Bible Reading: Daily Lectionary Texts
Consider using the daily lectionary (cycle of readings) used by Presbyterians for daily Bible reading. It is a twusedo-year cycle that began Year 1 with the first Sunday of Advent 2002. Readings provided each day include a portion of a psalm, an Old Testament reading, and two New Testament readings. The Daily Lectionary readings are included in the Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study.

Book of Confessions Study
Identify one confession to read and study each quarter. After three years you will have completed the entire Book of Confessions. Start at the beginning of the Book of Confessions. The early church creeds are succinct. It won’t take long to read them, but there’s a lot to them.

Reading for Winter 2003—The Nicene Creed
(with introduction)
Contemplate one sentence per week. Commit it to memory. Explore what each statement in the creed means to you and to the church. A topical Book of Confession e-zine study is available on-line.

Book of Order Review: The Church’s Calling and the Responsibilities of Elders and Deacons

• What is an aspect of the church’s calling that you care deeply about? Why?
• What responsibility of the elders or deacons is especially well done in your congregation? How is it fulfilling the church’s calling?
• What aspect of the church’s calling would you like to strengthen in your congregation in the coming year? How might that be accomplished?

Presbyterian Mission: Read the Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study
The 2003 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study can be used as a daily reading practice to pray for and better understand the worldwide mission of the PC(USA). Consider it as well for use at every committee meeting.

Presbyterian Identity: Who Are We Presbyterians
Use the Who Are We Presbyterians video and four-page leaflet as a basic introduction or refresher on Presbyterian identity. It reviews the six Great Ends of the Church and offers a synopsis of the church’s history, theology of mission, governance, funding sources, and priorities. It is available in English, Korean, and Spanish.

The following items were featured in this article and can be ordered from Presbyterian Distribution Service at www.pcusa.org/marketplace, or call toll free, (800) 524-2612:

• The Book of Order and the Book of Confessions, available in English, Spanish, and Korean as well as a variety of formats including study, electronic, large print, and Braille
• Called to Serve: A Workbook for Training Nominating Committees and Church Officers, item #95525
• Who Are We Presbyterians? leaflet, item #70-612-01-950A (English), #70-612-01-951 (Spanish), #70-612-01-952 (Korean)
• Who Are We Presbyterians video, item #70-612-01-770 (English), #70-612-01-772 (Spanish), #70-612-01-773 (Korean)
• The 2003 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, item #70-612-03-450

Watch for continuing study ideas for elders and deacons in each issue of Ideas! magazine. The author, Carl E. Horton, is Coordinator for Church Leader Support. He can be reached at (888) 728-7228, ext. 5453, or by e-mail at chorton@ctr.pcusa.org.