Let me begin by giving a great big WOW to the response I received wondering about interest in a teaching on biblical interpretation. More on that later in this blog.

First I want to pick up on another idea that has some traction at Mountainview: Potluck and Prayer. The prayer team will meet again this week and will continue to plan for next year.

At this point, however, I want to invite you into an opportunity we introduced at the end of October – prayer walking in your neighbourhood. In short, you are encouraged to walk in your neighbourhood and pray according to what you see. Enjoy Christmas decorations and pray for all that happens this season. Bundle up for cool weather and give thanks for abundant warm clothes. Obey traffic signs and be thankful for law and order. Be creative and let the Holy Spirit guide your prayer.

Pray also for those you know who live around you. Bring the circumstances of those around you to God in prayer. Pray by name for those you know by name. Ask God if there are any homes you should learn more about. Ask for inspiration on how you might be Jesus to those on your street. Perhaps you already share cards or cookies or plants or presents – pray for what God might want to do through that.

Next level: is there an opportunity where you can pray with or for someone on your street. Most people welcome such an offer and so consider if this is part of what God is opening up in your personal ministry circle.

And, if you would, please let me know how any of this goes. It is always helpful to hear what surprising things happened and how something was experienced.

Back to the other thing. A course on biblical interpretation. There is a real appetite for this at this time. That is exciting. I am already diving into more detailed planning. The one detail I know is that this will take place on Tuesday evenings starting mid-January. Exact time and date TBD.

What we will be doing is discussing how the Bible works. Who wrote it and for what reasons? How did it come together? How do we deal with difficult passages?

As is always my aim when teaching, I want to connect with what you wonder about, are concerned about, and want to learn. So there will be time to interact and discuss, to ask questions, and to challenge ideas with alternative ideas. In short, this will not be a matter of downloading information only, you all have access to a whole world of that. We will be thinking about how to process the information of the Bible and about the Bible in a way that is consistent with a desire to follow Jesus.

Looking forward to it; glad many of you are as well.

Pastor Erick Schuringa

What’s Going On? Exciting Opportunities – December 6, 2023