Advent Series (2017)
"From Longing to Receiving"
Sundays at 9AM in the Library
4 Sessions: 11/12, 11/19, 12/3, 12/10
Join us as we study the upcoming Old Testament and the Gospel lectionary texts for four weeks, tracing important Advent themes of longing for God's help, anticipating God's presence among us, recognizing God's work among us, and receiving God's new gifts to us. Each week's handout is filled with important information about the texts, yet written for personal devotional use as well as for group discussion.
The author of the curriculum is Patricia K. Tull, Professor Emerita of Old Testament at Louisville Presbyterian Seminary. She is the author or editor of several books, including Esther and Ruth in the Interpretation Bible Studies series and the 2001-02 Horizons Bible Study, Esther's Feast: A Study of the Book of Esther. An ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), she also writes a regular column on environmentalism for WorkingPreacher.org.
The author of the curriculum is Patricia K. Tull, Professor Emerita of Old Testament at Louisville Presbyterian Seminary. She is the author or editor of several books, including Esther and Ruth in the Interpretation Bible Studies series and the 2001-02 Horizons Bible Study, Esther's Feast: A Study of the Book of Esther. An ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), she also writes a regular column on environmentalism for WorkingPreacher.org.
Sessions
Each Advent marks the beginning of a new church year. This Advent we will be entering into "Year B" in the three year cycle of appointed scripture readings, also known as the lectionary. (Our lectionary, known as the "Revised Common Lectionary" is based on ancient patterns of scripture readings, and is held in common by many different Christian denominations and churches. Click here to learn more about the Revised Common Lectionary.) In Year B, most of our Sunday Gospel readings come from the Gospel of Mark. (In Year A, most of our Sunday gospel readings come from Matthew, and in Year C, from Luke. Readings from the Gospel of John appear sprinkled in all 3 cycles (A, B, and C), especially in the seasons of Epiphany, Lent, and Eastertide.) In preparation for Year B, it may be useful to read through the entire Gospel of Mark and to do a little research about the historical context that gave rise to Mark's retelling of the Jesus Story.
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Session 1: 11/12/2017
Handout 1
Leaders Guide 1
Theme: Longing for God's Saving Help
Scripture Texts: Isaiah 64:1-9; Mark 13:24-37, Psalm 80
Leaders Guide 1
Theme: Longing for God's Saving Help
Scripture Texts: Isaiah 64:1-9; Mark 13:24-37, Psalm 80
Session 2: 11/19/2017
Handout 2
Leaders Guide 2
Theme: Anticipating God's Presence among Us
Scripture Texts: Isaiah 40:1-11; Mark 1-:1-8; Psalm 85: 1-2, 8-13
Leaders Guide 2
Theme: Anticipating God's Presence among Us
Scripture Texts: Isaiah 40:1-11; Mark 1-:1-8; Psalm 85: 1-2, 8-13
Session 3: 12/3/2017
Handout 3
Leaders Guide 3
Theme: Recognizing God's Work among Us
Scripture Texts: Isaiah 61:1-11; John 1:6-8, 19-28; Luke 4: 16-21
Isaiah 40; Isaiah 60-62
Leaders Guide 3
Theme: Recognizing God's Work among Us
Scripture Texts: Isaiah 61:1-11; John 1:6-8, 19-28; Luke 4: 16-21
Isaiah 40; Isaiah 60-62
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Session 4: 12/10/2017
Handout 4
Leaders Guide 4
Theme: Receiving God's New Gifts to Us
Scripture Texts: 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16; Luke 1:26-38; Psalm 89
Leaders Guide 4
Theme: Receiving God's New Gifts to Us
Scripture Texts: 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16; Luke 1:26-38; Psalm 89
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Watch "The Bishop's Wife" (below) and consider the human tendency to focus on glorifying (or domesticating) God by building a magnificent edifice rather than tending to the wounds of the world and working to level the playing field.
