The busy activity of the woods is in its leaves and the canopy of the forest, but the lasting work of the trees is building stem, trunk and root. As we begin the church year we are fixing up our "canopy," that is the roof and building around us, but what is happening under the roof? I am excited about this year. This should not be a year of maintaining but one of strengthening, deepening and enriching. Let us make sure the work on the building is worth the trouble by asking: Does the church add to your life, to the depth and health and wholeness of your life? What do we do well? What more can we do? What can we do better? Let me know if we are not meeting your needs, if you need something not being offered, or if you have something to offer that the church can help you give. We can’t meet all needs, but we can always do just a little more.

One of the ways to nurture spiritual growth this fall is to become involved in the "Understanding the Bible" study group:

Understanding the Bible: "Skeptics, seekers, and religious liberals often need a 'way in' to understanding the complex territory that is the Bible. John Buehrens's Understanding the Bible offers just such an entry point, or perhaps a re-entry platform." Through this Study Group, readers of Buehrens's book will be able to claim our own power to understand the Bible. Rev. Perchlik will lead this study group that will meet every other week through December. The group will either meet on Sunday afternoons or Monday evenings, depending on how many people sign up for each slot.

The group will remain open for all ten sessions, so you may attend as many or as few of the sessions as you wish. Please sign up or contact the Minister if you plan to attend any sessions. The first session is an overview of liberal religious approaches to scripture and to the Bible. Sessions one through six cover the Hebrew Scriptures in the Bible. Sessions seven through ten cover scriptures written by Christians.

Please contact Rev. Perchlik or Christie Williams (288-9561) if you would like to sign up for the Study Group or to order a copy of Buehren’s book at the group discount price.

Peace, Thomas