The Book of Faith leadership team members serve as contacts for the congregations enrolled in the Book of Faith initiative. Team members made on-site visits with these congregations and have discovered a number of creative and innovative ways in which they are opening the conversation with scripture. Here are just a few highlights from some of the fourteen First Wave congregations:

Teaching the message of the Scriptures without using curriculum resources is a daunting challenge.  Yet, Pastor Marsha Swenson (St. John, Reedsburg) explores the Bible in such a manner.  Parishoners have discussed passages and theology as they have created works of calligraphy art.  What's next?  Maybe "dancing the Psalms";  or stitching a Gospel story-quilt;  or creating a stained glass window-hanging;  or gathering a troupe of St. John's Players to do a drama----all refreshing new ways to study and respond to the Word of God.

Peace Lutheran in Belmont includes a regular Book of Faith column in their newsletter.

As part of a commitment to integrate Bible conversation into the fabric of the church this fall, St. Martin’s in Cross Plains invited people to use the Bible in the pew and projected it on the screen during worship. Additionally they printed lectionary readings and scripture facts in the monthly newsletter. They have introduced “Word, Share, and Prayer” as a process to open their Ministry Team and Team Liaison Council meetings.

At First Lutheran in Beaver Dam, Pastor Molldrem just finished a Bible Survey of several weeks which included highlights of the Bible with connecting themes. Three marriage groups are meeting using the "Marriage Unveiled" series from Serendipity. Six couples are involved in small groups meeting in church and homes for food and fellowship.

At Lutheran Church of Peace in Platteville, Pastor Jeff Pederson does a bible study entitled “To Know Christ,” which is aired on Dubuque Cable TV. They also engage in a Fellowship of Christian athletes on Thursday noon at UW-Platteville and offer a Sunday morning group using topics derived from the Nooma  video series featuring Rob Bell.

Pastor John Tabaka of Grace Lutheran in Monroe leads a three-week course during Sunday School to introduce the Bible to third-graders and their parents before copies of the Bible are presented to these children during the worship service.

Advent Lutheran, Madison has designated 2010 as the Year of St. Paul.  Members of the congregation will study Paul’s writings in a variety of ways.  Dr. David Fredrickson, professor of New Testament at Luther Seminary will give a series of three lectures on Paul’s writings on Friday evening and Saturday morning, February 12-13.  Members of other congregations are invited to attend these lectures and more information will be forthcoming. 

These are just a few of the many ways that these congregations are engaging with scripture. The Book of Faith Leadership Team hopes you are inspired and encouraged by their work.  Look for more creative and inspiring ways to engage scripture which will be presented at various Book of Faith workshops during the LEAD event on Saturday, March 13th, 2010.

To view previous updates on this initiative:

CCL Book of Faith Update October 2009.doc