Two Bible Study Groups Led by Rev. Joanne Swensen in New Canaan

An announcement from Twelve: A Foundation for Small Group Ministry:

Two new Bible study groups that compare the four Christian Gospels will begin meeting in early January at Lapham Community Center.

Titled, “Four Views, One Jesus”, the class will examine the distinctive voices of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, giving special attention to episodes in the life of Jesus seen through each of these books.

Each study group meeting will be led by Dr. Joanne Swenson, who holds the Th.D., Th.M., and M.Div. degrees from Harvard University, and is a specialist in small group formation and learning.

This topic arises from years of leading groups in the study of the New Testament, Dr. Swenson said. “People sometimes become dismayed when they discover that the four gospels portray Jesus so differently. This class will show students how to appreciate the distinctive voice of each gospel writer, providing historical and theological context for these writers, as well as enabling us to find contemporary relevance for each gospel’s portrait of Jesus.”

Participants are encouraged to purchase the study book, Parallel Lives of Jesus: A Guide to the Four Gospels, by Edward Adams (book available at Elm Street Books, New Canaan, and other booksellers).

The two groups will follow the same format and schedule of study, and each is open to the public at Lapham Community Center in Waveny Park:

• Wednesdays, 10:30 - 11:30 AM, beginning Jan. 7
• Thursdays, 12:30 - 1:30 PM, beginning Jan. 8 (Women’s Session)

Free to all participants, these groups are sponsored by Twelve: A Foundation for Small Group Ministry, an initiative to gather adults into small groups for faith exploration, service and study. Twelve is funded via a 501c3 nonprofit established by individuals in Connecticut committed to small group ministry in collaboration with churches and individuals. For more information about this class, visit Twelve’s website: http://12fdn.org/

About Dr. Swenson: Dr. Swenson is the Founding Minister of Twelve: A Foundation for Small Group Ministry, has served churches in New Canaan, Boston and Oregon; and held teaching/research positions at Harvard, Boston University and universities in the Pacific Northwest.