In this final season of the church year, we are living in "Ordinary Time," which some traditions call the "Season After Pentecost." During this period, we begin the church's program year, but we do not celebrate major feasts, festive dates, or occasions. It is a period rich in opportunities for study and learning, and the new "Feasting on the Word" Adult Christian Growth curriculum provides those opportunities.

The Bible passages for study during this season focus most directly on the Gospel of Matthew. These passages are appropriate to the church's life since they center on who Jesus is and how we live as his disciples. These two dimensions go together. Theologically, as Christians our discipleship as followers of Jesus Christ is based on who Jesus is, as the One to whom we give our love and entrust our lives. Jesus's parables in Matthew point to his authority as the One who comes from God. He draws us into living as God's people and serving God's purposes in the world. The Bible readings for this season include the greatest commandment of all; that we love God with all that is in us and love our neighbors as ourselves.

Come "Join the Feast" each Sunday at 9:45 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall as we explore the day's most important Scripture passage in an exciting new curriculum that combines lecture, small group discussions, and activities as we discern as a congregation what is important to know in each passage, where God is in words of Scripture, what his words mean for our lives, and what we are being called to do in response.

Wayne Ciddio