Walking with the Word
I invite you into a very special time of Christian formation as we share in an ecumenical study of the Bible over this next year. Our own Diocese of Atlanta is sharing with the Episcopal Diocese of Georgia, the North Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church, the South Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church, and the Southeastern Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America in a family-oriented and community-focused framework to read and study the Bible over one year.
Walking with the Word connects with so much of our deep work at Grace, and I have no doubt that many families in the parish will take the opportunity to deepen and support the formation of the children and youth through this initiative. Indeed, every person of the parish is challenged to share in the daily commitment of Bible study and prayer. The framework offers resources, daily guidance, and structure for Bible study that will be a fantastic opportunity.
During Advent this year, the Sunday forum will focus on preparing for this year-long Bible study. We will gather each week in the parish hall beginning Sunday, December 6 to explore details around Biblical translations as well as how to engage prayerfully in intentional Bible study. (Remember that Sunday, November 29 is Advent wreath making).
Alongside our daily study and prayer within the Walking with the Word framework, I will offer an intentional study group that will incorporate reflection on Biblical texts, poetry, art, and ritual study that can deepen our appreciation of the Spirit’s presence within all life. We will begin by reading Rowan Williams, the former Archbishop of Canterbury’s, book Being Christian: Baptism, Bible, Eucharist, Prayer. Archbishop Williams’s work will be an incredible guide for us as we deepen our practice of faith. Details of this study will be laid out during the Advent Sunday forum times.
Watch this page for additional information about Walking with the Word and the study group. I hope you will fully share in these opportunities for study and spiritual growth.
Blessings, always,
Fr. Stuart
You’re invited to join the North Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church, the South Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church, the Southeastern Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta, and the Episcopal Diocese of Georgia in a journey of reading the Bible together from Advent 2026 through Advent 2027.
The year-long event will begin on the first Sunday of Advent with a shared Bible Reading Plan. Before the daily readings begin, the three denominations will hold a 72-hour joint Miqra reading event. Parishes from all three denominations will host hours of reading the Bible aloud, nonstop from Genesis to Revelation. More information about signing up will be shared as it becomes available.
An ecumenical youth event will be held in early 2027, bringing youth from all three denominations together for a weekend of worship, community building, and learning.
Bishop Frank and Victoria Logue will offer a retreat at Honey Creek in Lent 2027, February 19–20, for a deep dive into Scripture. The year will end in Advent 2027 with a joint service at the Cathedral of St. Philip in Atlanta.
Walking with the Word is a collaboration between the North Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church, the South Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church, the Southeastern Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta, and the Episcopal Diocese of Georgia.
Learn more about St. Brigid’s School for Imagination, Creativity, and Practice at Grace Episcopal Church.
