School is out for many people, including myself! For the months of June, July, and the first week or two of August, I should have a little more time in my schedule, now that I have completed another year of teaching Adult Education classes for the Independence School District. (That's my "other" job besides being pastor of McMurry church.) Of course, I do have plenty of activities planned during those months, including Annual Conference, two professional development conferences, work days at school, family vacation, projects around the house, and other such things. But in the midst of all that, I am excited once again to be leading a book study at McMurry this summer.
As you'll read elsewhere in this issue of the Chimes, as well as in Sunday's church bulletin, I'm leading a study on the book The Message of Jesus: Words That Changed the World by pastor and best-selling author Adam Hamilton. I'm sure you've heard of Adam Hamilton. As I like to joke, Adam is the pastor of a little church just over in Kansas! 😊 But seriously, folks…I'm sure you've had the opportunity to hear Adam speak in person, on TV, or on the Internet. Maybe you've read one or more of his books. Either way, you'll know that Adam has a very personable and relatable writing style that engages, informs, challenges, and encourages the reader.
The Message of Jesus is divided into 6 chapters: “The Kingdom of God Has Come Near” (Jesus' teaching about God's Kingdom); “The World's Most Important Sermon” (the Sermon on the Mount found in Matthew 5, 6, and 7); “Jesus Spoke to Them in Parables” (stories Jesus told as recorded in Matthew, Mark, and Luke); “Who Do YOU Say That I Am?” (The I AM sayings of Jesus found in the Gospel of John); “Final Words” (what Jesus said leading up to his crucifixion); and “The Resurrection and the Life” (Jesus' words about death, resurrection, and the afterlife).
I am looking forward to leading the study. As I have begun reading through the book to prepare for the study, I am already blessed and encouraged by what I've read. I can tell studying The Message of Jesus will be a faith-lifting experience as we dig deep into the words, stories, and teachings of Jesus. I hope many of you will join me on Wednesday evenings starting this week, June 4, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the Multipurpose Room. If you miss the first session, don't worry. We can get you caught up the following week. See you then and see you in church!
Grace & Peace
Pastor Clayton