| Book of Faith
In 2007 the ELCA Churchwide Assembly voted to embrace an initiative called “Book of Faith.” The bold vision of this five year initiative is:
That the whole church become more fluent in the first language of faith, the language of Scripture, in order that we might live into our calling as a people renewed, enlivened, empowered, and sent by the Word.
Here at TLC we have taken on a couple of activities to encourage each other to live into this challenge. First, our Church Council encouraged us to take on a “reading through the bible in one year” challenge. If you did not start in the new year that is OK. This is a challenge that you could begin anytime. Second, we took up a four week study of the Book of Galatians as part of our study in human sexuality and relationships. Third, we have continued our tradition of handing out Bibles to our youth at different stages in their faith development.
The Book of Faith initiative is a challenge to take up the Bible in a more intentional way. The small group Ephaphtha has done this as well as other groups. We would like to see more small groups gather around Bible study. If you are interested in starting one take with me and we can do some visioning work to make that happen.
The Book of Faith initiative is also a bold undertaking as the Body of Christ. Can you imagine what it would be like to have an entire congregation fluent in the language of faith? What kind of conver-sations would we have together if we were able to speak articulately the Word of God? This is attainable for you. Again it just needs a little intentional work.
This Fall we will be taking on some new activities to do just that. If you would like to help plan a Book of Faith program, talk with the Education Committee or myself. We will have at least one class that will teach us how Lutherans uniquely read the bible. We will also see if we can begin a weekly Bible study in the evening for those who cannot be in Adult Education on Sunday morning.
I think this is an exciting initiative and I hope that it will inspire you as well. Old testament Professor Diane Jacobson of Luther Seminary shares her excitement this way:
The Book of Faith Initiative envisions a church renewed and empowered for faithful service. This renewal can be fueled by groups coming together and exploring the Bible in depth. As we open Scripture and faithfully join in conversation, the Bible will come alive for us anew. With God’s help we will discover new ways to hear and share God’s living word.
“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” Mark 13:31
Pastor Berg
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