Nebraska Synod ELCA

by Gretchen Ahrens, Director for Youth and Justice Ministries

Eight Books of the Bible in Eight Months – Join us for October or November

Do you long for community and connection with others in the Nebraska Synod? Do you want to learn more about the bible but aren’t sure where to start? Do you want to explore how the bible relates to your daily life? Have you been especially curious about one book of the bible in particular?  Are you afraid you don’t know enough to join a bible study?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, I invite you to join us for a month, two months, or all eight months of our EMMAUS class, “Eight Books of the Bible in Eight Months.” Each month, a different rostered leader in the synod will walk us through a different book of the bible.

Last month, I joined the group studying the book of John with Pastor Breen Sipes. Although I could only attend two of the four weeks of the class, I was so intrigued by the study that I didn’t want it to end. I have always loved the Gospel of John and the poetic wanderings it begins with.  I learned so much about John and the disciples in the stories. I heard what I thought were old and familiar stories in new ways as Pastor Breen guided us through the stories, and we all shared how the scriptures spoke to us. Next time I hear the gospel of John, I know I won’t listen to it in the same way.

The class had an easygoing atmosphere, and we had all levels of familiarity with the Gospel since the class included Pastors and lay members of all ages. (We even had a parent/child combination participate in the class). The bible study is designed as an entry-level Bible study. It’s not a diluted study but a condensed one with presenters pulling key aspects from the book and helping learners weave the story together. It’s a no-shame study group aimed at helping the “I avoid bible study because I don’t know enough” folks to sign up. I felt comfortable sharing things I knew and admitting what I didn’t know.  It was incredible to watch the Holy Spirit work in, among, and through all of us as we studied together.

This bible study takes place on Thursday nights from 7:30-9:00 central on Zoom. You don’t have to register for all eight months. You can choose which months work for you. This week, we begin to explore Second Corinthians with Pastor Paula Lawhead (it’s not too late to sign up!), and in November, we will dig into Luke with Pastor Heidi Wallace. YOU are welcome, encouraged, and invited to join us! Come and see how scripture speaks to you in new ways. Come and join us as we learn and grow together!

“Participating in a Zoom bible study seemed impossible for my busy life! However, I  set it as a calendar priority and attended every class! I looked forward to it each week as the pace of life slowed down to reflect on bible study. Pastor Breen Sipes lead meaningful conversations, offered time for journaling, inspired further study, and taught me four bible study reflection questions that I continue to use personally. I look forward to signing up again to gather online for bible study.” – Julie Scheer Peterson

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE AND REGISTER