The Story at the Keizer Church of Christ

September 14 – December 7, 2014 & January 4 – May 5, 2015

This year our congregational life will be coordinated following the structure of The Story, a 31 week program to engage the whole message of the Bible as a church community. The goals are to heighten biblical literacy, foster unity, and encourage cross-generational engagement with the Bible.  This fact sheet summarizes how we are using The Story across the ministries of the Keizer Church of Christ.    At the heart of this endeavor is weekly congregational reading of the same portion of scripture, utilizing the unique structure of The Story.  The schedule is designed with the idea that all readings for the week will be completed before the Sunday assembly.  The basic design is READ during the week, REINFORCE during Sunday assembly, and REVIEW in the small group setting.

The Home

Family Worship.  During the week each family unit reads The Story together using an age-appropriate format.

Children’s Education

Sunday Morning Children’s Classes.  The children’s curriculum (including middle school and High School) will follow The Story on Sunday mornings, beginning September 14.

Wednesday Evening Children’s Classes.  During September, Wednesday Night Word Warriors (WWOW) will reinforce the lesson from The Story.  Beginning in October, Wednesday night children’s classes will involve practice for the Christmas play.  WWOW will resume The Story on January 4.

Adult Education

Sunday Mornings.  The Fall Auditorium class will follow The Story in a manner that avoids overlap with the focus of the sermon.  After the Christmas break this class will move to the fellowship hall and employ a more conversational teaching style.

Sunday Worship

Visual Recap.  Prior to the sermon we will watch a short video that uses art to recap the readings for the week.

Sermon.  The Sunday sermon will follow The Story sequence, building upon the weekly readings.  Emphasis will be upon the Upper Story message from the readings.

Junior Worship.  Junior Worship will follow the Story sequence, emphasizing hands on learning.

Life Groups

For the first part of the year Life Groups will be the main setting in which the Church reviews The Story.  Emphasis will be upon application and sharing what was learned through the readings.   Beginning in January individual Life Groups may choose to continue with The Story or utilize another approach.