Messenger July 2008 Page 1

It all began two years ago at Jody Batten's house. Jody had agreed to lead one of the many "Serving from the Heart" small groups taking place that fall. I had agreed to visit all of the small groups at their various locations.

The small group members I met, many of whom are pictured with me below at Dino's Restaurant, were mainly women I knew in name only. Other than greeting each other at worship on Sunday mornings, many of our paths hadn't truly, meaningfully crossed. I wanted to know them better, but hadn't traveled in the same circles.

At Jody's house that day I was so pleased when they asked if I would consider leading them in a women's Bible study. "Absolutely" I said, eager to have the chance to spend more time sharing with them. "None of that touchy-feely stuff though" one of the women cautioned after I agreed. "We want some real, hard, serious Bible study."

Almost two years of Monday morning Bible studies later, we have experienced a wide range of lessons, activities and emotions. We spent the first year on the Gospel of John and the second year on the Gospel of Luke. Study has been "real" and sometimes "hard" and sometimes even "serious." With some touchy-feely stuff thrown in as life events have occurred!

I look forward to a third year with these wonderful women. I belong to this small group of diverse women because we laugh together, question our faith together, and learn the Bible together. We are a small band of twenty-first century disciples! The Spirit of God blows in the parlor on Monday mornings, and it has changed me for the better.