W.S.G. meets from the first Monday in October to the first Monday in June. Our usual meeting place is Ruth Anna Langdon’s home at 7 pm where we enjoy a brief social time followed by the lesson. We end by 8:30 pm.
For the month of October we will meet at 7 pm. For the winter months of November through February we will meet at 3 pm. From March through June we will move back to meeting at 7 pm.
This year our study will turn to The Difficult Words of Jesus by Dr. Amy-Jill Levine.
Jesus gave his disciples parables, teachings, and blessings that continue to inspire and guide us. Yet he also spoke words that many find challenging—even unsettling. He told disciples to “hate” their families (Luke 14:26), to become like slaves (Matthew 20:27), and to sell all their possessions and give to the poor (Luke 18:22). He spoke of exclusion and judgment (Matthew 8:12), restricted his mission (Matthew 10:6), and even used harsh language (John 8:44).
In this study, Dr. Levine helps us hear these difficult teachings as Jesus’ first followers might have heard them, trace how they have been understood over the centuries, and wrestle with how we might interpret them today in light of the Gospel’s larger message of love and reconciliation.
All are welcome as we read, listen, and discuss together—seeking wisdom, challenge, and grace in the words of Jesus.
If you’d like to participate, please sign up to indicate whether you will purchase the book yourself (available on Amazon and other websites) or if you would like the church to order it for you at an approximate cost of $14. A group order will be placed for those who sign up by September 19, and books will be distributed at the first meeting on October 6.
Questions? Contact Dee Daughtrey, Meg Packard or Ginger Spence.
