Nov 2012 Church Newsletter - St. Paul's Lutheran Church & School

Member News
Bible Study Group Stands the Tests of Time
In the fall of 1992 St. Paul’s began a series of Caring and Sharing Bible Studies attempting to involve all our members in
monthly gatherings. Each group had about 10 people assigned. One of the groups was to meet with a couple living in Norwich.
Most of the folks put in the group were from that area. Several couples from Cheney went, even though that was not their
group, because they suspected the attendance might be poor. About 10 attended that first meeting. By the grace of God, six
of those original people are still meeting 20 years later.
The members just clicked from the beginning. The attendance has been remarkable. We have gone through trials and
triumphs, births and deaths, illness and healing, and joys and sorrows together. We have studied the Word from about every
direction and topic, and we have shared and cared for each other as brothers and sisters in Christ. One of our best bonding
actions is letting each member share something on a suggested subject each time. We use Christ-care prayer often. Hugs are
the order of the day!
Another couple joined us about 10 years ago. They have moved about 3 hours away, because of a job, but they continue
to meet with us every month. Another newer couple is serving in the Kansas Senate, but they nearly always manage to come
also. A widowed retiree is our newest member to round out the group. We are all into the grand parenting or beyond stage.
From the beginning we have met in each others homes. We look forward to the dessert that each hostess serves. For a
number of years we met on Sunday nights, always setting the next date at the present meeting. Now we go for whatever time,
even afternoons sometimes, that all can make it. It is a priority for all of us. Several times a year we share a pot luck meal
before the lesson. At first whoever was the host also led. Now we have a gifted, willing volunteer who has been guiding the
study for several years.
We have always contributed something each time. Presently, it is 5$ a couple. That money is donated to a worthy cause
every Christmas. When an original member died, the group made a memorial gift to the church in his name. We recently lost
another member and we will repeat the memorial. A special twenty year Thanksgiving gift and celebration is also in the
planning stage.
It would be an impossible task to name all the blessings that have come from this 20 year association. We have all grown
in Christ and in our love and concern for each other. Recognizing spiritual growth in oneself and in friends is wonderfully
gratifying. It has surely proven the passage: “For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.” Matt.
18:20
Charter members are: *Sheldon &Margaret Brandis, Norval & Dallas Harris, *Raymond & Charlotte Rosenhagen, and Loren
& Lou Schomacker. (*Deceased) More recent members are: Robert & Dana Morton, Dan & Norene Kerschen, and Wanda
Wiechman. To God be the glory!
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Newsletter November 2012 Page 8