Study
Bible Study
Explore Holy scripture and the tradition of the Church through discussion and presentation. A variety of themes are explored through passages, history, geography and theological interpretations through the ages. Please see the announcements for upcoming courses. During the pandemic, Bible Study has been held on Zoom but as we regather, there will be in-person meetings and some hybrid meeting options that include online. See the current series below.
Five-Week Series Bible Study with Clergy
The Green Bible: Exploring our Relationship with God and the Earth
Begins April 27
11:00 AM In-Person
Join Fr. Derek for this five-week series as we explore themes of creation care, the environment, and nature within scripture.
Theological Book Study
Begins Thursday, April 28 at 4:00pm
In the library and on zoom simultaneously
We will begin reading Freeing Jesus: Rediscovering Jesus as Friend, Teacher, Savior, Lord, Way, and Presence by Diana Butler Bass. Freeing Jesus is an invitation to rediscover Jesus in all his many manifestations, to experience Jesus beyond the narrow confines we have built around him. It renews our hope in faith and worship at a time when we need it most. All are welcome.
For more information or assistance with finding the book, please email the church office mail@goodsheponline.org. Zoom Link will post here when available.
Education for Ministry
Education for Ministry (EfM) invites participants into small, mentored groups that provide the framework for understanding life and shaping actions as Christian faith is deepened. There are currently no EfM courses scheduled at Good Shepherd, but if you are interested in finding out more, please contact clergy.
Parish Library
The library provides resources for parish members who seek a greater knowledge of religion and our Episcopal faith. It also provides reading for entertainment as well as enlightenment. Located in the Ryon building, it is open when the office is open and no other meetings are scheduled in the space.
The Rector's Forum
The Rector's Forum is an opportunity for us to come together for meaningful conversation about significant issues and events in our contemporary culture and society. It is a time when we can model what it means to be a Christian community and how we are called to treat each other -- even when we disagree. We meet monthly on the third Sunday (Grow Sunday!) in the Parish Hall, September - May.
Current Bible Study Series
Bible Study with Clergy
The Green Bible
Exploring our Relationship with God and the Earth
Five Week Study - Begins Wednesday, April 27
In-Person at 11 AM (Location: Parish Hall)
There is no Zoom session, but the recording of the 11 AM session will be posted
Join Fr. Derek for this five-week series as we explore themes of creation care, the environment, and nature within scripture.
Catch up on previous sessions:
Witness at the Cross
Witness at the Cross
Witness at the Cross: Looking at Good Friday from Every Angle
Five Week Study
This five-week study will focus on the story of the crucifixion of Jesus as told by the four gospel writers. However, what will make this study unique is that each week we will view the events of the crucifixion from the perspective of a different person or group who was present when Jesus died. The study will be based on a recent book by New Testament scholar Amy-Jill Levine, but the book will not be required. Join Fr. Doug for this fresh approach to Holy Week and the biblical stories that shape our understanding of Jesus’ death.
Catch up on previous sessions:
Session 1 - Bystanders and Scoffers
Session 2 - The Other Victims
Session 3 - The Soldiers
My Soul Magnifies the Lord
My Soul Magnifies the Lord: The Importance of Women in the Gospel of Luke
Four Weeks
Of the four canonical gospels, the Gospel of Luke uniquely highlights the significant role that women played in the ministry of Jesus and early Christian movement. The Gospel of Luke shows us women from a wide range of social standings, and often portrays their interactions with Jesus in parallel with similar interactions he had with men. These women include well-known figures such as Mary and Elizabeth as well as many unnamed women who are empowered to serve and lead as disciples of Jesus.
Catch up on previous sessions (recording of 2 pm Zoom Bible Study):
Week 1 - Anna the Prophet
Week 2 - The Woman and the Alabaster Jar
Week 3 - The Bent and Crippled Woman
Week 4 - The Persistent Widow
Great Expectations: From the Prophets to Jesus
Great Expectations: From the Prophets to Jesus
Two Weeks
For hundreds of years, God s people were waiting for the long-expected Messiah. During the season of Advent, we hear from just a few of prophetic witnesses who articulated the deep longing for healing, renewal, and restoration. The earliest Christians believed and proclaimed that Jesus was the fulfillment of these prophetic expectations and the One who came to inaugurate the Reign of God. Join Fr. Doug for this short three-week exploration of how the prophets point us to Jesus.
Catch up on previous sessions (recording of 2 pm Zoom Bible Study):
WEEK ONE - Jeremiah
WEEK TWO - Malachi
An Invitation to Prayer
A six-week study on the Book of Psalms
Compiled in ancient Israel over the course of hundreds of years, the Psalms have been the primary hymnal of the Jewish and Christian peoples for millennia. From lamentation to celebration, from liturgy to patriotism, from thanksgiving to condemnation, the Psalms cover the vast expanse of human emotion and experience. It’s no wonder they have sustained the faith of so many! Join Fr. Derek in this exploration of the Psalms and how they teach us to pray in every circumstance.
Download the six-week Psalms reading plan here.
Catch up on previous sessions (recording of 2 pm Zoom Bible Study):
WEEK ONE - Introduction and Psalms of Orientation part 1
WEEK TWO - Psalms of Orientation part 2
WEEK THREE - Psalms of Disorientation part 1
WEEK FOUR - Psalms of Disorientation part 2
WEEK FIVE - Psalms of New Orientation part 1
WEEK SIX - Psalms of New Orientation part 2
The Book of James
Count It All Joy
A Five-Week Study of the Letter of James
Begins September 8, 2021
How do we respond to pain and suffering? How do we deal with conflict? Why should we closely monitor what we say and how we speak? How should we think about and plan for the future? These are just some of the practical questions that are addressed in the New Testament Letter of James. Join Fr. Doug for this important study of one of the Bible s most celebrated and controversial books.
*Recorded sessions will be available on our YouTube channel within 48 hours. Click on the links to past sessions (e.g., "WEEK ONE") above to review or catch up.
What Does It Mean To Be Saved?
New Easter Bible Study
Begins Wednesday, April 14
11:00 AM and 7:00 PM
One of the most fundamental beliefs we share as Christians is that we have been saved by grace through faith. The theme of salvation is central to the story of Jesus and the early church. But what does it mean to be saved? What difference does this make in our lives?
Throughout the season of Easter, the Wednesday Bible Study will be exploring the various concepts, images, and metaphors that the New Testament uses to describe the experience of salvation. We will meet at 11:00 AM and 7:00 PM via Zoom each Wednesday. Note that we now have an opportunity to gather in the evening for those who are not able to join us during the day.
WEEK ONE: Kingdom of God* – Political
Mark 1:14-15, Luke 17: 20-21, Colossians 1:13-14, Revelation 5:6-14
WEEK TWO: Justification - Legal
WEEK THREE: Redemption – Economic
Matthew 18:23-35, Mark 10:41-45
WEEK FOUR: Reconciliation – Relational
WEEK FIVE: Healing – Medical
Isaiah 61:1-3, Luke 4:16-30, Luke 5:27-32
WEEK SIX: Adoption – Familial
Romans 8:12-17, Galatians 4:1-7, Ephesians 1:1-14
WEEK SEVEN: Sanctification - Holiness
1 Peter 1:13-23, Hebrews 12:1-12, 2 Peter 1:3-11
*Recorded sessions will be available on our YouTube channel within 48 hours. Click on the links to past sessions (e.g., "WEEK ONE") above to review or catch up.
Handel's Messiah
And He Shall Reign
Our weekly Bible study of Handel's Messiah is over, but you can still experience this three-part* exploration - even if you missed every session! Follow the links below. * Due to technical difficulties, the recording of Part One is unavailable.
Part One* Part Two Part Three
Grace Part 1: The Book of Jonah
Running from Grace
Jonah is commissioned by God to bring a prophetic “Word of the Lord” to the people of Nineveh, but Jonah runs away and attempts to flee from God’s call. Jonah is angry that God is compassionate. He doesn’t want God to give the people of Nineveh a chance to repent. However, Jonah ultimately completes his mission, and witnesses firsthand the breadth of God’s mercy and grace.
Grace Part 2: Paul's Letter to the Philippians
To Live is Christ; to Die is Gain.
Our weekly Bible study of Paul's Letter to the Philippians is over, but you can still experience this four-chapter exploration - even if you missed every session! Follow the links below.