the church office or email us at wim@fcccarthage.com.
See you in Bible Study!
Our Wednesday and Thursday Evening groups have been studying in our first few weeks about Jesus As The good Shepherd. Our learning, however, is challenging all of us to recognize that His involvement as a shepherd is for our good because HE IS GOOD!
God Is Good… amen??? Yes, amen and amen. I’m stoked this morning – I love Jesus and I love being involved as a shepherdess over the women here at FCC.
Here’s a punch list of what we have studied so far:
- John 10:7-9 – Jesus, as the shepherd tells us that He is ‘the Gate for the sheep’ and that ‘whoever enters through me will be saved.’ Girls, it’s only through Jesus that we are saved.
- there are hidden gifts in the boundaries that are established by His Word – boundaries are ‘essential’ to our survival, meant for our good and our protection.
- we can recognize the voice of the shepherd in our lives – are we listening? do we want to hear His voice?
- shepherds are always counting. He is looking for you and out for you! Is that a comfort to you? He wants to be with you and He wants you to be with the flock!
- community is a high priority for the health of the sheep. It needs to be a high priority for us as well. It’s a blessing for us to be in community with others, again, it’s for our good.
I could keep going on and on, but one thing I want to leave you with that has made an impact on me and that’s John 10:27 ‘My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.’
Read this verse again along with me, slowly this time , ‘My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.’ Girls, we listen to His voice – He knows us, each of us individually and then the text says – and this part just blows me away… ‘and they follow me.’
We follow Him - Here is what that verse doesn’t say, ‘My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they know me.’ I love the fact that so many of you want to know Him more through the study of His Word – Keep it up! But our goal in women’s bible study is to help you come to the place in your relationship with Him that you become a sold out follower of Jesus Christ and that none us stop or fall short of that by only being a learner. Let’s be followers!
See you in Bible Study!
Julie
All of our studies are off and running! The energy level in all the groups is amazing and I’m looking forward to getting back together this week. It’s not too late if you want to come and check out what’s going on in our Wednesday or Thursday groups!
See you in Bible Study!
Ok, here’s another sneak peak into one of the studies that will be offered beginning Wednesday, August the 24th, ‘Guarding Your Child’s Heart – Establishing Your Child’s Faith through Scripture Memory and Meditation’ written by Gary Smalley. There is a workbook available for this study ($15).
Just a reminder, Sign-ups start this Sunday, August 7, 2011.
See you in Bible Study!
Ok, here’s a sneak peak into the ‘Scouting the Divine’ study by Margaret Feinberg. This study will be a part of our Wednesday and Thursday PM Study Groups – Margaret Feinberg may not be familiar to some of you, she has authored several books and studies. A lot of her work has been utilized in the Threads Ministry of LifeWay. Threads is a ministry focused on young adults. Margaret has a communication style that is clear and down to earth. I’m excited about doing this study! Just a reminder, Sign-ups start this Sunday, August 7!
See you in Bible Study
Hello everyone! Just wanted to give you a heads up - Our Wednesday and Thursday Women’s Bible Study Groups will be starting very soon – actually Wednesday August 24 and Thursday August 25 are the official start up dates if you want to mark your calendars.
This Sunday, August 7 we will start sign-ups and you will be getting some information in the Sunday bulletin about what studies we will be doing.
I will be posting some information about the studies here on the Women’s page from time to time. If you have any questions about women’s bible study, you can comment below or email us at wim@fcccarthage.com.
See you in Bible Study!
Julie
