


To us, studying the Bible is vital because it not only instructs us intellectually, but also guides us spiritually. We believe it an accept it as God's Word to us, a Book that is alive and relevant to life today. Learning its truths is a thrilling adventure.
Wednesday Bible Study on James:
Study the Book challenged by Martin Luther
The Letter of James will be the focus of the Bible study led by Pastor Margaret, each Wednesday morning at 10:00 a.m. While Martin Luther questions its status in the New Testament canon, this letter has remained. We’ll learn why Luther challenged it and learn from its wisdom. And as we study we will practice one or more of the Book of Faith practices for reading the Bible. The coffee will be on. All are welcome.
More information about the St. John's Bible
The St. John’s Bible, the first hand-written Bible since the advent of the printing press in the fifteenth century, traveled to St. Matt's on Sunday, November 22 where it was used in three Sunday morning worship services.
Photos of the St. John's Bible at St. Matt's are [here].
The on-going project to revive the ancient Benedictine tradition of bible making was first launched in 1998 by St. John’s Abbey and University in Collegeville, Minnesota. Donald Jackson, a renowned calligrapher, was commissioned to produce this work of religious art. Since that time calligraphers and illuminators from around the world have been working in conjunction with Jackson to create a masterpiece that weaves the traditional New Revised Standard Version of the bible together with images from the modern world including the Twin Towers.
Great care has been taken to assure that the tools, materials, and techniques used to craft this magnificent bible maintain historical accuracy. The Bible’s pages are made of calfskin vellum that have been soaked in lime, dried, scraped and sanded smooth. Script has been written using hand-cut goose, turkey, and swan quill pens that have been dipped in black ink from nineteenth-century Chinese ink sticks that have been ground in an ink stone with distilled water.
“I am awe struck by the beauty of the St. John’s Bible pages, the relevance of the illuminations for today and the care with which they are displayed”, said Pastor Margaret Schoewe. “Clearly this Bible is meant to reach out to people today to bring the Word of God in ways that enliven and inspire life. I hope many people will take time to come to see this beautiful work of art and be inspired by it's messages”.
A full size copy of the Gospels and Acts, measuring 2 feet by 3 feet when fully opened, was used during the worship services on Sunday, Nov. 22. The Bible was also on display for all to see during the Education Hour and after the conclusion of the 11:00 a.m. service.
The St. John's Bible website has more information about the project and an interactive presentation of some of the Bible's pages. The St. John's Bible website is [here].
Photos of the St. John's Bible at St. Matt's
On Nov. 22, the St. John's Bible was at St. Matthew's for viewing. It was also used in worship that day. Some photos of the Bible at St. Matt's are below.
(Click image to enlarge)
Story Bibles available for preschoolers
“Place in their hands the Holy Scriptures” --
As parents, we promise at our children’s baptisms to place in their hands the holy scriptures. Starting this fall, we are also making it easier for parents to place the scriptures in the hands of our youngest Sunday School students. The Spark Story Bible (published by Augsburg Fortress) will be available at cost for families interested in owning a good quality picture bible for young children. Bibles can be purchased for $15 at the info center or from Sunday School teachers of the 3 and 4-year-old classes. To purchase from through the teachers, please pay by check, made out to St. Matthew’s.
Ongoing Bible Study Opportunities
Men: Sunday morning Bible study
This small group meets during the Education
Hour. No prior Bible study experience is
required. Come dig into the word and get
acquainted with other men of St. Matthew’s.
Contact: Church Office
Monday morning Bible study
This group meets every Monday from 6:30-7:30 a.m., except July. Jump-start your week by
studying God’s Word and how it applies to your
life. Members take turns facilitating discussion.
Contact: Conor Williams (414-443-0735)
Women: Friday morning Bible study
Study of God’s word that will challenge you and help you grow in your relationship with the
Lord. Time for fellowship and a focus on reaching out to other women in the community.
Contact: Sue Swing
The Book of Faith is an ELCA initiative for us to become more fluent in the first language of faith, the Word of God in the Bible. The program will begin in September of 2010. We all look forward to building a strong initiative for the Book of Faith for St. Matthew’s, our own unique setting in ministry.
More information about the Book of Faith initiative at St. Matt's is [here].