Instructions for the 2020 UMW Bible Study
2020 Fall Spiritual Growth Project
Starts Thursday, September 3rd, 2020 through September 24th, 2020
Norma Link-Boughman, Spiritual Growth Coordinator, Tuscarawas District United Methodist Women
DEAR SISTERS IN CHRIST: Hello ladies. You have been in my thoughts and prayers daily as COVID 19 and continued escalation of racism has erupted in our towns, cities, and nationwide. Most of you have expressed concerns for safety leaving your homes and are unsure of when is the right time to resume the new norm in the world today.
Your 2020 Tuscarawas District UMW Officers have decided to offer a Bible study to assist your units to reach out to one another. This format is meant to be SHARED in your units, in small groups, and outside the church walls.
I have been doing a Bible Study called “REVEALED” this summer offered by a pastoral mentor of mine via email. This study has been very insightful, and it would be beneficial for our UMW groups in terms of Spiritual Growth during these uncertain times.
The supplies you will need each week: Your Bible, a pencil or pen with notebook, a candle with lighter, and comfortable place to relax and absorb God’s word. I will be providing the Welcome, Devotional Reading/Poem, the “REVEALED” Bible Study for the week, the words to any songs listed in program, and Closing Benediction weekly via email on Thursday afternoons.
The format is set up if you gather in a small group; change the format if you are doing it by yourself (see * areas):
*Welcome
*Devotional reading or a poem
*The Lord’s Prayer
Reading of UMW Purpose (If you would like more information on United Methodist Women please email me.)
*Lighting of the Candle and Breath Prayer: Spirit of God, Breathe on me.
Spirit of God, Pour out Your presence on me.
Spirit of God, Speak through Your word to me. AMEN.
*Reading the Bible Study “REVEALED” and looking items up in your Bible. If in a group setting allow 15 minutes for quiet reflective time and individual Prayer of Discernment before any discussion begins.
*Prayer of Discernment to God on what you read. Ask God for his guidance on what you just read. Write your questions down if something needs further clarity or more prayer.
*Listen to or sing along to the hymn ‘In The Garden”; take quiet time to reflect the meaning of those words in the hymn. Does it reflect your relationship with God amid these uncertain times currently or are you just saying the words without feeling them in your heart. Why has the meaning changed if you feel yourself drifting away from God? Write down your reaction to review for further clarity or more prayer.
*Closing Benediction
*CLOSE YOUE EYES for 5-10 minutes and feel the love of each of your sisters in Christ wrapping their loving arms around you virtually. You are beautiful and one of a kind -YOU ARE GOD’S MASTERPIECE.
*Blow your candle out to end your quiet journey with God and your Christian sisters. God bless you until we meet again next week!
For questions, comments, concerns, or for more information regarding this program or the lessons themselves, please send an email to Norma Link-Boughman at chain51965@yahoo.com