Over the years, I've noticed something about Episcopalians: the Bible makes them nervous.  Really nervous.  For some, the book is like an impenetrable fortress of solitude:  they've tried more than once to find the front door, but it seems that only supermen of the faith are able to make their way in.  For others, the worldview contained in the pages of scripture could just as well have come from another planet:  what is a "drachma," and more to the point, who cares?!?

Episcopalians, indeed Christians of all stripes, find the Bible confusing and intimidating.  Deep down inside, they know they should be reading it.   They know that Holy Scripture is the foundation of the faith they profess.   They've heard others talk about "encountering God" in the words of the Bible, but in the end, none of this matters: without a guide, the journey inward seems impossible and pointless.

The vestry and I would like to invite you to take a journey with us.  In fact, we're inviting you to take a journey along with the entire congregation of St. Matthew's: a journey into the pages of the Bible.  Beginning January 3, we will begin a hike through one hundred brief but essential passages of the Bible at a pace of five passages a week.  This journey will take us through the spring and will conclude at the beginning of summer.  The hike will not be easy, but it will be straightforward: the path will be well-marked and you will be adequately guided.  All of you have what it takes to make this trek.  You simply need to commit yourself to the journey.

For some, this will be the first time you've ever ascended the summit, and when we finish in the summer, you will, for the first time in your life, see the entire arc of your own salvation story.  You will know the Biblical narrative, and in so knowing, join the ranks of a new generation of Episcopalians who no longer fear or avoid the pages of Holy Scripture.  No, you will embrace them gladly as the greatest and most significant love story of all time.  "Why the greatest," you ask?  Because it will become your love story: the story of the God who loves his people, and of you, one of his beloved.

So, the journey is about to begin.   Your guides have prepared themselves and are eager to lead you along the way.  Won't you join us?

Trip Details: Three levels of participation
The more you are able to participate, the more meaningful the journey will be.

LEVEL 1: The basic path consists of a “planner” that outlines the journey: five passages per week, each touching on a particular aspect of our faith story.  Wednesday and Sunday preaching and teaching will be based on the passages assigned for that week.  You will be taking the journey along with the congregation, but your only guide will be the weekly sermons.

LEVEL 2: We have purchased copies of the companion book, The Essential Bible Guide: 100 Readings Through the World's Most Important Book: a collection of brief reflections for each reading.  Think of it as a daily companion to accompany you on the journey.   We are requesting a $10 donation for each copy (available in the office and at the back of the church).

LEVEL 3: I cannot overemphasize this one simple point: the words of Holy Scripture come to life in community.  This has been true since the dawn of our faith.  And really, this shouldn't surprise us: we are social beings.  Even the most introverted among us can learn from others what he cannot learn on his own.  For this reason, we have set up several discussion groups throughout the week.  If you want God to speak to you through Scripture, then the most effective way to facilitate that conversation is to meet with other travelers regularly to listen and share.

Now, I know that there are some among us who might respond, "but I won't get anything out of participating in such a group."  To you I offer these two responses: first, I ask that you simply give it a fair shake.  I bet you’ll find that if you do, you’ll get something out of participating.  But even if you aren’t hopeful that you’ll get something out of participating, consider this: it is important that you participate not only for what you might receive, but for what you can give.  It may well be that God is doing or has done something in your life.  You may not even be aware of it.  But God’s work in you may be the very thing that another weary traveler needs to hear about in order to continue on the journey.  Please do not make your decision solely on what you may “get” out of participating.  Instead, remember that as a child of God, you have a responsibility to share what you have been given for the up-building of the community: your gifts, your insights, your questions, your convictions, your struggles and your epiphanies.  These gifts are not yours for you alone: they are gifts your Heavenly Father means for you to share with others so that his church may be whole.

Discussion Groups

Sundays @ 9:00 a.m.
8 o'clockers discussion group & coffee, led by Perry WIlson, Gloria Martineau & Marion Coxe
Last door on the left in the Ramsey building (near the chapel)

Sundays @ 9:45 a.m.
Bible 101, led by Tommy Coxe, Ellen O'Dell & Lauri McLeland in the library
A discussion group for those who don't know the first thing about the Bible – beginners or shy experts only, please!

Bible 201, led by Bill Ervin in the parlor
A more in-depth discussion for those who know their way around the Bible

Mondays @ 6:00 p.m.
An evening group led by Sam Stokes & Rosanne Brasington in the parlor

Wednesdays @ 7:00 a.m.
Men's Bible study at Taki's over breakfast

Wednesdays following 5:30 service
Discussion over dinner with Ann Dennis and Robin Downing. 

Wednesdays @ 6:45 p.m.
The EYC (youth group) will also take the journey through the Essential 100.  If you’ve not been a participant in EYC, now’s the perfect time to take the Nestea plunge!

To learn more, check out this brief video (complete with schnazzy Australian accents!):