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Complete Adult Formation Kit
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Since the 1990s, I have led an Adult Education, or Formation, class most Sundays at Christ Episcopal Church in Little Rock, Arkansas. Years ago, I began using PowerPoint presentations for lectionary and Bible study materials because it was hard to know how many paper copies we would need. PowerPoint also made it easy to include art, sta
Since the 1990s, I have led an Adult Education, or Formation, class most Sundays at Christ Episcopal Church in Little Rock, Arkansas. Years ago, I began using PowerPoint presentations for lectionary and Bible study materials because it was hard to know how many paper copies we would need. PowerPoint also made it easy to include art, stained glass images, maps, and other visual aids—the kind of resources once found on Sunday school flip charts.
Some churches already have everything required for this kind of setup. For those that do not, the “How to” section offers practical instructions to help any congregation create an engaging adult formation space on a budget.
$200.00 Budget
The class materials here are free - I enjoyed making them and presenting them. I want you to enjoy them as well. You can do every course here for one initial investment of less than $200.00. If you are lucky enough to have a class space already equipped for PowerPoint, then you would have no cost.
Take the Plunge
Take the Plunge
Explore the samples and instruction videos to see what is possible—and to be reminded that you can answer your call to formation. Technology can feel intimidating at first, but it can also open the door to richer study, deeper conversation, and a wider range of resources. My hope is to help adults in the Episcopal Church become more fam
Explore the samples and instruction videos to see what is possible—and to be reminded that you can answer your call to formation. Technology can feel intimidating at first, but it can also open the door to richer study, deeper conversation, and a wider range of resources. My hope is to help adults in the Episcopal Church become more familiar with the Bible: what it actually says, rather than only what others insist it must say.
With a little study, you may discover that the Gospel is truly good news—not merely somewhat good news. The Lord loves you, will never abandon you, and is there when you look.
Invitation to Sunday Lectionary Class
The link below is to a regular Sunday session of the Lectionary Class held each Sunday at 9:00 AM U S Central Standard Time. The class uses a Microsoft Teams format. No download is needed beyond clicking the Link and following the on screen directions.
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+1 501-295-7463 United States, Little Rock (Toll)
Conference ID: 969 280 966#
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Proper 14 RCL A
Sample of a Genesis Bible Study
Nicene Creed
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Proper 14 RCL A
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The Collect Grant to us, Lord, we pray, the spirit to think and do always those things that are right, that we, who cannot exist without you, may by you be enabled to live according to your will; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. The collect proper 14 The petition is for the ability to think and do always those things that are right, that we, who cannot exist without you, may by you be enabled to live according to your will;…” The prayer is a simple one to be able to live according God’s will, which is easier said than done. The OT reading for RCL A Genesis is an example of a right thought by Rueben to save his brother then as he sat silent and allowed his brother to be sold. He knew what the right thing was but could not do it. In the alternate reading from Kings Elijah the prophet is alone, saved because he would do the right thing. The collect proper 14 The Most direct reading for the collect is the selection for RCL B from Ephesians with a series of concrete examples of the right thing “Put away from you all bitterness and wrath and anger and wrangling and slander, together with all malice, and be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you.” And from RCL C, the OT reading with Isaiah’s statement about what God really wants from us. “Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your doings from before my eyes; cease to do evil, learn to do good; seek justice, rescue the oppressed, defend the orphan, plead for the widow.” Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28 Jacob settled in the land where his father had lived as an alien, the land of Canaan. This is the story of the family of Jacob. Joseph, being seventeen years old, was shepherding the flock with his brothers; he was a helper to the sons of Bilhah and Zilpah, his father's wives; and Joseph brought a bad report of them to their father. Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28 Now Israel loved Joseph more than any other of his children, because he was the son of his old age; and he had made him a long robe with sleeves. But when his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably to him. Now his brothers went to pasture their father's flock near Shechem. And Israel said to Joseph, "Are not your brothers pasturing the flock at Shechem? Come, I will send you to them." Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28 He answered, "Here I am." So he said to him, "Go now, see if it is well with your brothers and with the flock; and bring word back to me." So he sent him from the valley of Hebron. He came to Shechem, and a man found him wandering in the fields; the man asked him, "What are you seeking?" "I am seeking my brothers," he said; "tell me, please, where they are pasturing the flock." The man said, "They have gone away, for I heard them say, `Let us go to Dothan.'" Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28 So Joseph went after his brothers, and found them at Dothan. They saw him from a distance, and before he came near to them, they conspired to kill him. They said to one another, "Here comes this dreamer. Come now, let us kill him and throw him into one of the pits; then we shall say that a wild animal has devoured him, and we shall see what will become of his dreams." But when Reuben heard it, he delivered him out of their hands, saying, "Let us not take his life." Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28 Reuben said to them, "Shed no blood; throw him into this pit here in the wilderness, but lay no hand on him" -- that he might rescue him out of their hand and restore him to his father. So when Joseph came to his brothers, they stripped him of his robe, the long robe with sleeves that he wore; and they took him and threw him into a pit. The pit was empty; there was no water in it. Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28 Then they sat down to eat; and looking up they saw a caravan of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead, with their camels carrying gum, balm, and resin, on their way to carry it down to Egypt. Then Judah said to his brothers, "What profit is it if we kill our brother and conceal his blood? Come, let us sell him to the Ishmaelites, and not lay our hands on him, for he is our brother, our own flesh." And his brothers agreed. Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28 When some Midianite traders passed by, they drew Joseph up, lifting him out of the pit, and sold him to the Ishmaelites for twenty pieces of silver. And they took Joseph to Egypt. Omitted Text 5 Once Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers, they hated him even more. 6 He said to them, “Listen to this dream that I dreamed. 7 There we were, binding sheaves in the field. Suddenly my sheaf rose and stood upright; then your sheaves gathered around it, and bowed down to my sheaf.” 8 His brothers said to him, “Are you indeed to reign over us? Are you indeed to have dominion over us?” So they hated him even more because of his dreams and his words. 9 He had another dream, and told it to his brothers, saying, “Look, I have had another dream: the sun, the moon, and eleven stars were bowing down to me.” 10 But when he told it to his father and to his brothers, his father rebuked him, and said to him, “What kind of dream is this that you have had? Shall we indeed come, I and your mother and your brothers, and bow to the ground before you?” 11 So his brothers were jealous of him, but his father kept the matter in mind. Context Today’s reading skips over a number of incidents in Jacob, now Israel’s life. Jacob is now returned to his homeland and is reconciled to his brother. The rape of Dinah and the revenge carried out by his sons are skipped. A long section on the genealogy of Esau is mercifully omitted. The death of Rachel in the birth of Benjamin are also omitted. The Joseph Saga Today’s reading is the beginning of the Joseph saga which will eventually result in the Israelites entering Egypt. The entry into Egypt of course will save them from a great famine. Ultimately it will lead to the Exodus one of the great events of Old Testament history. Bad Things The event depicted in this reading by itself can be seen as nothing other than a bad thing. Joseph’s brothers whether for good or bad reasons have extracted a particularly cruel revenge. Joseph will no longer be the beloved son but has become property in a foreign land. God’s Purpose We know from the story as a whole that the outcome will ultimately be good, according to God’s purpose. Even though one of the brothers tries to rescue Joseph, that rescue fails. This failure may simply be an illustration that human intervention will not thwart God’s ultimate purpose. Authorship? Today’s reading is also interesting in that it exposes one of the more curious things about the ancient writings – that different versions of the same stories, were combined. O.T. scholars noted that if you marked off the sections of Genesis which use Elohim to refer to God and those using Yahweh you seemed to have two different documents that were woven together by an editor to make one document. These were called the E writer for Elohimist writer. In German the word Yahweh is spelled with a J and the second was called the J Writer. Later, two more ‘points of view’ were discerned in the Yahweh sections. The first was concerned about the Temple and worship and the duties of Priests. The P Document. The Second was basically concerned with the Law see Deuteronomy. The D Document. The E, J, P and D ‘authors’ each have a different view point. Time line. J - was written some time after the reign of King David 950 BC. This is thought to be so because much of this material seems to be attempting to show that the Reign of King David was the fulfillment of the promises of God to Abraham. E - was written perhaps 100 years later or 850 BC. Because writings must have been well known by 750 BC since the Prophet Hosea quotes it. Sometime after E was written a “Redactor” wove J and E together. Then in 621 BC “The Law” was found in the temple. Sometime after 586 BC another redactor took the existing J/E and wove the D into it. After the return from The Exile, Ezra [about 400 BC] appeared and persuaded the people to accept the “Priestly Code” and this document was then woven into the JED Document. The P Document was probably not a separate document but was a frame work for the “Pentateuch” Points of View J and E - both Anthropomorphize God which is to say they describe Him using anger, compassion and speaking to people. In E God uses intermediaries such as angels for the Devine appearance to people. J is interested in how or why places were named while P is more interested in the Law and Temple Ritual. The importance of these concepts of different sources, J, E, D and P is that there are contradictions and repetitions in the text that are very troubling if we assume that it was one document written at one time dictated by God, but that are no trouble if you know there were several writers over time with different concerns. Joseph’s Sale The story of Joseph’s sale into slavery has both J and E sources. The J calls Joseph’s father Israel and the buyers as Ishmaelites. E calls him Jacob and the buyers as Midianites. The end is the same. In J the motivation is jealousy over the coat. In E the motivation are Joseph’s dreams of ruling. J is the more cruel as they sit down for a meal after tossing Joseph into the pit. In E they conspire to kill but then only sell Joseph. Andrea del Sarto: Stories of Joseph, c. 1520 Panels, each 98,3 x 135 cm Galleria Palatina (Palazzo Pitti), Florence The pair of paintings was commissioned by Pier Francesco Borgherini. In the first there are depicted the following episodes of the Bible, beginning from the left: Joseph interprets the dreams of his father Jacob; Jacob and Rachel order Joseph to join his brothers; further on, Joseph journeying towards his brothers; the brothers let down Joseph into the well; one of the brothers shows Jacob the blood-stained garments of Joseph, who, he says, is dead. In the second are represented, beginning from the left: Pharaoh under his tent has the dreams of the full and empty ears of corn and of the fat and lean cattle; Joseph receives the golden collar which the Pharaoh gives him in gratitude for the interpretation of the dreams (he explains them on the right before the palace on the short flights of steps); in the background on the staircase Joseph is seen being carried off as a prisoner. Johann Friedrich Overbeck, Joseph sold into slavery, 1816
Alte Nationalgalerie, Berlin Overbeck was part of a group of German artists who worked in Rome in the early 19th century, living in an old monastery and calling themselves “The Nazarenes.” They intentionally worked in an old-fashioned style, imitating Renaissance artists like Raphael. This is a fresco work, another example of being intentionally old-fashioned. The work was moved to Berlin later in the 19thcentury. Psalm 105, 1-6, 16-22, 45b Confitemini Domino 1 Give thanks to the LORD and call upon his Name; * make known his deeds among the peoples. 2 Sing to him, sing praises to him, *
and speak of all his marvelous works. 3 Glory in his holy Name; *
let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice. Psalm 105, 1-6, 16-22, 45b Confitemini Domino 4 Search for the LORD and his strength; *
continually seek his face. 5 Remember the marvels he has done, *
his wonders and the judgments of his mouth, 6 O offspring of Abraham his servant, *
O children of Jacob his chosen. Psalm 105, 1-6, 16-22, 45b Confitemini Domino 16 Then he called for a famine in the land * and destroyed the supply of bread. 17 He sent a man before them, * Joseph, who was sold as a slave. 18 They bruised his feet in fetters; * his neck they put in an iron collar. Psalm 105, 1-6, 16-22, 45b Confitemini Domino 19 Until his prediction came to pass, * the word of the LORD tested him. 20 The king sent and released him; * the ruler of the peoples set him free. 21 He set him as a master over his household,* as a ruler over all his possessions, 22 To instruct his princes according to his will* and to teach his elders wisdom. Psalm 105 The first six Verses are thought to be a hymn to summons the congregation. The Psalm tells the story of God’s great deeds on behalf of his people. Psalm 105 was composed for use at one of the major festivals and consists of a recital of the basic events which created the nation of Israel. And includes the ritual shout “Hallelujah!” (Praise the Lord!) 1 Kings 19:9-18 At Horeb, the mount of God, Elijah came to a cave, and spent the night there. Then the word of the LORD came to him, saying, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" He answered, "I have been very zealous for the LORD, the God of hosts; for the Israelites have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword. I alone am left, and they are seeking my life, to take it away." 1 Kings 19:9-18 He said, "Go out and stand on the mountain before the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by." Now there was a great wind, so strong that it was splitting mountains and breaking rocks in pieces before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire; and after the fire a sound of sheer silence. 1 Kings 19:9-18 When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. Then there came a voice to him that said, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" He answered, "I have been very zealous for the LORD, the God of hosts; for the Israelites have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword. I alone am left, and they are seeking my life, to take it away." 1 Kings 19:9-18Then the LORD said to him, "Go, return on your way to the wilderness of Damascus; when you arrive, you shall anoint Hazael as king over Aram. Also you shall anoint Jehu son of Nimshi as king over Israel; and you shall anoint Elisha son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah as prophet in your place. Whoever escapes from the sword of Hazael, Jehu shall kill; and whoever escapes from the sword of Jehu, Elisha shall kill. Yet I will leave seven thousand in Israel, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him." Context The Elijah Saga This reading is a part of the Elijah Saga. It is the time of Ahab one of the Kings that did not obey God. Ahab is married to Jezebel who has brought prophets of her god and holds sway in the land. Elijah emerges from his sanctuary and confronts Ahab and Jezebel’s prophets. In the enthusiasm of winning the famous contest with the prophets of other gods, Elijah has the other prophets killed. Context -2- The Elijah Saga When Jezebel learns of the deaths, she swears revenge and Elijah must flee the wrath of Jezebel. Alone in the desert, Elijah lies down under the famous broom tree and wishes to die in despair. God or his Angel provides special food to him that allows him to travel 40 days to Mt Horeb, the mountain in today’s reading. The unfaithful King Ahab and his Queen Jezebel have lured a substantial part of the population away from God. It was said that only 7,000 faithful remained. This reading fits with Romans it’s theme that simply being an ancestor of Abraham does not guarantee salvation. So what Happened He is hiding and fearful. Then he heads out to anoint kings? What in the narration explains this extreme reorientation. If this was a movie, you’d say the special effects were good but why did the hero change at the end? Suggestions Job encounters God and is changed. Abraham, Jacob, Moses and others are changed by a direct encounter. All picked themselves up from dark places and forged ahead. Suggestion: Its the power of Grace even in the OT. Unknown Dutch Potter,
Plaque with the Prophet Elijah Fed by the Ravens, 1658
Tin-glazed earthenware, 25 x 30 cm, Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam Ferdinand Bol: Elijah Fed by an Angel, 1660-63
Oil on canvas, 135 x 153
Private collection Psalm 85:8-13 Page 708, BCP Benedixisti, Domine 8 I will listen to what the LORD God is saying, *
for he is speaking peace to his faithful people
and to those who turn their hearts to him. 9 Truly, his salvation is very near to those who fear him, *
that his glory may dwell in our land. 10 Mercy and truth have met together; *
righteousness and peace have kissed each other. Psalm 85:8-13 Page 708, BCP Benedixisti, Domine 11 Truth shall spring up from the earth, *
and righteousness shall look down from heaven. 12 The LORD will indeed grant prosperity, *
and our land will yield its increase. 13 Righteousness shall go before him, *
and peace shall be a pathway for his feet. Psalm 85:8-13 Prayer for deliverance a group lament. The first section is omitted and is a request for relief. In Verses 8–13: A priest or temple prophet delivers an oracle of assurance. The superscription is “To the leader. Of the Korahites. A Psalm.” with the mysterious Selah notation. Which may mean a chorus or musical interlude. Romans 10:5-15 Moses writes concerning the righteousness that comes from the law, that "the person who does these things will live by them." But the righteousness that comes from faith says, "Do not say in your heart, 'Who will ascend into heaven?'" (that is, to bring Christ down) "or 'Who will descend into the abyss?'" (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). But what does it say? "The word is near you, on your lips and in your heart" (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); because if you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:5-15 The scripture says, "No one who believes in him will be put to shame." For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and is generous to all who call on him. For, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved." But how are they to call on one in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in one of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim him? And how are they to proclaim him unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" Paul continues his argument This section is known as a call for universal salvation. Paul has struggled with the fact that the nation of Israel seems to have rejected Jesus as the Messiah. This section of Romans is noted for its extensive use of Old Testament quotations to show Jesus as the culmination of the law. Luke Timothy Johnson This section of Romans from Chapter 9 through Chapter 11 is described as the history of salvation. Paul reinterprets Torah from the perspective of messianic belief with Jesus as the Messiah. Paul will ultimately explain the contemporary rejection of Jesus as being merely temporary on the part of the Jews. Matthew 14:22-33 Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. And early in the morning he came walking toward them on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, "It is a ghost!" And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, "Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.” Matthew 14:22-33 Peter answered him, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water." He said, "Come." So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, "Lord, save me!" Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?" When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God." Walking on The Water This incident occurs after the feeding of the 5000. Jesus like Elijah in the reading from Kings retreats to a mountain. As noted last week this is a point in the ministry of Jesus that changed after the death of John the Baptist. The Miracle This incident is also told in Mark and in the Gospel of John. We know from other events in this gospel that the disciples were at times given power to perform miracles of healing. Peter was not able to duplicate this particular miracle even with the ultimate Coach. Context Peter in this instance asks to be allowed to duplicate the miracle. Jesus calls him out on to the water to do what is apparently an impossible task, Peter does try but at last fails. Later Jesus will call on the disciples to go out and evangelize the world also a seemingly impossible task from their viewpoint, but where they succeeded. The Miracles There is little point in arguing out the details of these miracles. For the logical mind it is illogical to try to decide with insufficient evidence. Judge the miracles by the affect on those that were present. Master of Cabestany,
Christ Walking on the Water
c. 1150
White marble, 82 x 61 cm
Museu Frederic Marès, Barcelona
The inscription can be translated as "wherein Christ appears to the disciples on the sea.“
St. Peter is stepping out of the boat to go toward Christ. Lluis Borrassa: St. Peter is Walking on the Water, 1411-13
Tempera on wood, 102 x 65 cm
Sant Pere, Terrasa Alessandro Allori:
St. Peter Walking on the Water, 1590s
Oil on copper,
47 x 40 cm
Galleria degli Uffizi, Florence
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