Seasonal Studies

 

The seasons of the Church year tell the story of God’s movement among God’s people, both throughout history and in our lives today. In each of the seasons, we recall different stories of the life and teachings of Christ and learn from them as we grow closer to Christ in our spiritual journeys.

These studies are geared for specific seasons of the Church year, but the content is applicable any time.  The writers include the Rev. Drs. John Lewis and Jane Patterson and others. Studies frequently include audio recordings and reflections – in text and audio format – from clergy and lay persons from around the diocese.

The studies are posted both in written and audio format, allowing users to engage the study in whichever medium works bests for that person.

 

Click on a title below to find a study:

 

Waiting with Hope – Advent 2017

We are a weary people  overwhelmed by hurricanes, floods, fires, and mass killings. Yet we remember the promise that God will redeem God’s people.

 

Prepare the Way  –  Advent 2016

The prophet Isaiah knew the Christ was coming and tried to tell God’s people. Mostly they did not listen. Do we? During Advent 2016, Bishop Gary Lillibridge guides a four-week study, looking at the context in which Isaiah spoke during his time and seeing how his words apply to our lives today.

 

Their Eyes Were Opened – Easter Season 2016

The season of Easter – or the Great Fifty Days of Easter, as the season is sometimes called – begins on Easter Sunday and lasts until the day of Pentecost. During this season we follow Christ as he reveals his resurrected presence to his disciples.

 

God Claims Us All – Epiphany 2016

Epiphany marks the revelation, to the Magi and to us, that God is a God of all people and that God calls us to Himself, endows us with certain vocations, and asks us to use them for the good of all mankind. Written by the Rev. Drs. John Lewis and Jane Patterson, the study begins January 6 and goes until just before Lent.

 

Mary, the Mother of God – Advent 2015

Presented by Brother James Dennis, the study covers Mary in Scripture and history. It was first presented at Church of the Holy Spirit, Dripping Springs TX. It is in audio and PowerPoint (in Adobe Acrobat) format.

 

Practicing Lent 2015
focuses on five spiritual practices: prayer, repentance, love of neighbor, fasting and simplicity, and connecting to the saints.

 

 

Following Jesus: An Invitation to Discipleship (for Lent 2014)
explores a different aspect of Christian discipleship each week. The topics are modeled upon Christ and his teachings and include: follower, worshiper, witness, neighbor, forgiver/healer, prophet, and steward.

 

Watch and Pray (for Advent 2014)
looks in-depth at the lectionary readings for the four Sundays in Advent – the Old Testament, New Testament and Gospel readings – in 2014 (year B in the lectionary cycle).