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Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. --- Philippians 4: 5-6 |
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Introducing….
A very
unique kind of Bible Study Invitation
The concept of “The Roundtable” began in the days of King
Arthur’s court. Revolutionary in its day, the Knights of the Round
Table, sat together as equals. Unlike square or rectangular tables,
which presuppose a “head” seat, etc., at the round table all voices
are equally valued. There is no preferred seating, no first, no better,
no last, no least.
A small group of people meet with the Pastor once a week for a
brief time (1-˝ hours) to read together the Scripture for next
Sunday’s sermon. After prayer, several readings of the scripture, and
a sharing of our first impressions, the preacher will present a brief
(10 minute) overview of the ideas that she has discovered thus far in
her study.
Then the brainstorming begins and the group is encouraged to
begin to talk and think through the text. Conversation is open-ended.
Trying out new ideas or questioning the text is encouraged. The goal is
a true sharing of insights and an honest appreciation for everyone’s
ideas. There is no closure. The conversation ends when we are out of
time.
Each week when we gather for worship, a sermon is preached. The
preacher endeavors to research the text, prayerfully seek God’s
guidance, and gather together creative ways to relate God’s message to
the life-experience of the congregation. I have found that this process
is greatly enriched if the preparation includes the congregation.
Your prayers, thoughts, and life-experience are invaluable.
Not only is the sermon improved but those who participate in
Roundtable report that it provides a very powerful Bible study
opportunity and enriches their worship experience. When? Where? Time
Commitment? Roundtable will meet usually on Tuesday evenings from 6-7:30pm in Todd Hall. If you come to the Welcome Center, we will direct you from there. Your commitment will be to bring your Bible and come with an open and expectant heart. |
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This page was revised on 02/10/2010 |
