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.
Theological Book Study
"Light of the World" by Amy Jill Levine
Tuesdays beginning November 23, in-person in the library with Zoom option
Join us for an Advent book discussion group. This 4-week program will read Amy Jill Levine’s “Light of the World” (available on Amazon) which explores the biblical texts surrounding the story of the birth of Jesus.
The group will meet at 5:30 pm Tuesdays in the library beginning November 23 and concluding December 14. You can even join the group from home on Zoom! All are welcome. Please come to the first meeting having read the first chapter. For more information or assistance with finding the book, please email the church office mail@goodsheponline.org.
Please see the Zoom Link for online participation.
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.
Lenten Education Series
We offer a Lenten Study program which varies each year, along with two one-day retreat opportunities or "Quiet Days" during lent and Advent.
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.
Spiritual Gifts: Discovering God’s Purpose
September 19
We all have spiritual gifts. At our baptism, we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to exercise our ministry in the church and equipped with spiritual gifts for the building up of the Body of Christ. However, many people have not fully discovered the gifts they have received, or they don’t realize how they can use their gifts to serve God. This Rector’s Forum will provide an overview of spiritual gifts, which will include an individual “spiritual gifts assessment” to help us more fully discover God’s purpose in our lives.
Spiritual Practices: Developing a Rule of Life
October 17
God calls all of us to various vocations. Vocations happen when the needs of our communities align with our own spiritual gifts, practices, and passions. And yet in the midst of all of life’s demands, it can be challenging finding intentionality, stability, and direction in living out our vocations. Living by a Rule of Life is an ancient Christian practice which helps integrate life’s demands with the vocations to which God is calling us. In October Fr. Derek Larson will share with us more about how to build and live by a Rule of Life through the lens of his own vocation as a Franciscan tertiary in the Third Order, Society of St. Francis.
Spiritual Discernment: Deepening Our Vocation
November 21
We have each been empowered with particular spiritual gifts. Our lives are continually shaped and form by spiritual practices. And yet, there are times when we are called to go deeper, to explore more fully the story of our lives in order to discern God’s purpose. The Rector’s Forum in November will explore additional tools to help us deepen our spiritual journeys. In particular, we will be introducing the Enneagram, an ancient tool that describes your personality in terms of who you are and how you relate to God, to others, and to yourself.
Current Bible Study Series
Great Expectations: From the Prophets to Jesus
Begins December 1
11:00 AM meets in-person in the Parish Hall
2:00 PM on Zoom
Three 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
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.