Have you ever been a part of a very special small group? This can be a sacred gathering of friends. When I was in college at Augustana University in Sioux Falls, SD, I was so very blessed that a group of four of us gathered together every night to pray for the world, the campus and each other. I really learned how to pray when I was with these dear sisters and brother in Christ. We would often sing a couple of songs with the guitar, read scripture together, and lift each other up in prayer. While I was at Luther Seminary, another small group of us enjoyed a weekly Bible study breakfast. We met in the cafeteria, studied scriptures and lifted each other up in prayer. I found both of these small group experiences to be quite faith formative and eternally inspiring. These rich friendships helped me in my greatest sorrows and highest joys. I'm not sure what I would have done or where I would be without these lasting friendships.

 

Our children and youth are also meeting in small groups for faith formation this year. Some have met on a family farm, others around a kitchen table, and one group even reading their Bibles on a playground slide! I'm sure that sacred memories are being made each week with our families from church.

 

I'm inviting you into this sacred time together of small group ministries. Starting this Sunday, we begin the series on "The Story," which is a 31 chapter excerpts of the NIV Bible. We will literally read scripture and hear the story from Genesis to Revelation over this next school year. At times in the year we will pause during Advent to focus on preparing for Christmas, and Lent will also be a pause as we journey to the cross, empty tomb and Easter.

 

Be sure to pick up your complimentary copy of The Story at church from 1-5 PM Mondays-Thursdays or Wednesday evenings during the parking lot worship. The books are located on a table outside my office (Brick/Olive parking lot door). I encourage you to join me in conversation study on The Story OR find friends of your own from church to read and discuss The Story together (there are questions on each chapter in the back of the book).

 

Bible Studies that I lead will be held both in person and on zoom at the following times:

• Sundays on zoom at 10 AM
• Wednesdays in the OSLC parking lot at 10 AM
• Wednesday evenings after the parking lot worship at 6:30 PM

Here is the zoom link for the Sunday study: LINK 

 

Here is a sign-up if you intend to come to the Bible conversations that I will facilitate: Bible Study Sign-up  

 

Remember, you are not alone. There is a whole community of faith at Our Savior's that is walking with you in this time of pandemic.

 

I'll see you when you stop by to pick up your book (that reads like a novel. You will absolutely love it and be inspired!) I also look forward to connecting with you in one of the studies as it fits in your schedule.