Greetings to all!
The presence of the Scriptures, the Bible, in the life of the Church would seem
to be a given. But what do we make of this collection of ancient writings? One
traditional affirmation about the Scriptures concerns its "inspiration." So what
does that mean? Our recent guest, Margaret Ralph, offers these thoughts on
the inspiration of the Scriptures.
Instead of thinking of inspiration as something that occurred between God and
one writer it is better to think of inspiration as occurring between God and each
member of the community. The Bible, from beginning to end, is the product of
God's acting in and through God's people. God's inspiration, God's acting in the
hearts and minds of people, was present at every stage of the growth process
that resulted in the Bible. At the time of the event it was God's inspiration that
allowed the people to experience and interpret the event as a religious event.
Those who were moved to speak and write about their religious experiences
were inspired. Those who were moved to pass on, reinterpret, and make
contemporary the lessons from the past were inspired. The communities that
accepted and responded to these written works, integrating them into their
worship services and establishing them in a unique place of honor in their
religious traditions, were inspired. A reader today who reads Scripture, who
finds that it speaks to his or her heart, who allows it to take root, to form
conscience, and to shape action, is also inspired. God acts in and through
God's people. God breathes in and with them. God inspires them. The Bible
is a fruit and channel of inspiration.
(from And God Said What?)
The Scripture lessons for Sunday, October 17:
Jeremiah 31:27-34
2 Timothy 3:14 - 4:5
Luke 18:1-8
Men's Coffee - Men are invited to gather for coffee this Saturday, October 16,
8am, at Paneras on Richmond Road. Feel free to drop in for as long or
short a time as your schedule permits. No rsvp required.
Sunday Conversations continue this Sunday, October 17, 10am, in Trinity Hall.
Sunday Conversations range from biblical texts to current events. Come and
enjoy a cup of coffee, join the conversation, or just listen in.
Building Improvements: The Vestry has approved a proposal for several
building maintenance and improvement projects, most noticeably the restoration
of the two brick walkways and the installation of a ramp to improve access to the
Sanctuary and Trinity Hall. Fliers describing the projects are available in the
Sanctuary foyer or by request from the church office.
In the Community:
*October 14, 7:30pm, Transylvania University - Dr. Elaine Pagels (Princeton
University) speaking on "The Discovery of the Secret Gospel of Thomas." Free and
open to the public. See www.transy.edu for more information.
*October 15-17 - Dr. Elaine Pagels will be at Christ Church Cathedral for a
program titled, "What's Evil Got to Do With It?" See www.ccclex.org for program
and registration information.
*October 28, 6:30pm, Temple Adath Israel - Dr. John Stempel (Univeristy of
Kentucky) speaking at the annual meeting of The Interfaith Alliance of the Bluegrass.
$20/person includes meal. For reservations and information, contact tiabg@qx.net.
Thanks, News, etc...
*Thanks to...Cory Sharrard, Natalie Watt, Derek Vaughan, and Nelson
Barnes for their work with the children and youth this past Sunday; Glenna Fay
for providing our after worship refreshments.
*Mike Ward will be attending the Annual Assembly of the Kentucky Council of
Churches on October 14 -15.
Peace to all.
Mike Ward
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