Join “The Big Read”
By Kevin Stillson | Posted 11/9/11 at 10:08am |All News, Synod News
In Romans 8:15, St. Paul writes, “For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons and daughters.” Have you noticed an enslaving fear permeating our world today? Have you observed that fear taking hold among your people, causing them to turn inward and blocking their generous impulses?
When your South Dakota Synod Steward Leaders met last month we explored the big issues impacting stewardship in our congregations, and we identified this spirit of fear and uncertainty. To begin addressing that issue, the Steward Leaders lifted up the importance of education and conversation and recommended that the Synod embark upon a synod-wide study utilizing a recent popular book by the pastor and writer, Max Lucado.
And so, on behalf of our South Dakota Synod Steward Leaders, we invite you and your congregation to participate in “The Big Read” by reading and discussing together the book Fearless: Imagine your Life Without Fear.
You will find the book and small group study guide to be accessible and engaging as Pastor Lucado confronts the issue of fear and uncertainty with the straightforward good news of Jesus Christ. The book is a quick read, and the Small Group Discussion guide comes complete with a Leader’s Guide, a Participant Book and an excellent DVD that introduces each of the six small group sessions. It is simple to employ even with inexperienced small group leaders. There are also sermon and newsletter resources that you can purchase to enhance the congregation-wide experience.
The book is perfect for use during the season of Lent. The 6-week study fits nicely into the Lenten schedule, and the additional sermon and worship resources can be utilized on Wednesdays or Sundays or both.
The Six Lessons from the Study Guide:
Lesson 1: Why Are We Afraid?
Lesson 2: Fear Of Not Mattering
Lesson 3: Fear of Disappointing God
Lesson 4: Fear of Life’s Final Moments
Lesson 5: Fear of Global Calamity
Lesson 6: Fear of God Getting Out of My Box
Join your brothers and sisters in Christ from around South Dakota as together we imagine our life without fear.
Fearless Trailer:
What you need:
- One book per reader
- One DVD kit for each small group - The DVD kit includes one leader guide and one study guide for the small group participants. (NOTE: if your small groups do not meet on the same night, it may be possible to share)
- One small group study guide per small group participant
A synod-wide order has been placed with the Luther Seminary Bookstore, but it’s not too late to participate! Materials may still be ordered directly through the Luther Seminary Bookstore or sites like Amazon.com.
If you ordered your materials through the synod office, expect to receive your shipment before Ash Wednesday from the synod office.
Resources
- Fearless on the Official Max Lucado website
(Includes product listings, free samples, and other resources.) - South Dakota Synod Facebook Forum – Join the discussion on Facebook to share your “Big Read” ideas and insights.
Downloads:
- “The Big Read” Webinar Audio (fast forward to 5:00 to skip to the beginning of the presentation)
- “The Big Read” Webinar Powerpoint
- Suggested Timeline
- “The Big Read” Flier
Samples (in editable Word format):
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Wilbur Holz | Posted 1.22.12 at 2:05 AM
For those who participate, will there be some place on the internet where it will be possible to have a synod wide discussion?
Fill in your name and email address, then leave your comment. Your email address will not be published. Your website address is optional.
Our tradition has been to present dramas during our Wednesday evening Lenten services. I don’t suppose there would be dramas or something similar that could accompany this study?
If not, could there be?