Previous Bible study discussion notes are available here:
Reflecting on our Jubilee: January & February 2023
When we met in January & February, we reflected on the denomination’s Jubilee through readings, reflections and prayers based on the materials prepared by the URC to mark the 50th anniversary. Some members of the group expressed an interest to look at hymns and songs we sing and their meaning. The discussion was based upon Sing A New Church Into Being, exploring our favourite hymns, what it is we like in a hymn and considering how inclusive these are in a number of ways. In February we talked about our thoughts and concerns on how we are church.
We met for TWO sessions related to the Advent season:
Monday November 21st – Prepare the Way led by Karen. The discussion notes are below:
Monday December 5th – led by Alison. The discussion notes are below:
Image from: https://theworshipcloud.com/view/images/i-am-the-way-truth-and-life
In October, we concluded our series discussing the ‘I am’ sayings by reading from John’s Gospel, discussing ‘ I am the Light’ and what is meant when Jesus says ” I am the Way, the Truth and the Life”.
Who is Christ for us today?: we reflected on the metaphors used in John’s Gospel to highlight aspects of Jesus in the ‘I am’ sayings and Paul’s Epistles where they talk of the body of Christ. This is an opportunity to think about the relevance of those metaphors for those in the church family today and what they may say to those new to faith. We began with ‘I am the bread’; who Jesus is for us today may influence what the body of Christ should look like today……
Consequences: we all love the Christmas narratives, but what would have been the impact of what happened to those we read about? Do we ever think about what might have happened to the people of Bethlehem living under Herod’s government? What was it like to go on the run and head into Egypt? We thought about this in our discussion in January.
Stepwise: developing your discipleship
Thinking about how you might nurture your faith? The Stepwise programme is now available online with group membership across the Synod.
Being a Christian means that you are on a journey of faith, with many ups and downs. Be reassured that God is with you as you progress on the path of discipleship. Reading the scriptures, and being with a community of fellow disciples can be very encouraging but sometimes we need a little more. Attending Sunday worship, Bible study groups, and conversations can help, however below are some links to websites that are useful and I recommend them to you for further reflection. I have also identified some books, and films for consideration.
TIP. When considering a situation, issue or relationship, whether it is yours or someone else’s, always ask the question ‘ Where is God ? Can I see God working? Can I see justice and love ?
Websites for Nurturing Faith
- re jesus is an extensive website , which includes discussion topics , prayers, quizzes and lots more.
- Sacred Space is an on line prayer community, with many helpful suggestions
- Living spaces is from the Sacred Space Sacred Space website and has daily readings
The United reformed Church has a monthly magazine, REFORM; you can access REFORM from the above link.
Suggested Theological Reading
- Marcus Borg: The God I never knew
- Marcos Borg : Meeting Jesus for the first time
- Brian MacClaren :A new Kind of Christianity
- Bonhoeffer:
- Ann Morrisey: Beyond the Good Samaritan
- Graham Adams: Christ and the other
- Brian Wren: Which language should I borrow
- Geza Vermes: Jesus the Jew
Suggested Spiritual Reading
- Richard Rohr Falling upwards
- Henri Nouwen
Films for Theological Reflection
- The Kings Speech
- Paddington
- Pleasantville
- Man Dancin’
- Lars and the real Girl
- Harry Potter films
- Chocolat
- War Horse
- The Deer Hunter
Beacon Hill United Reformed Church 