an 8-week Bible study of the book of Revelation
for God’s Rainbow People

When we look at Revelation with new eyes – with the eyes of God’s Rainbow People – we see it in a whole new way. We find the dream of an embattled people for which there is much hope. We leave behind the condemnation and judgment that so many would use to abuse us.

This Tuesday, January 17th, as we study Chapters 5 & 6 of the Book of Revelation, we will open the first of the seven seals and learn from the songs that the Heavenly Host sing. We will also examine the Four Horsemen to see who they represented to first century Christ followers.

To get ready for class, please read Chapters 5 & 6. Ask yourself, “What parts of these chapters trouble you?” and “What memories do those thoughts stir in you?” We will share our thoughts in class.

Don’t worry if you’ve had to miss the first few sessions of this course. We will fill you in on anything you’ve missed.

We meet in the Sanctuary at 6:30 for Tuesday Night Bible study. Bring your Bible. You’ll need it.

2012 will be the year St. John’s will get LARGER by getting SMALLER!!! What does this mean? Good question! By developing small groups, we create a space in which people are cared for, growing spiritually and spending time together building relationships.

We all know how challenging it is to grow spiritually in just 2 hours a week. It is through small groups we are able to really understand scripture, together, in a safe environment.

It is my vision to begin small groups in May after training of leaders from February to May.

So…what does all of this really mean?

Benefits of Small Groups:

• A safe place to ask questions about what the bible really is about - discipleship
• A group of people that serve as a team of care givers to each other – a sense of community
• A group of people who are there when challenges occur in your life – pastoral care
• A group of people to do projects with and to learn more about
• Places to invite family and friends to who may not want to initially come to church
• A group of people who will help you be accountable for your spiritual growth
• A place to share similar life experiences in order to not feel alone
• A safe place to ask for prayer and to share prayer concerns

These are just a few of the benefits of small groups. Groups can be centered around similar traits or other characteristics. It is my hope that we develop several types of groups that will reach beyond the walls of this church.

So…what’s next? Training will occur, beginning in February, two times a month on Thursdays – 2nd and 4th. All people interested in leading a group are expected to attend the training sessions. The sessions will be from 7pm-9pm.

After the training, the potential leader will go through an interview process and discuss any challenges that may have come up during the training.

Topics covered during the training sessions include: how to lead prayer, how to train another leader to lead small groups, role playing, how to deal with difficult people, how to listen, etc.

Remember, almost anyone can lead a small group with the right training!

If you still have questions, just shoot me an email. I look forward to seeing some of you on Feb. 10th!!!

Peace and Blessings,
Pastor Wanda

A new and thorough examination of the cause and consequences of Bible abuse that is directed at homosexuals can be found at this link. First researched and compiled as a presentation for a local community group, the study has two goals: 1) to look at who it is that commits abuse of specific biblical passages and then directs it toward homosexuals – and why and 2) “to try to determine what the original biblical texts actually say.” Remarkably, it is not the goal of the study “to debate the relevance or infallibility of biblical scripture or to proselytize.”

In its refreshing conclusion, the writer shows that there is more biblical evidence that God loves everyone God created than the spurious notion that God wants to condemn and reject us.

The piece is chock full of notes and interesting facts, making it an enjoyable and fascinating read. I found it well worth the few hours it takes to read all the material.

This study takes a different approach to the Problem of Bible Abuse by religious conservatives. Some of you have taken my class called “Freed from Guilt • Freed from Shame: Overcoming Bible Abuse about Homosexuality.” You will find this study complimentary to that class. I recommend it with two thumbs up.