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By Fr. Daniel Morgan, March 7, 2010 10:30 am

Fr. Dan’s sermon is from Ephesians 3.  You can listen to his sermon on Ephesians 1 here

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By Fr. Christopher P. Leighton, February 28, 2010 10:30 am

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By Fr. Daniel Morgan, February 21, 2010 10:30 am

Fr. Dan preaches on Ephesians.

Ephesus today:

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By Fr. Christopher P. Leighton, February 14, 2010 10:30 am

This week we look at Ruth chapter 4:13-22

Week of February 13 Ruth 4:13-22

The Royal Line

Introduction:

Have you ever studied your family’s history?  What have you discovered?

What are some of the things about your family you’re proud of?  Not so proud of?

How have the actions of parents or grandparents affected you, positively or negatively?

Observation:

What is the women’s blessing?  Whom do they bless?

What is Ruth “better than” (v. 15)?  Why?

What is the number of generations mentioned in the genealogy?  Where does Boaz fall in the genealogy?

Interpretation:

Why does the author highlight the fact that God enabled Ruth to conceive?

How will Obed be a “redeemer” (v. 14) to Naomi?

Why is Boaz’s placement in the genealogy important?

What is so significant about David’s name in this genealogy?  Who is David’s heir?

Application:

How has this book had an impact on your walk with the Lord?  How is your view of suffering different?  Where do you see Jesus in this book?

As a result of this book, how do you see God’s love for the “foreigner”, or even the one you’d least expect Him to be reaching?

What has this study shown you about the relationship between God’s providence and human actions?   How will your prayer life be different?

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By Fr. Christopher P. Leighton, February 7, 2010 10:30 am

Fr. Christopher continues the sermon series on Ruth. This week he looks at Ruth chapter 4:1-12.

Do you make yourself available to God?

Do you put each day in the hands of God?

Your character will be shaped when you make yourself available to God.

JOY. J – Jesus first, O – others, Y – yourself.

Study guide:

Week of February 6 Ruth 4:1-12

Redemption

Introduction:

What is one of the bigger promises you’ve made?  How have you kept it?

Have you ever “gone to bat” for someone?  What was it like?

Has anyone ever “gone to bat” for you?  What was it like?

Observation:

What is the setting for the legal proceeding?  Who’s present?

How does Boaz present the matter?  What does he commit to?

What is the official sign, the gesture that “seals the deal”, in that culture?

What is the blessing given by the witnesses?

Interpretation:

Why is the setting of this legal proceeding important?

What is significant to you about the fact that there’s an even closer kinsman-redeemer?  Why do you think the other kinsman-redeemer refused?

Contrast the unnamed kinsman-redeemer and Boaz.

Application:

Boaz has demonstrated integrity both privately, at the threshing floor, and publicly, at the gate.  Ruth has demonstrated this integrity, too.  Who is a regular witness of how you live your daily life?  What changes do you feel God leading you to, in order to live your Christian life with more integrity?

How do you see Boaz’s redemption of Ruth in light of God’s redemption?  How does Boaz’s activity mirror God’s activity?

The witnesses at the gate bless Boaz’s actions.  Who do you know that God is calling you to thank or to bless for their faithfulness?

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By Fr. Christopher P. Leighton, January 31, 2010 10:30 am

Fr. Christopher continues the sermon series on Ruth.

Study Guide:

Week of January 31 Ruth 3:1-18

The Threshing Floor

Introduction:

Has anyone ever tried to play “matchmaker” for you?  How did it go?

Have you ever tried to play “matchmaker”?  How did it go?

Are you a natural risk-taker?  Why or why not?

Observation:

Sum up Naomi’s plan.  What could go wrong?  What could go right?

What does Ruth do?  How is she described?

How does Boaz react?  How could have he reacted?

What is Boaz’s plan?  How quickly does he move on this plan?

Interpretation:

What are Naomi’s intentions?

The phrase “corner of your garment” (v. 9) is the same word translated “wings” in 2:12.  Why is this significant?

How does Boaz interpret Ruth’s actions?  What are his intentions?  What still needs to happen with Boaz’s plan?

Ruth uses the word “empty-handed” in v. 17.  Why is this important in her communication with Naomi? (look back to 1:21)

Application:

How do you see God’s plans and human plans coming together here?  How does that have an impact on how you view His plans and your plans?  What’s going to be different for you?

Each of the three people in this chapter demonstrates selfless love and kindness (hesed) on behalf of another.  Where is there a need for more of this demonstrated love in your life?  What about on behalf of others?

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By Fr. Christopher P. Leighton, January 30, 2010 7:00 pm

Frank and June Williams talk about their experience during and following the earthquake in Haiti.

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By Fr. Christopher P. Leighton, January 30, 2010 6:00 pm

Bishop David Anderson spoke at the annual meeting on Saturday January 30th.

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By Fr. Christopher P. Leighton, January 24, 2010 10:30 am

Fr. Christopher continues the sermon series on Ruth.

Study Guide:

Week of January 24 Ruth 2:5-23

Boaz

Introduction:

Who is one of your favorite protagonists or heroes from film or literature?  What strikes you about that person?

Have you ever volunteered or helped those in need?  What was that like?

Observation:

How does Boaz greet his workers?  Does this tell you anything about him?

How does Boaz communicate with Ruth?  What has Boaz heard about Ruth?

Does Ruth get enough grain?

What is Naomi’s response to what Ruth shares with her?

Interpretation:

Describe Boaz’s character based on what you observe here.

What is a “kinsman-redeemer”?  What are they obligated to do and what are they able to choose to do?  (passages to help:  Lev. 25: 25-28, 47-49; Num. 35:19-28; Deut. 25:5-19)

There are other instances throughout the Bible of this redeemer role and even the Hebrew word for kinsman-redeemer (go’el) being used about God Himself.  Can you find some?

Application:

We struggle to translate go’el and even this concept of kinsman-redeemer into English.  What are some words or word pictures that could help in the translation or in the communication of this concept to someone without any Biblical background?

Boaz is generous beyond his obligations.  How has God been generous to you, beyond “expectations”?

Much of this chapter takes place in the workplace.  How could what’s happening here have an impact on your workplace?

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By Fr. Christopher P. Leighton, January 17, 2010 10:30 am

Fr. Christopher continues with the study of Ruth.

Study Guide:

Week of January 17 Ruth 1:19-2:4

The Return to Bethlehem

Introduction:

What has been stressful this year?  What is stressful right now?

Who in your life has been with you through the tough times?  How?

Have you ever been a part of a harvest or grown anything at home?  What was it like?

Observation:

Where do the women arrive?

What does Naomi asked to be called?  What does it mean?

What time of year do they arrive?

How are the women going to meet their need?

Interpretation:

The place of the women’s arrival—what’s significant about it?

Where are there signs of hope as Chapter 2 begins?

Who is Boaz?  What do you notice about him at first glance?

Look up Leviticus 19:9-10.  What impact do you think that has here?

Application:

When have you felt “empty”?

Who has been a “Ruth” in your life—loyal in a time of emptiness?

Who is a “Naomi” right now?  How do you see their situation in light of this passage?

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