Our next study will be "Seeing Gray in a World of Black and White" by Adam Hamilton.  The jacket cover says "One solution to the culture and political wars that hasn't yet been tried," suggests Adam Hamilton, "is for thinking persons of faith to model for the rest of the country a richer, more thoughtful conversation on the political, moral, and religious issues that divide us.  Hamilton rejects the easy assumptions and sloppy analysis of black and white thinking, seeking instead the truth that resides on all sides of the issues and offering a faithful and compassionate way forward." 

We will start the new study on June 14th.  This will give us a few weeks to sort out books, get them in and read the first chapter.  This will leave us 2 weeks of "fill in" lessons that we can use to do something fun or different.  Rick has a video to share and I think I'll find a Rob Bell video or 2 to chose from. 

 What does it mean to "seek first the kingdom of God" in our relationships, values, ambitions, finances and commitments? Jesus' answer to these questions amazed those who first heard the Sermon on the Mount. In this study guide, you'll dig deep into his startling and challenging message--the greatest sermon ever preached.This LifeGuide Bible Study features questions for starting group discussions and for meeting God in personal reflection. Leader's notes are included with information on study preparation, leading the study and small group components as well as helps for specific Bible passages covered in the study. Presented in a convenient workbook format and featuring the inductive Bible study approach, LifeGuides are thoroughly field-tested prior to publication; they're proven and popular guides for digging into Scripture on your own or with a small group.

GettingOutOfTheBoat.com will be studying this book starting in March of 2009.

After studying the book of James, we discussed what we could do as a class to outreach and serve.  These were the brainstorming ideas that were captured.  They fall into 3 categories.

Broad
Feed the hungry/poor

Targeted, Long-term
Epworth Children's home
Financial education
Collect resource materials for other groups/churches
Adopt a struggling church

Targeted, Short-term
Adopt-a-Family
Natalie
Turkey Dinner on Movember 1st.


Keith's Missions Evaluation Form

General postings for sharing personal issues, prayer requests, joys, concerns, etc.