Thursday Bible study Group

Thursday Bible Study
On first, third, and fifth Thursdays a group of us meet at All Saints at 11am for an hour of Bible study. Last year we used Bible Project videos to work our way through the Old Testament. We've learned a lot and got as far as the book of Isaiah. 
  
This year we have paused our OT studies to follow the Diocese Lent Study series. As we meet fortnightly this year, we will continue these until late April. We are using the 3DM model of the Kairos Circle to discern what God is saying to us each session, and to reflect on how we might respond. It's a powerful discipleship model that is used widely to help believers strengthen their faith. 

Each week is self-contained, so you're welcome to join us. Just let me know so I can confirm the dates with you. On Thursdays Morning Prayer is at 10am and morning tea is at 10.30, so come for as much or as little as you like! 
  
10am Morning Prayer (on Zoom)
On 26 March 2020 we started 10am Morning Prayer on Zoom. It was the day New Zealand entered lockdown, and I started it as a way to help people feel connected at a time when we couldn't meet to pray. 
  
We had plenty of teething troubles with Zoom, but once people had worked out how to navigate the technology we were fine. We use the NZ Prayerbook and the Lectionary readings for Morning Prayer. For variety, some weeks we use the Daily Devotions, Midday Prayer, or even Evening Prayer to make use of the rich variety in the Prayerbook. We use the liturgy, three readings, and a time of prayer, both set and spontaneous. We add in some time to catch up, or music to mix things up, but we aim to finish by 10.30am. 
  
Our small group has lost members through moving away, moving into care, or passing away. But a strong core remains, and we value the rhythm of meeting Monday to Saturday. I never intended the group to continue after Covid restrictions were lifted, but one member told me it had been a 'life-saver' for them. So as long as I see that need for connection, I'll keep hosting as much as I can. Do consider joining us, perhaps as a God-focused morning tea-break! 
  
'...take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.' (Ephesians 6:16-18) 
  Corinna Lines