PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN of First Presbyterian Church Birmingham Michigan

Dear Ladies,

As I listened to Pastor John talk with the Third Wednesday Bible Study participants, it occurred to me that it might be helpful for those of you who missed this month's study discussion to have a brief synopsis. And there are also a few Rummage-Sale-related announcements and requests, another request for participants in the newly formed Funeral Reception team, plus a couple of other reminders of upcoming deadlines.

Many Blessings!
Charlotte

Highlights of the Joshua Bible Study
The Joshua Bible Study promises to be a challenge. Pastor Amy says that in seminary, it was her least favorite book in the Bible. I took the challenge issued by author Mary Mikhael to read the whole book of Joshua. Amy has a point: page after page of cities and inhabitants being slaughtered, followed by more pages with detailed descriptions of the boundaries of the lands given to the various tribes. Yawn!

But here and there, and interesting story - like the one about a small town that decided they did not want to be slaughtered, so they dressed in rags, pretending to be poor and weary travelers that have come from a far country. They convinced the Israelites to accept them as servants. Later the Israelites discovered the trick, but it was too late: they had PROMISED to protect these people and could not renege on a promise.

The first lesson in our study asked us to look at the God of Joshua and to compare that view of God with our own understandings of our God. We were disturbed by the vision of a God who would decree the complete destruction of cities and the slaughter of all inhabitants. But as we read the study and talked about it we discovered some new ways of seeing:

1. The Book of Joshua, just like the Gospels, has a purpose: written some 600 years after the events, it was written to explain why God had allowed the Israelites to be carried off to Babylon as captives, which is most likely where they were when the Book of Joshua was created.
2. Not everything described in the Book of Joshua actually happened as described. There is clear indication that the Israelites did NOT completely annihilate the inhabitants of Canaan - they actually did live among them and intermarry with them. And there is no archaeological evidence that the walls of Jericho collapsed. That actually may have happened to another city, though. But it is clear from archaeological evidence that there was a major movement of people into the region in about 1250 BCE, as well as mention on an Egyptian stele of a people called Israelites.
3. We were stuck by the clear and repeated call in the book of Joshua to trust in God:
   Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. [Joshua 1:9b]
4. God is holy and just and faithful, then as now.

The study guide includes a brief but fascinating history of the Middle East, as well as explanations of the current political realities and conflicts. Study guides are available through your circle leader, or call Joyce Kapphahn. They can also be ordered online at http://www.pcusa.org/horizons/bible.htm (ignore the fine print). We also have the study on audio CD - that's free. Let me or Joyce know if you would like a copy.

If you missed the Bible Study this month, be sure to join us next month, either on Wednesday morning, or on Thursday at noon with Martha Circle, or on Tuesday Evening with Esther Circle.

Reminders

Rummage Sale Update

Help Wanted: Kitchen, Boys and Girls, Toys, Linens

Call or email me and let me know if you would like to help with any of these departments - other departments may still need some help during the sale days. And Clean-up help is always greatly appreciated.

We also really need a team of people who like to sit around! It is helpful for our shoppers to have people who are not rushing around, people who can answer a question, or provide directions. If you have some time Wednesday (between 11AM and 4 PM) and/or Thursday (9AM to 11AM) to come and sit near one of the doors to help people find their way around, call or email me (646-8078, cfischer50@gmail.com)

More information about the rummage sale (dates and times, items we do not accept) can be found here: http://pw.fpcbirmingham.org/rummage-sales

Rummage Sale Cookies

Bake a batch of cookies and deliver them to Calvin Kitchen the weekend before the Rummage Sale. The Kitchen crew will sell them for a small price. YUM!

Funeral Receptions

We are still working on gathering a list of servers, bakers, and other support (like help with phoning). Please take a moment and fill out this simple online form or call or email me (646-8078, cfischer50@gmail.com).

Weight Watchers Group Forming

Wednesday Mornings, beginning as soon as the requisite 15 people have signed up (12 week commitment). Talk to Janet Munson (338-9869, jimemunson@comcast.net).

Honorary Memberships

A wonderful way to honor someone (who does not need to be a member of PW, or even a woman) for their dedication and service to our church. Presbyterian Women makes a donation to Presbyterian Women leadership training costs, support of leadership development events for women, and assistance training leaders for mission interpretation and support. Forms are in the main office, or online at http://pw.fpcbirmingham.org/honorary-memberships. Deadline September 30.

Opportunity Giving

After the Fall Rummage Sale, we will have a good idea of how much money is available for Opportunity Giving Grant Requests. Grant Requests are due October 11. If you know of a worthy organization, please have them apply. More information and forms are available in the main office or here: http://pw.fpcbirmingham.org/opportunity-giving

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