Adult Spiritual Formation
Pastor's Study
This collection of the writings, sermons, and journal entries of Archbishop Romero is chock full of insight and wisdom that reads like poetry, speaks like Scripture, and inspires the reader by its simplicity and call to action. Throughout the text, Romero stresses the fact that “We cannot separate God’s word from the historical reality in which it is proclaimed…It is God’s word because it enlightens, contrasts, repudiates, [and] praises what is going on today in the society.” Archbishop Romero was assassinated in 1980 because of his willingness to speak out against the injustices perpetrated by those in authority in San Salvador. It is not without a sense of irony that among his final spoken words were the following: “We know that every effort to better society, especially when injustice and sin are so ingrained, is an effort that God blesses, that God wants, that God demands of us.” That call to pursue justice rings true in our hearts today, and his words resonate with all Christians who truly believe that in Jesus Christ lies the hope of the world.
This book is a wonderful companion for Christians who want to see their faith come alive on behalf of a world in need, and an unwelcome annoyance for those who wish for their faith to remain safe, comfortable and isolated from the hard realities of life. I hope that through our thoughtful discussion of Romero’s words, you find yourself a new companion, who will walk with you even as he points out the things that need to be changed.
The Pastor’s Study for this book will meet January 12th, 26th and February 9th at Panera Bread on Schillinger Rd. S. We meet for an hour of discussion starting at 6pm.
*A movie based on the life of Oscar Romero starring Raul Julia was released in 1989, called simply, Romero. We will arrange a viewing of this movie at the church following our discussion of the book.
Pastor's Study is a bi-weekly opportunity to read and discuss books from a spiritual perspective. Led by Pastor Mark Renn, this group covers a variety of different genres on a rotating basis. These genres include: Fiction, Theology and Social Justice. The group meets at Panera Bread (Schillinger Rd.) from 6-7 pm every other week. Please contact pastor@providence-pc.org for more information.
.
Women's Group
THE GRAND SWEEP – Reading the Bible in 2010
Providence Presbyterian
Discussions on Monday evening 7:00 PM or challenge to read “on your own”
Readings for Jan. 1 to Apr 5 Weekly commitment to scripture
Date Scripture Summarized topic
Jan 1-4 Genesis 1-13 Creation, Adam/Eve and descendants
Jan 4-11 Genesis 14-27 God and Abraham relationship
Jan 11-18 Genesis 28-45 God and Jacob relationship
Jan 18-25 Genesis 46-Exodus 12 God and the Israelites
Jan 25-Feb 1 Exodus 13-33 God at work with his peoples
Feb 1-8 Exodus 34-Leviticus 13 Covenant agreements
Feb 8-15 Leviticus14-Numbers 6 God’s standard for Israel
Feb 15-22 Numbers 7-21 Leaving for the promised land
Feb 22-Mar 1 Numbers 22-Deuteronomy 5 Balaam story/Moses call
Mar 1-8 Deuteronomy 6-26 Foundation instruction of Moses
Mar 8-15 Deut 27- Joshua 12 Moses final words/Joshua’s leading
Mar 15-22 Joshua 13- Judges 8 God’s people react
Mar 22-29 Judges 9-1 Samuel 3 Period of the judges
Mar 29-Apr 5 1 Samuel 4-25 David and Samuel – God’s servants