Ecumenical Group Resources

Session 2. John 20. 19-31 Woundedness 

Session 3. Luke 24:13-35 God Becomes Real

Session 4 John 10:1-10 Called By God 

Session 5 John 14:1-14 Intimacy with God 

Session 6 John 14:15-21 Understanding/ Listening for the Truth 

Session 7 Acts 1:6-14 Searching 

Session 8 Acts 2:1-21 Follow That Dream! 

Journeying with the Christ

Understanding, hope, and following Jesus

Session 1
The Journey begins Mark 1.9–11 11 - Baptism
Session 2
Journey to a Mountain Mark 9. 2–10 16 - Transfiguration
Session 3
Journeying into the Garden Mark 14.32–42 21- Gethsemane
Session 4
Journey to death Mark 15.33–40 26 - Calvary
Session 5
Journey to Life Mark 16.5–8 32 - Resurrection

The Gospel of Mark tells the reader that journeying with Jesus is good news in spite of all the challenges along the way. From the moment of God's audible presence at Jesus' baptism in the wilderness, through the Galilee and to a high mountain beyond where God's affirmation of the journey is again heard we will follow alongside the named disciples. But the expectations of the earliest followers that the good news would disclose power, privilege and instant gratification are short lived as the journey takes a sharp turn to Jerusalem resulting in loneliness, pain, separation, doubt and finally the scandal of execution.
The story does not end at Calvary, however. From an empty tomb the best news comes to those who have dared to hang in with Jesus in through thick and thin. The opportunity is given for the journey to begin all over again - this time with our eyes wide open.

Listening for the groans and hopes of the Earth
An ecumenical five-part Bible study for Lent

These studies are a reflection on the passion of our Lord in the context of the environmental crisis of our planet. Each study focuses on specific ecological crisis in the Australian context and concludes with indications of renewal; ways in which a particular disaster is being handled and can – hopefully – be overcome. 

Book Outline
Study 1. Creation Waiting
Genesis 2:4-9,15-17, 3:17-19 Luke 4:1-13
Study 2. Creation Groaning
Jeremiah 12:1-4, 11; Luke 13:1-5
Study 3 Creation Birthing
Genesis 1:1-25; Luke 13:10-17
Study 4 Creation Reconciled
Genesis 8:20-22; Luke 15:1-3, 11b-31
Study 5 Creation Renewed
Isaiah 65:17-25; Ephesians 1:3-14

The writers trust that the texts and contexts will challenge you to:

• Appreciate the relevance of the Scriptures to the environmental issues we face in Australia

• Become sensitive to creation as an active participant with whom we can both suffer and celebrate in the current crisis.

• Be actively involved with creation in a ministry to heal the earth and participate in the renewal of all creation.

Give Me Shelter is a consideration of passages from the gospel of Matthew with a particular emphasis on refugees and their experiences. This emphasis reflects the major concern in Australian churches about the worldwide refugee challenge, in particular the situation of the boat people who are seeking asylum in Australia.

We are confident, that those who participate this study:
· will grow in their faith
· will gain a clearer understanding of the issues of refugees in our country
· will seek practical ways to serve their Lord
· will deepen relationships with those with whom they meet

Book Outline
Session 1 - A God Without Boundaries - Matthew 2:1-18
Session 2 - Peace With Justice Matthew  - 5:1-20
Session 3 - Care for the Outsider - Matthew 8:1-17
Session 4 - Uncommon Christian Care - Matthew 25:31-46
Session 5 -The Pain of Separation - Matthew 27:45-56

In the Christian Tradition, the celebration of a Jubilee year every fifty years stands as a potent symbol for what is involved in a right relationship with God. That symbol is the focus of this study.

As Lent is a time for reflection on the central events of Christian faith (Jesus' death and resurrection), it is appropriate that we deal with the social implications of Jesus' life.

Book Outline
Session 1 God's Embrace of the World
Session 2 God's Embrace of the Land
Session 3 The Indigenous people of the Land
Session 4 Embracing Each Other

Living Relationships is designed to enable a meaningful conversation to take place between the text of Johns Gospel and our own world. It seeks to reflect on how we might live out our relationships in society, ecumenically and faithfully.

Book Outline
Session 1 Sources for Living - John 4.1-42
Session 2 Light for Living - John 9.1-41
Session 3 Relationships of Service - John 13.1-17
Session 4 Community Living - John 15 - 17
Session 5 Living for the Future - John 18 - 21