[Oe List ...] book studies

[Ellie Stock]

Hi Doris,

It depends on the book...and how long the session is and where it is done.

For mid-week studies where I had 1 1/2 hours:

Set up:  center table decor, wall decor that fits the theme of the study, music (cd) that fit the theme as people entered the room; table of supplementary books/resources that people can borrow during the span of the study.

Usually do:
-a context/intro/overview of whole study; handout--sometimes a chart
-some kind of edge meditation reading or something that complements the chapter; as well as sharing of joys/concerns.
-after the first session: review of previous session/q&a, comments/show and tell re articles that people have read since previous week re the subject
-read sections of the chapter (if that is the format)--ORID questions along the way and at the end
-assignments re reading and any special exercises for the next week
-sometimes a brief reading at the end

have also supplemented text with dvds, articles and songs/cds, speaker or field trip

If the time frame is shorter and/or in a person's home, I just scale it down and adapt.

Examples:

1) Dowd's book:  Thank God for Evolution.  There is a companion cd I played before and after the sessions and also we sang some of the songs as they fit the various chapters.  Decor:  about 30 universe journey pictures (big bang to present) around the room--sometimes we've done a universe journey walk by them or meditated on them as the narrative about them was read.  Center decor related to each chapter.  Had supplementary articles.  Prayers from: Prayers to an Evolutionary God

2) 4 week Session on Evolution/Christian faith:  used dvds re evolution/Charles Darwin.  Also articles from the newsletter of "Presbyterian Association for Science, Technology and the Chritian Faith" and other articles; field trip to the Darwin exhibit at the Science Center.  Prayers: prayer book listed above and Prayers of the Earth

3) 17 week study on Islam after 9/11:  Used various sources:  books, article, including Quran.  Field trip to a Mosque.  Two speakers.  Also, study on world religions--dvds and articles or excerpts from books.  Did a 11 x 17 summary sheet for each religion as a handout.  Prayers:  from each tradition as well as some Sufi readings.  Music from various traditions.

4) Philip Newell:  Listening to the Heartbeat of God; Prayers: Celtic prayers and prayers from Philip's book Celtic Benediction

5) Just Eating:  workbook and questions at the end of each session, supplemented by ORID questions along the way.  Had a fresh organic food fiesta for the last session.

Each study is different.  And a one-time book discussion is basically overview of book and ORID qtns.

I still have a number of the books mentioned in my previous email, some duplicates, if anyone is interested in borrowing.

Ellie Stock
elliestock at aol.com 









-----Original Message-----
From: Doris Hahn <dshahn31 at gmail.com>
To: oe <oe at wedgeblade.net>
Sent: Wed, Feb 22, 2012 8:22 pm
Subject: [Oe List ...] (no subject)


Our church is having a series of small group study sessions on various books.

Question for those of you answered Priscilla's book question or anyone who has engaged in church study groups of late: What is the most effective study method you have used? I would appreciate hearing from any of you.

Thanks much and a blessed Lenten season,

Doris Hahn


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