An understanding mind gains knowledge;
the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.-Proverbs 18:15
The importance of learning, of which Proverbs reminds us, is one that has been near and dear to Presbyterians and many Christians for centuries. Many schools and universities in the United States were founded with Christian/denominational ties, though some of those ties have since been severed or loosened. Sunday School, Bible Study, and other forms of learning make up an important part of the regular schedule of our church and many others.
This pursuit of knowledge is a good thing, especially when we recall that our knowledge is to be more than memorization and the reading of books. John Calvin and Theresa of Avila both teach about how the knowledge of self and the knowledge of God are intertwined. Our learning is meant to be personal and interpersonal. Learning and knowledge are not meant to remain on the pages of books or in the synapses of our brains, what we learn is meant to shape us and our interactions with God, the world, and ourselves.
At BPC we endeavor to provide and engage in learning opportunities that stretch, challenge, and grow us and our relationships. We spend time learning about various areas of mission and justice in our community and world. We’ve watched documentaries, read books, and had discussions that deepen our awareness of gun violence, climate change, and other problems facing our world. We’ve also brought in speakers from various local non-profit organizations, like Love INC and Rivers of Hope, who we support through donations and volunteering. We’ve been striving lately to learn more about topics that impact closely the lives of people in our congregation and community. This January Cindy Doth, a church member, gave a presentation about mental health, a topic that is often invisible in our society. On April 26th we are bringing in Austen Hartke to talk to us about the church and LGBTQ people. We’ve also had opportunities to learn more about what is happening in our presbytery and denomination through presentations by various members of presbytery leadership. If there are issues or topics that you would like to learn more about or see addressed in classes, study groups, or special programs I’d love to talk to you more about them!
All of the topics mentioned above are truly important for us to learn about, but I’d be remiss if I didn’t recognize some of the most important learning that goes on at BPC, that of studying our faith and the Bible. We are blessed to have multiple midweek Bible study groups as well as two Sunday classes for adults. We also offer various classes and opportunities for youth and children on Wednesdays and Sundays.
To all of the people at BPC who enable us to learn so much, thank you. Thanks to the teachers, Bible study leaders, organizers, and committee members. Thanks most of all to everyone who participates, seeking to learn more about God, our world, our faith, and ourselves. What a beautiful community of learning this is!
To the Glory of God,
Pastor Brian
Comentários