Hi All,

The AG leadership team has been working hard to make AG a success. As a team, we wanted to fill you in on what the next AG meeting would look like, when we start the Book of James. First, as a team, we put a standard operating schedule together so that the night runs smoothly and with purpose. Second, we discussed what specifically the format of the study should look like so that facilitators know what to expect.

First the schedule - It is not hard and fast, but should be a good guideline. We will see how it works and make adjustments as needed.

5:00 - Evening Starts
5:05 - Prayer
5:05-5:45 - Eating and Talking
5:45-6:05 - Meet as Group, Group Icebreaker, Facilitator gives 5-10 minute overview of what is being studied that night
6:05-6:45 - Break into groups of 5-8 and discuss questions provided earlier in the week by the facilitator.
6:45-7:00 - Reconvene as a group under guidance of Facilitator
7:00-7-15 - Announcements and Prayer Requests
7:15 - Evening ends

Second - Format of the Study
We have 5 meetings to cover the 5 Chapters of James. In addition to the text itself, the AG leadership team has purchased 25 study guides to be handed out. Couples can share. You will receive these on Saturday. The study guide is from Tyndale, and is titled "James (Life Application Bible Studies:NIV). This study guide is intended to help our study of James. It provides the text of the book, background information, commentary, as well as suggested study questions for small groups. This guide should be seen as a resource by all, but especially for facilitators. It is our hope that with this added resource, that more people would be comfortable facilitating the study.

One last note and challenge: The Book of James was probably written as a circular letter. It would be carried from congregation to congregation where it would be read aloud in its entirety. I would urge you to read the whole book of James aloud this week. This is the way it was intended to be read and understood. Do it with a friend, or by yourself. Korin and I did it and it took 15min 38sec to do. It is a great way to spend 15min and 38sec. Doing this will prepare all of us to hear and discuss the book of James, Chapter 1 this Saturday.

As always, the meeting is at the Medrow’s at 5:00pm.

http://maps.google.com/?q=181+3rd+St,+Fair+Haven,+NJ+07704&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=35.631106,82.265625&ie=UTF8&z=16&ll=40.36064,-74.035921&spn=0.008371,0.027122&om=1&iwloc=addr

See you soon

Matt

posted by Matt Oliver  # 6:42 PM