Please allow me a brief pause in my ongoing report on “Insights on Changes in Congregations, Clergy and Deployment” – reporting and reflecting on a detailed study of trends in the Central Texas Conference put together by the Lewis Center for Leadership. The reason for the pause is exciting!
I want lift up the Bishop’s Bible Camp for Adults, which will be held on Saturday, September 21st at Glen Lake Camp & Retreat Center. Taking place alongside this special Bible Study and learning event for adults is the 3rd and 4th Grade Bible Camp for children. Last year the children’s event was a tremendous success. This year we’ve added the adult study. I’m blessed with the opportunity to share in our learning!
The Bishop’s Bible Camp for Adults will focus on the Gospel of Mark. Following the Immersion Bible Study we will move into the interior of Mark’s gospel and investigate what God is saying to us through this “good news.” Together we will not only examine what Mark says to us as a Word from the Lord but also how we might live as faithful Christ followers based on this good news.
Mark opens with the words: “The beginning of the good news about Jesus Christ, God’s Son, happened just as it was written about in the prophecy of Isaiah:
Look, I am sending my messenger before you. He will prepare your way, a voice shouting in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way for the Lord; make his paths straight’.” (Mark 1:1-3)
Scholars are of virtual unanimous opinion that Mark is the earliest of the four gospels. The evidence is overwhelming that both Matthew and Luke had access to or had read portions of Mark before they wrote their gospels. The Gospel of Mark takes us on journey of exploration into the life and ministry of the Savior and Lord. It invites us –no, it does more – it challenges us to walk in the way that truly leads to life eternal. I look forward to a great day of sharing together in learning. You can download the flier or register for the Bishop’s Bible Camp for Adults here, ctcumc.org/bishopsbiblecamp.