Adult Classes on Sunday, May 22

ISSUES CLASS: “READING THE BIBLE FOR THE SAKE OF THE PLANET” • 9-10 AM IN ROOM 7 & STREAMING ON DERRYPRES.ORG, YOUTUBE AND FACEBOOK • LED BY JULIA O’BRIEN FROM LANCASTER THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY • WEEK 2 OF 2 

What does it mean to read the Bible in the context of the environmental crisis of our time? While earlier generations of concerned Christians could imagine themselves as caretakers or stewards of creation, we recognize that we now live on a planet that has already been changed by human actions. In these sessions, we’ll talk about the limitations of earlier ways of interpreting the Bible for the environment and experiment with some new ways of reading biblical texts for the sake of the planet. Watch Week 1

BIBLE STUDY • 9-10 AM IN ROOM 2 • LED BY REV IVO MEILANDS

In John 10 we are introduced to two of the Lord’s “I am” declarations. Jesus first declares himself to be the “gate” to the sheepfold of his flock, his followers, and then as their “good shepherd.” The relationship between a shepherd and his sheep was a commonly used metaphor in Bible times. In the Old Testament, prominent God-fearing individuals like Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, and David are referred to as the shepherds of God’s people. And the total dependence of the sheep upon their shepherd is beautifully portrayed in Psalm 23. But perhaps most importantly, the essential need of all lost sheep for a Shepherd-Redeemer is clearly stated in Isaiah 53:6, a prediction fulfilled with the coming of Christ.

In the New Testament, Jesus is presented as the Good Shepherd who sacrifices himself to save his sheep (John 10:11, 14-15, 17-18). All are invited to Adult Bible Study. Come and see how the “I am” declarations of Jesus pertain to our lives today.

There will be no classes for children or adults on Sunday, May 29