This year, as part of the Year of Service, EDSD is studying one book: The New Parish: How Neighborhood Churches are Transforming Mission, Discipleship, and Community. Churches across the diocese are encouraged to gather in small groups to explore how your church can be known to our neighbors through care, reconciliation, and renewal. After all, a church that cares for its neighborhood is the type of church others want to join.
Bishop Susan Brown Snook said, “This book is an excellent example of how churches can lead local neighborhoods to the gift of God’s love through service and action. I encourage you to join your church’s book group and engage in the life-giving joy of sharing Christ’s love with your neighborhood.”
Each chapter in The New Parish concludes with questions for conversation and missional practices for congregation members—making facilitating a book study much easier.
In preparation for your congregation’s book study, you will want to begin by selecting a facilitator, a time, and a place to meet. Set up sign-ups for participants and provide information for members to acquire books ahead of time. Promote the book study during worship and invite members to participate. For more small group ideas, you can utilize our Faith to Go resources for small groups.
Here is a suggested book study schedule for reading and discussing each week:
Week 1—Feb. 22 to Mar. 1: Introduction and Chapter 1
Week 2—Mar. 1 to Mar. 8: Chapter 2 and Chapter 3
Week 3—Mar. 8 to Mar. 15: Chapter 4 and Chapter 5
Week 4—Mar. 15 to Mar. 22: Chapter 6 and Chapter 7
Week 5—Mar. 22 to Mar. 29: Chapter 8 and Chapter 9
Ask your clergy about the Diocese-wide Lenten Book Study, and find out when your local group starts meeting. Below are eight tips for enjoying a book study:
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Hi Chris- I’d like to join a study group and would be happy to help facilitate one here in the village of Ocean Beach. I live at 1619 Ocean Front St., between Coronado and Del Mar Avenues, a a bike path with some parking for cars available nearby; and indoor/outdoor space to host a meeting of up to 12, but 8-10 would be better. I have two housemates who helped me host a meal for Dr. Gerry and Nan Hardison and Jane Andrews, members of All Souls last Monday night. Alternatively, I would be willing to help with a group at All Souls pending the arrival of their new Rector on February 5. These groups could help the nascent plan for congregation formation in the village if that suits the diocesan plan. Several members of All Souls offered to assist in any effort that I knew of when I finished my interim assignment there. This could be the centerpiece of my involvement if it could work that way. In any case, sign me up for whatever might be bubbling up to the surface; any discussions or forums, on-line or in-person. I have been attending St. Peter’s-by-the-Sea ELCA Lutheran on Sunset Cliffs Blvd. in OB which is also connected to All Souls through several important mission outreaches in the coming months.
Blessings to you and these study groups.