Lenten Studies Begin

Melissa Watson
Feb 11
2 min read

Updated: Feb 15

The Christian Education Committee is pleased to announce that this year we will be offering TWO Lenten studies.

Beginning on February 15th , Emily Harper will lead a Sunday morning study beginning at 9:30 in the fellowship hall. A light breakfast will be provided each week. This group will study The Hardest Part by Kate Bowler. From the author’s website:

Life is this strange, tender mix, isn’t it? Joy and sorrow, love and loss, heartbreak and hope, all tangled together. This year, we invite you to embrace Lent as it is—raw, honest, and tender. This is the season that asks us to stop pretending we’re holding it all together. It’s a time to pause, sit with what’s fragile and unfinished, and let God meet us in the hardest parts of our lives.

This book is written as a daily devotional: participants in the discussion group will go over all the devotions of the past week when they gather on Sundays. The book is online only; you can download a copy by going to https://katebowler.com/lent/ and clicking on ‘Download the individual guide’ for The Hardest Part. If you need help downloading or would like a copy of the book printed for you, please let Emily or Amanda know.

On February 15th everyone interested in this study was invited to a special 'introduction' class at 9:30 am in the fellowship hall. But if you were not able to attend this first gathering, you are still invited to attend all the other sessions. The study will meet through March 29^th, skip Easter Sunday, and conclude on Sunday, April 12^th.

First Class in Lenten Book Study led by Emily Harper

Beginning on February 24^th, Rev. Amanda will lead a Tuesday evening study. We will have a light supper at 6:30 and the study will be 7:00-8:00. This group will study Why Did Jesus Have to Die? by Adam Hamilton. From Cokesbury:

Despite the crucifixion’s central place in Christian faith, the New Testament offers few clear answers about how Jesus’ death saves, or why, exactly, he had to die. The New Testament writers use a host of metaphors—ransom, sacrifice, reconciliation, victory—but never explain exactly how it works or why it had to happen this way. What if that’s because we’ve been asking the wrong question? What if the cross isn’t a transaction to be explained, but a living Word from God meant to transform who we are and how we live?

You can order your own book as a hard copy or e-book from various websites. Some books have already been ordered by the church; if you would like to reserve one, please let Amanda or Christine know. The cost for each book is $19.79.

The study will meet February 24^th through March 31^st.

Rev. Amanda Hatfield Moore

Bethany Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

"Finding the Way of Christ at the Crossroads"

8126 NC Hwy 306 S

Arapahoe, NC 28510

PO Box 156

(252)249-0266