Loading...Dear Friends in Christ,
I have been asked if we are going to have Bible Study this fall. We are. Actually, we will start out with a book study. Just reading the Bible or most any book is never enough. We have to study it. I learned that as a kid, reading the wonderful array of books on the bookshelf my dad built. My dad was a member of a book club. I used to stand in front of the bookshelf in wonder of all those books that my dad has read; at least I thought he had read them all. When I was about 10 years old, during summer vacation, I picked one up and began reading it. I don’t remember the name of the book, but I do remember being transferred to another time and place.
Over the next couple of summers, I read most of the books on Dad’s bookshelf. Some of my favorites were Caravan to China, a story about Simon of Cyrene leading a group of Romans to China just before he was selected to carry the cross for Jesus. I’ll never forget the ending, “The man who knew no master, now followed the Master.” The Earth is the Lord’s was the life of Genghis Khan. Laura was a detective story that was made into a movie. As I read these books, I would look up the settings in the Funk and Wagnall’s Encyclopedia as well as other things that peaked my curiosity while reading. In other words, I studied those books. This has continued today as I read Baldacci, Berry, King and other modern novelists.
I apply this to reading the Bible. The Bible can be so confusing at times. Having a good biblical encyclopedia, a commentary, and anything else that helps to put what I am reading in perspective and understand what I am reading is a must for me. Bishop Mark has given the Diocesan Executive Board a book entitled People of the Way. I am part way through it, and it is an excellent commentary on the state of the Episcopal Church today. It gives a good history and a roadmap for the future as well as a look back at where we come from. I look forward to discussing the book with Bishop Mark and with you.
The Rt. Reverend Ian Douglas, Bishop of Connecticut, says in the forward of the book: Is there any hope for this once privileged and powerful church encountering the new realities of the twenty-first century? There indeed is! People of the Way presents a vision by which the Episcopal Church can find a way forward. It is a vision of hope, possibility and new life.
The President and Dean of Virginia Theological Seminary says this: People of the Way is a work of sheer genius, an absolutely essential addition to the library of anyone seriously concerned about the future of the Episcopal Church. I cannot recommend it more highly.
From the book: Once upon a time, the Episcopal Church was grounded in the identity as “benefactor” or “national church”. Those days are gone. But if the Episcopal Church is no longer the church of the establishment, what is the heart of Episcopal identity and mission?
In my discussions with Bishop Mark, he keeps saying two words: Mission and Vision. What is our mission? Is it still viable? Do we have a vision? If you would like to be part of this discussion as we read and study this book, please come to the Bible/Book Study. You will have two chances each week to attend a session, Sunday evenings in Hunter House in Tazewell and Wednesday evenings in Williamson Hall in Bluefield. We will begin around 6:30. You may buy the book from Amazon.com. If you do not have internet access, please let me know and I will order it for you. The first session will be on October 13th.
I look forward to studying with you. God Bless.
In Christ’s Love,
Father Russ
