Interview with Mary Joseph

Describe the Bible Study Group at St. John's

How big is the group?
We average 4 people, and we welcome anyone who wishes to join us.

How long do you meet?
We start @6:30 and end between 7:30 and 8:00 depending how long we talk.

How many years have this group met? I believe we started in 2001

Is there food or drink available? (can you bring a coffee if none is served?)We always have a little snack, I make tea, but if someone wants coffee they can bring it with them.

What is the format of the Bible Study? We read the chapter, and then discuss what it is saying to us and how it affects our life now.

What Bible version do you use? We each have our own, which is good, because we can compare them. Sometimes one different word can bring more understanding.

Do you follow a certain sequence or theme? Not really, we read then we discuss.

Describe a typical meeting and what a person might experience? When we first get there we talk about our week. Then we start with a prayer. The passages are read out loud, and then we start our conversation. We talk about what the the reading is saying to us and then we discuss how it relates to our everyday life.

What are you currently studying? Right now we are in Isaiah.

How does a person get involved? All that is needed is to come to the church on Tuesday nights at 6:30. We meet in the classroom.

Do they need to bring a Bible? No, we have a couple in the classroom, and I always have a couple with me.

Do you need to show up every week? No, I know sometimes life happens and people can't make it. That is not a problem at all.

Some people have trouble talking about their faith and religion - how might they overcome this feeling and come to the Bible Study group?If a person is a little shy, or somewhat unsure, they do not have to say anything, they could just come and listen to the discussions. Whenever they feel they want to join in the conversation, they can. We respect everybody and don't want anyone to feel obligated to do anything, especially if it would make them uncomfortable.

Why is Bible Study important to a Christian adult, isn't going to church enough? Attending church services are good and can be very refreshing and uplifting, but reading and studying God's word can drive the point home. Sometimes as you are studying, something that has been upsetting you and maybe a question that has been on your mind can be answered.

What have you gained personally in terms of an interesting insight or wisdom that you could share from your current study? I have gained something from every class. In Isaiah I can't help but see our world today. Isaiah is telling everyone about the need for repentance and to follow God's law. What are we doing today? There really is a need for repentance and for opening ourselves up to hear what God is telling us.