Summer 2004 might someday be remembered as “the summer of mission.” References to the life of the church and Jesus’ call to “go into the world” will abound. In her Teaching Tips for the summer quarter of The Present Word, the Rev. Jean L. Davidson reminds us that the Letter to the Hebrews—the scriptural basis for two-thirds of the units to be studied—was written as a sermon providing early Christians with practical advice on making their faith manifest in the world. In other words, Hebrews is about mission.

The Rev. Davidson suggests that Hebrews will come to life when we hear the stories of faithful Christians around the world today. Among the ways to do this are the following:

• Discuss mission experiences found in the Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study and the Children’s Mission Year Book for Prayer & Study.
• For more examples of curriculum that helps Presbyterians of all ages respond to Christ’s call to go into the world visit We Believe, God's Word for God's People.
• Look up missionary letters online.
• Arrange a phone call from a mission worker. (Use a speaker phone so your whole class can be part of the conversation.)
• Contact the resource center in your presbytery for more mission story resources.
• Invite people in your congregations to talk about their mission interests.

Hold Fast to the Faith by Bob Phelps and Guidelines for the Church’s Ministry by Jim Clinefelter are both included in the summer quarterly. The first study centers on the Letter to the Hebrews and offers encouragement to all Christians. Unit I aids readers in reflecting on fundamental aspects of our relationship with God. Unit II guides us toward a greater knowledge of and appreciation for the resources our faith provides for continuing growth toward God’s plan for us. The second study (Unit III) is presented through the lens of Paul’s Pastoral Letters to his protégés in 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus. This unit provides guidance for living in community with others who share a similar faith journey.

This new summer Bible study provides exciting opportunities to explore parallels between the mission of the early church and today’s church while encouraging opportunities for spiritual reflection. Study groups will be challenged to listen for and discern God’s call to individuals and to practice faithfulness as a community. Use this study of Hebrews and the Pastoral Epistles as a guide to living in the community of faith.

The Present Word’s summer quarter study resource is a fantastic tool for helping us connect the lessons of Scripture with the living, breathing mission of the church today in our congregations and around the world. Let The Present Word encourage and strengthen faithfulness and help cultivate a sense of God-initiated call. Study the history; explore the present; make the connection; live the mission.

Tammy Wiens is an associate for curriculum development, Congregational Ministries Publishing, and editor of The Present Word. She may be reached at (888) 728-7228, ext. 5496, or by e-mail.