PHOTO OF THE WEEK: Good Friday Stained Glass

WEEKLY COMIC: I Scream for Holy Week

THIS WEEK: Study Colossians 3

The next two weeks (March 17 thru March 30), please study Colossians, Chapter 3.

If you want to read the chapter online, click here.

Click here to listen to audio of the chapter.

If you'd like to read a commentary on the chapter, click here.

Study Tip: "Off weeks" can be difficult for maintaining the momentum of studying.  But Easter is unusual in that we spend the week focussing intensely on scripture.  Use this time to deepen your understanding of our study text by relating it to the texts being talked about for Holy Week.

BONUS PHOTO OF THE WEEK: A Quizzer in Israel

All together now.  "What day is it?"  "HUMP DAY!"

Should we celebrate St. Patrick?

This coming Thursday will be St. Patrick's Day.  For a sincere Christian, this can be a confusing time. In theory, it is a celebration of a particular Christian man who ministered in Ireland. But it has become - in American usage - simply a time to celebrate Irish culture. And among some, it has become little more than an excuse to drink alcohol to excess and carouse. Is this a holiday we should observe at all?

Well, luckily, much is known about Patrick, and it turns out he was a true follower of Jesus and a powerful evangelist. This is a man whose life is worth remembering!

As a boy of fourteen or so, he was captured during a raiding party and taken to Ireland as a slave to herd and tend sheep. Ireland at this time was a land of Druids and pagans. He learned the language and practices of the people who held him...Patrick's captivity lasted until he was twenty, when he escaped after having a dream from God in which he was told to leave Ireland by going to the coast. There he found some sailors who took him back to Britian, where he reunited with his family.

He had another dream in which the people of Ireland were calling out to him "We beg you, holy youth, to come and walk among us once more."

Patrick began preaching the Gospel throughout Ireland, converting many. He and his disciples preached and converted thousands and began building churches all over the country. Kings, their families, and entire kingdoms converted to Christianity when hearing Patrick's message.

Remembering great men of the Faith is important, so long as we always keep our eyes on Jesus, as they did.

SCOREBOARD: Practice - March 9

MUSICAL INTERLUDE: It Is Finished

PHOTO OF THE WEEK: Easter Flowers

WEEKLY COMIC: What kind of message?

THIS WEEK: Study Colossians 2

This week (March 10 thru March 16), please study Colossians, Chapter 2.

If you want to read the chapter online, click here.

Click here to listen to audio of the chapter.

If you'd like to read a commentary on the chapter, click here.

Study Tip: Do try to study every chapter the exact same way, no matter what the content?  That may be a big mistake.  Some chapters are heavy on doctrine which lend themselves to studying keywords, while others are heavy on practical application which lend themselves on lists and sequence studies. Be sure to think about the kind of chapter you're working with before you study so that you can focus on the right things.

ARE YOU READY? - Colossians 1

Are you ready to quiz tonight?  Here is a quick self-test you can do to see whether you're prepared or need to do some last-minute cramming!

QUESTION:  REFERENCE:  According to Colossians 1:1-2, Paul and Timothy, to whom?

QUESTION:  2 PART ANSWER:  In the whole world it is what?

QUESTION:  Bearing fruit in every what?

QUESTION:  MULTIPLE PART ANSWER:  By him what things were created?

QUESTION:  FINISH THE VERSE:  "And he is before..."

QUESTION:  The riches of glory of this mystery is what?