St. John’s Episcopal Church
207 Albany Avenue, Kingston, NY 12401

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Bible Study

This isn’t your grandmother’s Bible Study.

I find that one of the most fascinating aspects of any faith is the holy texts around which that faith has developed. I marvel at how these texts are translated and interpreted across cultures and through time. Because, just like any text, our interpretation provides insight into who we are as people. We see ourselves reflected in them. I find this hopeful because it means that God’s Holy Spirit hasn’t finished speaking to us. Our scriptures are living texts that invite us to the task of ongoing interpretation so that we may learn more about who we are and our relationship with God. In them, we can find support, wisdom, and hope for ourselves and for all of creation.     Rev. Michelle

Meeting Times

St. John’s meets twice for Weekly Bible Study with Rev. Michelle. Right now, we are studying the Gospel of Matthew and she has prepared a brief overview of Matthew’s context, which you can download here: Matthews Context

  • Wednesdays from 12:00-1:00 pm via Zoom.
  • Sundays from 8:30-9:30 am in person.

How To Participate

1. Email Rev. Michelle. Email Rev. Michelle at michelle.stjohnskingston@gmail.com to let her know you’re coming and would like to be added to the list. You can always drop into the Sunday morning meeting, but in order to receive the Zoom link, you must be on the list.

2. Purchase your own Bible. You will need your own Bible. If possible, select one that is annotated and has the apocrypha. There are online and audio options available, if you prefer. Talk to Rev. Michelle if you would like to use one of the St. John’s Bibles.
Any of these translations will work for our study:

  • New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
  • New International Version (NIV)
  • Common English Bible (CEB)

The following resources are not required, but you may find them helpful for your study:

  • The Inclusive Bible
  • The Message by Eugene Peterson
  • The First Nations Version of the New Testament
  • Harper Collins Bible Dictionary
  • Chronological and Background Charts of the Old Testament by John Walton
  • Chronological and Background Charts of the New Testament by H. Wayne House

3. Prepare by reading the assigned scripture. Rev. Michelle will assign scripture reading, usually continuing from the previous week. Read through the passage 1-2 times before coming whenever possible but if you cannot, please don’t let that prevent you from attending.

4. Come to every gathering. Of course, you will miss from time to time. But consider how much it means to you when others show up to class. Your presence is just as important as everyone else’s because we all learn as a community. You can attend either gathering each week – Wednesday OR Sunday.