Encounter Faith: Online Bible Study
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Welcome to your resource site for Encounter Faith, Rethink Church’s first online Bible study. This site contains updates and downloads for the 6-week series led by Rev. Jacob Armstrong which uses FaithLink curriculum. Download the resources below to introduce weekly topics in your congregation. The audio and webinar files may be shared on your church website or Facebook. Webinars may be played back in a group setting, with participants following along and pausing for internal discussion. The preview of FaithLink is free and downloadable, but study leaders will want to purchase the full FaithLink curriculum at www.cokesbury.com/faithlink. For further online discussion of these topics, go to www.rethinkchurch.org/encounterfaith. For more information, contact rethinkchurch@umcom.org. We need your feedback! Complete this survey about this online Bible study. March 14 study details: In the age of technology, the traditional Lenten emphasis on cultivating a rich, spiritual life can seem like a relic of a bygone time. How can spiritual practices guide us in developing lives of meaning today? How do they invite our questions and help us in our relationships with God, with others, and with our world? (Study guide available March 4 at www.cokesbury.com/faithlink) Download Webinar: QuickTime (MP4) | Windows Media (WMV) March 21 study details: In recent weeks, demonstrations in North Africa and the Middle East have raised questions about the human longing for freedom and dignity and about governmental responsibility. The ongoing saga of upheaval in North Africa and the Middle East raises questions about how God works in the world and how our actions can matter. We have seen transformation fueled by people who are tired of living in poverty, fed up with corrupt authoritarian regimes, and insistent on their human dignity. How does God's vision for the world help us connect with the people in these nations and offer hope as we grapple with the emerging issues? (Study guide available March 11 at www.cokesbury.com/faithlink) Download Webinar: QuickTime (MP4) | Windows Media (WMV) March 28 study details: The Jeopardy competition between well-known human winners on the program and Watson the Computer raises questions about the nature of machines and human beings. How do advances in computer technology enrich or challenge our views of human nature and God? How do they inform the way we practice our faith? (Study guide available at www.cokesbury.com/faithlink on March 18) Download Webinar: Quicktime (MP4) | Windows Media (WMV) April 4 Study Details A recent Supreme Court ruling opened the door for a church-related group to demonstrate at military funerals. In a nation committed to free speech, how do we respond to hate-filled rhetoric? As Christians, how do we evaluate our own public discourse? (Study guide available at www.cokesbury.com/faithlink on April 1.) Download Webinar: Quicktime (MP4) | Windows Media (WMV) April 11 Study Details The earthquake and tsunami in Japan have caused destruction, fear, and suffering not experienced by its people since World War II. How is God present in the midst of such disaster? How do Christians participate in recovery and rebuilding after such devastation? (Study guide available at www.cokesbury.com/faithlink on April 1.) Download Webinar: Quicktime (MP4) | Windows Media (WMV) April 18 Study Details The nuclear crisis caused by the earthquake and tsunami in Japan has global implications regarding the use of nuclear power. How do we sort through the issues when human power, the power of nature, and God's power seem to collide? How can our faith guide us to be responsible stewards of such mighty forces? Download Webinar: Quicktime (MP4) | Windows Media (WMV) |
