Growing in Faith
Looking into the Mirror: A Lenten Reflection
Lent is about looking into a metaphorical mirror, the kind we hold up to out souls. Use the Lenten season to refocus your faith life and realign your relationship with God through 40 days of reflection. The discussion questions work best in small groups, though this resource can also be used independently.
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Stitches and ScriptureThis 4-session Bible study takes place over seven weeks and pairs seasoned knitting mentors with beginners. Novice knitters will learn several basic knitting techniques as the group makes scarves and dishcloths, perhaps to donate to others. Everyone will learn a bit about how knitting is frequently used in Scripture as a metaphor to describe God’s creative and intimate relationship with us.
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Speaking Faith through ArtExplore how one's deepest convictions can be expressed through art by looking at the work of two Christian artists from different centuries. Lucas Cranach was a painter, propagandist, printer and illustrator during the Reformation. Sister Corita Kent was a nun who used her artistic gifts to communicate her commitment to the anti-war and civil rights movements of the 1950s and 60s. How does art inspire you or help you express what you believe?
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How to Lead a Bible StudyWhether you are a confident, experienced leader or are struck with terror when someone asks, "Could you help lead the Bible study?" this resource offers practical suggestions and will motivate and inspire you to claim—or reclaim—your role in building up the body of Christ through teaching. You can lead Bible study!
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Lessons for Today's Disciples This resource will help you discover, practice, and be empowered by the seven marks of discipleship: praying, studying, worshiping, inviting, encouraging, serving, and giving. Use it individually or as a group study, perhaps covering each of the seven marks over seven sessions of about an hour each.
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Advent: A Season for All Generations This two-part Advent program can be used by a group of any size. You’ll discuss various customs and explore the biblical figures of Advent (Zechariah and Elizabeth, Simeon and Anna, Joseph and Mary, and more). You might use it with your regular study group or as a special Advent Bible study group. Each part takes about 20 to 45 minutes and includes prayer, hymns, Scripture, narration, and discussion.
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The Colors of Christmas: A Reflection on Preparing for ChristmasOur celebrations are often sprinkled with seasonal traditions that bring us joy and remind us of times gone by or people who have graced our lives. Do you know where or when your traditions began and the meaning behind them? This resource takes a look at the some of the customs around Christmas.
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Epiphany: Unfolding the Discovery Epiphany is a church festival celebrated on January 6. We also have
epiphanies throughout our lives—sometimes suddenly, sometimes gradually—of how we understand the world, ourselves, and others. This resource looks at epiphany as both unfolding discovery and sudden illumination.
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The Witness of Women This 3-year program is based on the Samaritan woman's encounter with Jesus. Year One focuses on helping individuals and groups become comfortable with their own stories, explore the call to be a witness, study biblical examples of witness, and recommit to evangelism. Year Two focuses on how your witness affects the lives of others and how you, in turn, are affected by the
sharing. Year Three prepares you to do intentional evangelism and observe changes in the lives of others.
To order, and for more information, call Women of the ELCA at 800-638-3522, ext. 2741.
The Story of Peter and Cornelius This Bible study on Acts 10, the story of Peter and Cornelius, can be used to introduce people to Scripture that affirms diversity as being both of God and part of the glory of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The study consists of an introduction, five brief sessions with questions for reflection on a passage of Scripture, and a closing prayer or litany. This study can be done at one time or broken out into shorter sessions.
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Called to Ethical Decision Making:
No Easy AnswersThis two-hour workshop explores the Lutheran ethical approach and the complexities involved in ethical decision making, and offers participants practical experience in ethical deliberation.
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Called to Obey God:
It's Not Easy Being Jonah This resource probes the book of Jonah for help in learning how to discern our role in carrying out God's vision for the whole of creation.
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Crumbs from the Table This study of the story of Jesus and the Syrophoenician woman has a cross-cultural focus and explores how Jesus broke down the cultural boundaries between himself and the woman and the communities they each were from. The sessions are designed for group use but can also be used by individuals, and will each take less than an hour.
See
Part One: A Feast of Crumbs, and
Part Two: Crossing Boundaries
Out of the Mouths of Babes Author Barbara Gove Gill offers 21 heart-warming devotions inspired by insights from children, enriched by questions for discussion and reflection. Can be used by individuals as well as by groups.
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