BibleStudies - Richmond Hill Presbyterian Church

Ash Wednesday, 2010

Dear Friends,

The members of our congregation are ready to launch a celebration of Jesus, and I am glad that you are signed up for one of our weekly groups which will explore what makes him so attractive, and how we can reflect those qualities in our lives today.

This is Spiritual Adventure is an all-church spiritual growth event that will run from February 21 through April 4. The celebration continues with follow-up readings and worship themes for the first couple of weeks after Easter.

During the upcoming Adventure which has been used in tens of thousands of congregations, participants will be looking at eight reasons Jesus remains attractive to so many people.

1. Jesus stayed spiritually connected and directed.	5. Jesus spoke God’s truth in everyday language.
2. Jesus shattered the stereotypes of “us” and “them.”	6. Jesus cast a vision of a better kingdom, now and future.
3. Jesus liked people and drew out the best in them.	7. Jesus courageously completed his assigned mission.
4. Jesus knew his identity yet served with humility.	8. Jesus broke the power of darkness so all can live in the light.

Here are the elements that you will take part in – and I hope we have participation from others in our church and from the community.

§ Sunday worship will follow these themes, using Scripture and practical action steps for us to take.

§ Once-a-week group meetings, for Bible study and conversation around the weekly topic; and its Action Step.

§ Personal and household study, readings, and a prayer guide.

§ Follow-up with whatever individual journaling and family-based conversation you wish to add.

§ New recorded devotional messages will be available Mondays-Wednesday and Thursday-Sunday on our congregation’s 24/7 Information Line at 351-PRAY (351-7729).

§ Those who would like a weekly e-mail can receive it, or look for that note on the new RHPchurch.com

If you aren’t already signed up for the small groups or to ask for the booklets, there is still time. Plan on perhaps a little over an hour for the small groups each week. (For those of you in the Sunday morning group, that is adjusted a bit because of the shorter time frame and the larger group. We’ll have a presentation time with everyone, then I’ll ask you to split into smaller circles so that each person will have more opportunities to speak, write and listen.) We are working a 50-day adventure into a 40-day Lent, so the final themes appropriate for Holy Week and Easter will continue into those weeks of April.

Each week there are six daily readings or activities in the Journal, so each week gives you a grace day for catching up or review. If you find yourself out of the habit at any point, please just jump back and pick up with that day’s page and get restarted. Whatever investment of time and attention you put into this process, will be an opportunity for the Lord to encourage, challenge and bless you. Let’s get started!

Wishing you a Spirit-led Lenten Season,

Greg