Bethlehem Connect January 2018 | Page 5

bible studies / groups Wednesday Church Night Resumes January 10 at both campuses MTKA Wednesdays January 10, 17* & 24 6:00 pm Wednesday night supper 6:30 pm Hymn Sing in Fellowship Hall 6:45-7:30 pm Pastor Meta leads a study about the texts that inform our Sunday liturgy, verses we don't realize we've memorized. How do these texts guide us through worship, inform our theology and get written on our heart? *Family Night is January 17 – Dinner includes intergenerational Bingo with prizes! Wednesdays Jan. 31 & Feb. 7 Katie Holter, PsyD from Minneton ka Counseling will join us to talk about healthy relationships and to share a bit about how her work in therapy and her Christian faith intersect. MPLS Dinner 5:30-6:30 pm On January 10 Confirmation and Choirs resume and Dr. Karoline Lewis presents on "John's Story of Jesus" (see next column). The Genius of Jesus Wednesdays January 17, 24, 31 and February 7, 6:30 pm (MPLS) Come on Wednesday evenings for Bible Study with Pastor Kris TM. Preview the coming Sunday's reading through music, art and conversation. Learn about its context, and then imagine how it speaks to us today. John’s Story of Jesus Intro to the Fourth Gospel by Dr. Karoline Lewis Wednesday, January 10, 6:30 pm (MPLS) The Gospel of John has a unique slant on the story of Jesus. It begins with a hymn of praise to the Word of God made flesh, and then tells stories to demonstrate that in Jesus’ words and actions, God is made known to us. It concludes by saying the stories were told so that we might believe that Jesus is God’s messiah and through believing have life in his name. From January through Easter, we will be reading the Book of John in worship. We have invited Dr. Karoline Lewis from Luther Seminary to present a one-hour overview of the Gospel to help us see its over-arching themes. Participants will gain a deeper appreciation of John’s distinctive interpretation of Jesus and how that influences a life of faith in today’s world. A passionate and engaging speaking, Dr. Lewis has a special love for the Book of John. She leads conferences, workshops, and retreats internationally on the Gospel of John, interpreting the Bible, preaching, leadership, and women in ministry. She is the author of John: Fortress Biblical Preaching Commentaries, and SHE: Five Keys to Unlock the Power of Women in Ministry. She is a regular contributing writer for WorkingPreacher.org and co-host of the site’s weekly podcast, Sermon Brainwave. Wednesday Morning Bible Study with Pastor Meta 9:30-10:30 am beginning January 10 (MTKA) Join this group for a conversation about the scripture text for the upcoming Sunday in the Minnetonka campus conference room. Meets every Wednesday, 9:30-10:30 am. Pastor Meta facilitates a casual conversation about the theological themes that speak to our current context as a nation, faith community, and the individuals gathered. Coffee flows like the mighty Euphrates River and the treats are like manna in the wilderness of Wednesday. Sometimes we get carried away on a topic barely related and that’s okay. We end with prayer and are glad for time well spent together. Join us in the conference room! What's Not to Love about John? Thursday Bible Study with Pastor Ben beginning January 4 7:30-8:45 pm (MPLS) Together we'll read, laugh, ask questions and wonder about the gospel of John. Register online at bethlehem-church.org or call 612.312.3400. Listen to the Alter Guild Podcast! Produced by 4 Pastors in the West Metro (including Bethlehem’s Pastor Meta) to help peers and congregation members navigate spiritual conversations beyond the pews. Wander with us while God alters our perspectives, our attitudes, and our faith for a new generation of being the church. Season One of Alter Guild’s Podcast begins Christmas Day and brings a new episode each day for 12 days. Find out more at www.alterguild.org or facebook.com/alterguild - Subscribe on iTunes or Stitcher today! 5