Christian Education and Faith Formation
- Inter-generational Sunday School 9am Sundays
- Children's Sunday School During 10:30am Service
- Faith, Fun and Fellowship (FFF)- Wednesday after school
- Confirmation (6-8th) Contact Pastor Drew for info
On Sunday mornings at 9am we cover a variety of topics. Soon we will study The Hammer of God: A Novel about the Cure of Souls by Bo Giertz was first published in 1941 in Swedish as Stengrunden ("The Stone Foundation"). It has been translated into English in 1960, 1973 and 2005. The English-language title derives from the first part of the book, Herrens hammare ("The Hammer of the Lord").
Pastor Drew put it this way: "As I entered the ministry I had an unforgettable Pastor who led a Bible study about the book “The Hammer of God” written by Bo Giertz; Pastor Jack claimed that it was essential for every Lutheran to read. I should have had my eyes and ears wide open at that time because I was just entering the ministry. In the past I had assisted some with a youth group in Minneapolis, but then, suddenly, I was responsible for the whole program, being the new youth director. A couple of retired pastors in the congregation latched on. They wanted to make sure that I was hearing my call clearly by recommending the right reading and filling my library with the vitals.
If I were paying better attention, then perhaps I would have seen the ordained time of this reading was during my trial by fire into ministry. At the first parish I served I was exposed to the harsh reality of the world quickly and I wondered if I had the stomach or nerve for any of this Jesus stuff. Really, that is where the book by Giertz starts. In the book, there is a celebration occurring, but a young pastor is sent out to visit the bereaved and dying. The journey is going to be exhausting. The whole party knows it, but there is a distinct reason they sent him. Yet, that is only the start of where Giertz takes the reader. The whole book is split into three novellas that journey into the life, faith, and struggles of believers. It teaches ministers and leaders what matters in their vocation while approaching the Lutheran doctrine and tradition in an understandable manner. You will be confronted with the wisdom of critical storytelling in a fictional setting. So, we are joining together during our bible study on Sunday mornings to examine what many consider a classical reading, especially in Lutheran circles.
If you are interested in this book and study please contact me so that we can order you a book. Immanuel asks that participants contribute $10 for materials and that you commit to the class soon. Books will be ordered on February 15th and the class will commence when the books arrive. If you have questions about the Bible study or book please feel free to contact me or stop into the office. You will find me there, or close by, Monday through Thursday from 9-4. If I am not there feel free to call/text my cell phone (406) 450-0078 or email me at dsnbygrace@gmail.com. In the meantime we are meeting for Bible study every Sunday at 9:00 a.m. and using the lectionary readings to have wonderful discussions. If there are any classes or groups you may be interested in starting please bring those ideas in. There has been a murmuring of a children’s choir I hope to see come to fruition.
Finally, I will leave you with maybe my favorite quote from The Hammer of God’s second novella. Here a young pastor has noticed something he finds peculiar about his senior. His preaching is distinct and different. He does not tell stories about himself and so the junior asks him about his approach, thinking the tip might help the congregation pay attention to his preaching. The senior pastor answers with wisdom saying, “One ought not talk about oneself, it may hide Jesus from view.” This is where Bo Giertz is grounded and my hope is that all those who join us at Immanuel may have this revealed again to them through this study, our worship, and every piece of our congregation’s service to our neighbors and each other."
Pastor Drew put it this way: "As I entered the ministry I had an unforgettable Pastor who led a Bible study about the book “The Hammer of God” written by Bo Giertz; Pastor Jack claimed that it was essential for every Lutheran to read. I should have had my eyes and ears wide open at that time because I was just entering the ministry. In the past I had assisted some with a youth group in Minneapolis, but then, suddenly, I was responsible for the whole program, being the new youth director. A couple of retired pastors in the congregation latched on. They wanted to make sure that I was hearing my call clearly by recommending the right reading and filling my library with the vitals.
If I were paying better attention, then perhaps I would have seen the ordained time of this reading was during my trial by fire into ministry. At the first parish I served I was exposed to the harsh reality of the world quickly and I wondered if I had the stomach or nerve for any of this Jesus stuff. Really, that is where the book by Giertz starts. In the book, there is a celebration occurring, but a young pastor is sent out to visit the bereaved and dying. The journey is going to be exhausting. The whole party knows it, but there is a distinct reason they sent him. Yet, that is only the start of where Giertz takes the reader. The whole book is split into three novellas that journey into the life, faith, and struggles of believers. It teaches ministers and leaders what matters in their vocation while approaching the Lutheran doctrine and tradition in an understandable manner. You will be confronted with the wisdom of critical storytelling in a fictional setting. So, we are joining together during our bible study on Sunday mornings to examine what many consider a classical reading, especially in Lutheran circles.
If you are interested in this book and study please contact me so that we can order you a book. Immanuel asks that participants contribute $10 for materials and that you commit to the class soon. Books will be ordered on February 15th and the class will commence when the books arrive. If you have questions about the Bible study or book please feel free to contact me or stop into the office. You will find me there, or close by, Monday through Thursday from 9-4. If I am not there feel free to call/text my cell phone (406) 450-0078 or email me at dsnbygrace@gmail.com. In the meantime we are meeting for Bible study every Sunday at 9:00 a.m. and using the lectionary readings to have wonderful discussions. If there are any classes or groups you may be interested in starting please bring those ideas in. There has been a murmuring of a children’s choir I hope to see come to fruition.
Finally, I will leave you with maybe my favorite quote from The Hammer of God’s second novella. Here a young pastor has noticed something he finds peculiar about his senior. His preaching is distinct and different. He does not tell stories about himself and so the junior asks him about his approach, thinking the tip might help the congregation pay attention to his preaching. The senior pastor answers with wisdom saying, “One ought not talk about oneself, it may hide Jesus from view.” This is where Bo Giertz is grounded and my hope is that all those who join us at Immanuel may have this revealed again to them through this study, our worship, and every piece of our congregation’s service to our neighbors and each other."
