- from In Memory of W. B Yeats by W. H. Auden

In the quotation above from his poem In Memory of W. B. Yeats, W. H. Auden captures the paradox of the Spiritual Journey. That paradox is the tone and context of this BLOG. A real miscellany, posts will address the seasonal Scripture readings of Revised Common Lectionary as used by The Episcopal Church, the intersection of art and the the spiritual journey, and issues in contemporary theology and parish life.

Friday, February 21, 2014

Lenten Study
Mondays at 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. -- Location to be determined.

Thanks to all who responded to the survey about Adult Formation during Lent. The good news is there was interest in a variety of topics, ensuring that we can have lots of opportunities for classes and discussion groups for months to come. If your favorite topic is the not one selected, have no fear. I bet we will be able to address it in the future.

The immediate issue was to settle on a topic, a time and a format for Lent. That was a bit difficult because the interest was so varied and no one day or time suited everyone. The greatest number expressed interest in learning more about and about how to engage the Bible. Monday was the most popular day, and I’m offering morning and evening gatherings in order to include as many as possible.

So I am proposing an Introduction to The Bible to take place at two different times, Monday mornings at 10:00 and Monday evenings at 6:00. Both gatherings will last an hour and fifteen minutes. The evening group will include a meal if we can come up with a simple way to do that. I’ll provide soup and bread for the first meeting on Monday, March 10.

I promise that the learning will be both relevant and fun. No prior experience or knowledge is required or expected. This will indeed be an introductory course and can provide a foundation for whatever other topics we will choose to explore in the future.

We will begin on the first Monday in Lent and conclude on the Monday before Holy Week. Here is our syllabus:

            Date                                  Topic
  • Monday, March 10, 2014    What kind of book is this and what is inside it? Why was it written backwards?
  • Monday, March 17, 2014    The Hebrew Bible: Adam and Eve and Adam and Eve -- Why two of each?
  • Monday, March 24, 2014    The Hebrew Bible: The prophets -- Crystal ball or crazy men?
  • Monday, March 31, 2014    The Christian Testament: Who wrote what for whom, when and why?
  • Monday, April 07, 2014       The Book of the Revelation of John -- scary stuff?

I suggest that you bring a Bible of your own, or you may want to wait before acquiring one until we discuss the various Bibles available. I will be using the New Revised Standard Version with Apocrypha (What on earth is THAT?) This is the translation we hear during worship at Christ Church. My main intention is to respond to things you actually want to know about, so you will be asked to submit questions that you would like to hear addressed during our time together. The sessions will build on each other, but no one is expected to be able to attend them all, and you may drop in at any time without worrying about feeling lost or left behind.

This is what I love to do, join other adults in deepening understanding and knowledge. I am excited at the opportunity to be with you in this way.

Fr. Scott
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