2009 LENT STUDY BOOK
in Full Colour

written by

The Rev'd Ron Browning
Diocese of Melbourne

LENT 3 YEAR LECTIONARY
at bottom of these pages
Click here for lectionary

Each of the 5 week studies in the "Grass Roots Series" of 14 titles ($8.95 Australia, Also available in New Zealand, USA and the UK), commence with (a) Material to consider prior to the study. (b) An 'Ice Breaker'. A short activity to help participants to get to know one another better. (c) Next is the reading to set the nights tone followed by a series of questions to consider on the topic. This section finishes with a thought provoking statement. (d) Once the closing prayer is said, the innovative suggestions for supper can be taken up. (e) The study finishes with suggestions of what to do for the next week. (hospitality included)

• Available December 2008

• Cost $ 8.95 plus postage

• 2009 Edition in full colour

• Discounts on orders 40 and over

• Books can be ordered and paid for on line or we will send an account

Earthing my Faith in Love contains five studies. This study focuses on Christian love in the early 21st century. We are all involved in big changes in society and we need a vision of genuine love so that we can practise love and not burn out. Television makes us aware of so much suffering in the world. We have different neighbours compared to ten years ago. The internet and mobile phones have changed our world. The title Earth-ing my Faith in Love reminds us that we urgently need to find a new compassion for the environment so that there is a viable future for our children on this planet. As we go on the journey to Easter, Jesus will nurture us into his loving way. 

• Additional material provided on our web pages for orders of 10 or more
   Password is provided with your order

• Sample pages of the introduction and first study. (pdf file 650k)

ADDITIONAL TITLES FOR STUDY GROUPS

Easter Journey

For Christians, Easter is the key of our faith. Anglicans along with other members of the Christian family, use the season of Lent to prepare, so that they can live into and celebrate the message of the resurrection with joy and meaning.

For many of us it is so easy to take the liturgical seasons for granted. Easter Journey seeks to prepare people so that when Easter arrives, people can fully live into the Easter season and Easter message.

The five studies are based around two questions, “Who do you seek?” and “What do you seek?’
These studies, based on the traditional Lenten Gospels, will assist in the focussing on Christ, the one who died and rose for us so that we have life in all its fullness.

The early Christians were asked the question, “What do you seek?” when they were preparing for baptism. Their reply was “new life in Christ”. For those who are using Easter Journey, it is an opportunity for them to renew their faith in Christ as well as seeking to serve Christ more faithfully in our day and age.

Easter Journey is written by Bishop Bill Ray, Bishop of North Queelsland. The studies are based on the Gospel readings for (Year A)

Cost of the book (and all books in the stable) are $8.95 plus postage with the usual discounts as previously.

Sample of the intros and first study - pdf file 482k

If you purchased at least 10+ books, then tere is additional material you may like to use
• Sermons • Kids Talks • Pewsheet material • Additional resources, questions, areas to consider.
You will need the special password to go to this site.

AN EXCELLENT RESOURCE TO USE AT ANYTIME OF THE YEAR

Following on from the very successful “Being a Christian in the 21st Century trilogy”, Bishop Andrew Curnow, Bishop of Bendigo, has written for us a very important sequel to compliment this series. “Being an Anglican Today” will help long committed Anglicans to appreciate what being an Anglican means. For new Anglicans and those exploring becoming an Anglican, it provides an invaluable introduction to Anglicanism. But most of all, it encourages all Anglicans to not only value the past but to also engage the future.
This Study Guide is not to be missed.

If you wish to see the overview and study one of the book, click here for the .pdf file (137k)

If you have the password (that is, you have purchased 10+ books) and wish to view the "Going Further Section" click here

The Anglican Church in New Zealand - You will need to substitute NZ history in the material for Study one. Whilst study one in the current book is more focussed for the Australian Church, the remaining four studies are universal regarding "Anglicanism"

http://www.anglican.org.nz/history.htm

NZ Orders please note - 'Being An Anglican Today' is only available directly from Grassroots Resources Australia.

ORDERS CAN BE PAID FOR ON LINE BY VISA

NZ $8.95 plus postage and packaging

UK costs for books UK£3.20 plus postage (Check the orders link for actual postage costs)
The Anglican Church in England - You will need to substitute much of this material for Study one. Whilst study one in the current book is more focussed for the Australian Church, the remaining four studies are universal regarding "Anglicanism"
http://www.anglican.org/church/ChurchHistory.html

USA costs for books US$6.20 plus postage (Check the orders link for actual postage costs)
The Anglican Church in America - You will need to substitute much of this material for Study one. Whilst study one in the current book is more focussed for the Australian Church, the remaining four studies are universal regarding "Anglicanism"
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Episcopal_Church_in_the_United_States_of_America

“Staying on Track” is written by Bishop Bill Ray from The Diocese of North Queensland and contains five studies that invite participants to reflect on their lives.

Bishop Ray says about this book "When I first heard the term “bracket creep” I had to ask what it meant. I was told it was about income rising and a person automatically going into the next tax bracket. I thought there is a lesson here about living the Christian faith. Over time it is easy to find ourselves finding ourselves off track, slightly de-railed or in a siding in terms of living out our faith without being aware that this has happened.
The five studies explore what covenant means in the Old Testament and whether it is relevant to us in today’s world . The studies also explore how we can nurture our faith and enjoy the promises of God."

Year "B" OT and NT readings are used for this study

Australia - $ 8.95 
Additional Web material is available for those who purchase 10+ books.

Click here to view sample material on "Staying on Track" - This contains the overall outline, the five weekly themes and a complete printout for study 3.

PDF VERSION of the same sample material mentioned above, but exactly how it appears in the actual book itself..

A Fresh Start

As the butterfly cannot be born unless it achieves the struggle from the cocoon, so too it is with us as Christians.
Lent helps us to break free from our reliance on the world and to prepare us for the Glory of Easter.
This study deals with the subjects of • Health • Healing • Wholeness • Holiness and most of all • Hope.
It is always a joy to know that ‘tomorrow is the beginning of the rest of our lives’
Consequently, we believe this study will live up to its title of helping you to make “A FRESH START” in your Christian journey.
The study has been written by Canon Frank Watts from Perth

Wk 1 - Luke 19: 1-9
Wk 2 - Luke 17: 11-19
Wk 3 - John 5: 1-15
Wk 4 - Revelation 3: 10-13
Wk 5 - 1 Peter 1: 3-9

Sample material in PDF format of introduction and study 2
Additional Web material is available for those who purchase 10+ books.

LOVING GOD AND EACH OTHER - Bishop Philip Huggins

In the second century, St.Irenaeus said wisely:"God will always have more to teach us, and we will always have more to learn from God ." That is certainly true when we reflect on our endeavour to follow the two great commandments; to love God and our neighbour as yourself.

After all, who knows all there is to know about love? And yet, is there a more important subject for deeper consideration ?

These studies aim to make contemporary, some of the tradition around the journey of our soul : From awareness of those things that separate us from God and each other, through to the sustained reality of deeper communion in Jesus Christ.

In the Western world where we rarely take time to know our neighbour, there has never been a better time to foster a few more soul friends in a world that needs them. These studies are designed to draw people closer to God and one another as they meet, meditate and converse together.

'Loving God and each other' is an excellent Lenten task to set oneself.

Wk 1: John 20: 30-31
Wk 2 - John 15: 12-14
Wk 3 - Romans 12: 37, Mark 14: 35
Wk 4 - Matthew 5: 43 - 48
Wk 5 - Romans 5: 1-5, Matthew 5:8

Sample material in PDF format of introduction and study 2
Additional Web material will be available for those who purchase 10+ books.

"The Curnow Trilogy" Bishop Andrew Curnow has now completed the trilogy of what it means to be a Christian today. The titles of the three books speak for themselves."Being a Christian in the 21st Century' was followed by 'Being a Christian in a secular world' and the last in the series is "Being Christian in the Church"
Bishop Andrew Curnow (Bishop of the Diocese of Bendigo - Victoria, Australia) has written a truly challenging series of user-friendly home studies. One study per week for 5 weeks. Each week deals with the difficulties of being Christian in a church that is often more concerned with bricks and mortar.

SPECIAL OFFER: We will give you the three books for the price of two. - A saving of $8.95 Australia or $8.95 New Zealand

When you order - Remind us of this offer.

LENT REVISITED -

PDF File - View the overview of "Lent Re-Visited" and 1st study
(You will need 'Acrobat Reader' to view this file - It is obtainable free from the Adobe site)
http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html

"Lent Revisited" has been written by the Bishop Bill Ray who is a Bishop with city and country experience. "Lent Revisited" is a series of five studies with a down to earth look at the gospel lectionary readings for year B. It is written from the heart and with a true understanding of the limitations, time restrictions and the concerns parishioners have in making the most of their Lenten journey.

"Lent Revisited" is a fresh look at many old truths. It will be a time to revisit, refocus and redirect when:-
· facing temptation.
· undergoing suffering (or transformation).
· principles are being challenged.
· focusing on belief.
· reflecting on life and death.

Year "B" Gospel readings are used for this study

Click Here to go to the "Extra Material" pages. You will need a special password.

BEING CHRISTIAN IN THE CHURCH

PDF File - View the overview of "Being Christian in the Church" and 1st study
(You will need 'Acrobat Reader' to view this file - It is obtainable free from the Adobe site)
http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html

"Being Christian in the Church - The last book in the 21st Century trilogy." Bishop Andrew's first book called "Being a Christian in the 21st Century" drew such interest that "Being a Christian in a secular world" followed the following year. The incredible response to both books led to the final in the series "Being Christian in the Church"
Bishop Andrew Curnow (Bishop of Bendigo, Victoria) has written a truly challenging follow up for his previous successful studies. "Being Christian in the Church" follows on from the previous user-friendly home studies. One study per week for 5 weeks. Each week deals with the difficulties of being Christian in a church that is often more concerned with bricks and mortar.
The weekly themes for the five part study are:
1. Being an effective member of the Body of Christ.
2. Worship that relates and strengthens us.
3. What is means to be a Healthy Church.
4. Partnership.
5. How to be the Future Church

PLEASE NOTE THE "Bible Reading" OMISSION FROM STUDY 5
It should have read - Matthew 9: 35 - 10:1-14

Material includes:
1. Additional background on teach of the 5 week studies.
2. Stories and illustrations
3. Pewsheet or Newsletter material
4. A going further section for those wishing to go a little deeper regarding the weekly themes.

There is no cost for this additional material provided that you have purchased at least 10 copies of either book. The password will be supplied to you with your order.

If you mislay this, please Email for a new password giving details of your order and the address it was sent to.

BEING A CHRISTIAN IN A SECULAR SOCIETY
We no longer live in a world that can claim to be Christian, even if the population in general, accept some Christian values. In the main, Christians are deemed to be different in the eyes of secular people. Our task as Christians in bringing the faith to a secular world has never been as important as it is today. "Being a Christian in a Secular World" goes part way in dealing with this important issue of the church being seen as relevant in the eyes of secular people today.

"Being a Christian in a Secular World" is written by Bishop Andrew Curnow

The five studies and associated Scripture readings are:
1. Working Together to develop a sense of relevancy - Acts: 18
2. Developing a Vision of what we could do - Acts: 16
3. Sharing our faith in a Contemporary World - Acts: 4
4. Meeting Together and developing Community- Acts: 15
5. Objects of our Worship that relate to a secular world - Acts: 17

BEING A CHRISTIAN IN THE 21st CENTURY
Sadly we live in a world were Christian values are being eroded away daily, and many Christians themselves seem unable to cope with life.
These studies are designed to help Christians express their faith in a way that seems relevant to modern day attitudes.

"Being a Christian in the 21st Century" is a user friendly home study. One study per week for 5 weeks. Each week the following topics are covered, and each has very down to earth and practical ways of making the faith relevant.

1. GOD - Understanding God in our contemporary world
2. BIBLE - An approach to interpreting and understanding scripture in ways that are relevant and meaningful.
3. PRAYER - How to not feel guilty about our prayer life.
4. CHURCH - Images of the church of today and how to be seen as relevant.
5. MISSION IN THE WORLD - Defining the past whilst engaging the future as an emerging church.

This study has been written by Bishop Andrew Curnow, and is ideal for Lent or as an excellent resource for any time of the year, and especially for new Christians.

MY JOURNEY
(pdf format only - $49.50 - print as many copies as you like)
It deals with the topics of Temptation, Conflict, Suffering, Transfiguration and the victory of the cross. This excellent resource in now in its 6th printing.

Wk 1 - Matthew 4: 1-11
Wk 2 - Luke 19: 41 to end
Wk 3 - Matthew 16: 13 to end
Wk 4 - Matthew 17: 1-13
Wk 5 - Mark 10: 32 - 45

LORD! TUNE ME YOUR INSTRUMENT
(pdf format only - $49.50 - print as many copies as you like)
Preparing ourselves for Easter
This book is based on various Matthew & John readings. It concentrates on the way God provides the resources for us to be "tuned" in our Christian journey. Using the Gospel stories, the Lent five studies book covers the way God achieves this in the areas of:-
(a) Accepting the realities of temptation.
(b) Why it is difficult to be a disciple.
(c) Acceptance of people different from ourselves.
(d) How to avoid Christian blindness.
(e) Living a resurrected life in a secular world.
These studies give a down to earth look at how God can help to 'tune' us, if we allow him to.
This resource can be used at any time of the year.

Year "A" Gospel readings are used for this study -

WOOD TO THE WEAVE
A very popular study using the symbols of The Passion. We are very visual people and this study helps to encapture this reality and help people feel involved.

Wk 1 - Obedience & Sacrifice - Genesis 22: 1-19
Wk 2 - Faith to Trust - 1 Samuel 17: 17 - 51
Wk 3 - The Kingdom & the Cross - Matthew 21:1-11, 27:27-38
Wk 4 - Healing and Harvest(Mission) - Luke 10: 1-12, 16-17
Wk 5 - Reconciliation & Unity - Luke 15: 11-24

(SOLD OUT)

CALLED TO CARE - (SOLD OUT)
Fitting Care Groups into a busy lifestyle
A down-to-earth study book looking at how to get started with small groups, together with leader training.

LENT WITH LUKE!
"Lent with Luke" covers the subjects of Temptation, Courage, Judgment, Forgiveness, Anointing and Communion with Jesus.

Year "C" Gospel readings are used for this study

To be consistant with the set readings each week, you would need to reverse weeks 2 & 3

Three Year Lectionary for Sundays in Lent