"Call Us Anew" Bible study series

How Then Shall We Live: a study of the Sermon on the Mount
Joy for the Journey: a study of Philippians
(Or go to our new Bible studies on life essentials: Bread to Strengthen the Heart and Secure in God's House)

How Then Shall We Live?
explores the Sermon on the Mount

It was the text most cherished by the early Anabaptists and remains vitally relevant to Christians today. And as familiar as Matthew 5-7 may be to you, you’ll find surprising new insights into Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount in this uplifting Bible study.

In How Then Shall We Live? author Linda Gehman Peachey describes the historical setting in which Jesus’ words originally were heard, showing what a radical message of hope they were in a time of oppression and hardship. As the fulfillment of the law given to Moses, Jesus challenged the old ways of thinking and called believers–as he calls us today–to a new level of faithfulness.

This, the first part of our “Call Us Anew” Bible study series, is well suited for small group or Sunday school settings. For women desiring to study on their own, How Then Shall We Live? offers guidance for meditation and prayer, using symbols and simple rituals drawn from the lessons.

A new feature of this study guide is a section of 10-minute devotionals based on the Bible study lessons, for women’s groups seeking short meditations. Each begins with an attention-grabbing activity or sharing topic and concludes with prayer.

Linda Peachey is a case manager and facilitator with the Lancaster (Pa.) Area Victim Offender Reconciliation Program. Previously, she and her husband, Titus, co-directed MCC U.S. Peace and Justice Ministries. They co-edited Seeking Peace (Good Books, 1991), a collection of 70 true stories of Mennonite peacemakers from around the world.

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Study of Philippians offers joy for the journey

“Rejoice in the Lord always!” It seems like an impossible claim in difficult days, but a life of joy in Christ is actually possible, a reality that is in our reach.

Find out how in Joy for the Journey, a study of the book of Philippians. Written by Anita Janzen of Hanover, Ont., this second part of our “Call Us Anew” series calls us to joy and faithfulness even in the midst of struggle. While not ignoring the broken aspects of human relationships, the epistle is full of tenderness and affection, a wonderfully encouraging testimony to us today.

The study guide also includes 10-minute devotionals for group use (here’s a sample devotional; all 10 devotionals are available on-line in Spanish).

Joy for the Journey also offers guidance for private journaling and meditation, with a special emphasis on  breath prayers that use the scripture passage of each lesson.

Pastor of Hanover Mennonite Church, Anita Janzen’s first career was in medical technology. She shares a number of stories from her work in Congo/Zaire, where she taught in a mission hospital.

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To order:
    U.S. residents: Order study guides by sending checks (made out to Mennonite Women USA) for $5 U.S. per copy to the MW USA office.
    Canadian residents: Order guides directly from the Canadian Mennonite Resource Centre; cost (which will be billed) is $6 Cdn. plus postage and GST.  E-mail your order or call toll free: (866) 888-6785.

Please specify which study guide you wish to receive.

These Bible studies are produced through the partnership of Canadian Women in Mission and Mennonite Women USA.