The Present Word continues to be one of the most popular curricula for adults seeking a meditative and reflective Bible study with practical applications for their lives and relationships. Based on the Cooperative Uniform Lesson Series, The Present Word carries on the legacy of Bible Discovery with relevant, stimulating explorations of Scripture and the answers it provides for the issues we face today.

Many adults face the deterioration of their eyesight. Loss of vision too often casts people in the role of follower. Without the proper resources they may find it difficult to fulfill their call as Christians. The sudden, unfortunate closing of the John Milton Society in December 2002 meant immediate steps needed to be taken to assure the continuation of Braille and books-on-tape services to users of The Present Word. Thanks to money provided by the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s Operation Dignity; Gary Bain; Preparation of Religious Educational Materials Especially for the Blind; Program Development; and Alternative Format Funds, Congregational Ministries Publishing was able to absorb the responsibility for addressing these needs.

Both Braille and audiocassette versions of the Leader’s Guide and Student’s Book are available each quarter at no cost. The cassette does require a special playback unit made available to the blind and visually impaired by the Library of Congress and its nationwide network of 135 cooperating libraries. Those interested in obtaining one of these units may contact the Library of Congress reference desk directly at (800) 424-8567 or go on line to www.loc.gov/nls. To receive The Present Word free of charge on cassette or in Braille contact Lily Osuamkpe, Congregational Ministries Publishing, at (888) 728-7228, ext. 5152, send her an e-mail. A large-print edition of the Student’s Book is also available for $3.40 per quarter.

This spring quarter of The Present Word deals with the passion narratives in the Gospels. Participants will identify the meaning of Jesus’ death and resurrection according to interpretation of the evangelists. The discussion around these narratives provides clues to the meaning of life and death, power and weakness, love and hate. The last seven sessions explore selected passages from 1 and 2 Thessalonians and Revelation. The themes of expectation and endurance, Christian hope, and resurrection will be discussed in the context of living the Christian life. For more information about future quarters of The Present Word go to www.pcusa.org/presentword.

You may be using The Present Word curriculum in your adult Sunday school class, but you may not realize that there is a companion piece that is designed to open the meeting time with prayer and singing. The Worship Leaflets follow the same Cooperative Uniform Lessons Series as the Student’s Book and Leader’s Guide, and they are designed to complement the discussion participants will have around these lessons.

The Worship Leaflets offer a unique liturgy built around that week’s Bible lesson. On one side of the leaflet, the Scripture lesson is printed with some questions for reflection. On the opposite side is a liturgy (see sample on next page) that may be used wholly or in part to open your Sunday school time.

Look for these upcoming issues of The Present Word. Remember to order the Student’s Book, the Leader’s Guide, and the Worship Leaflets.

Hold Fast to the Faith and Guidelines for the Church’s Ministry
The book of Hebrews is the focal point of the summer quarter. The original audience of Hebrews was a group of believers struggling to remain steadfast in their faith. Hebrews gives a compelling picture of Jesus as the full revelation of God. The ministry of our God-appointed high priest is available to all who will believe. The closing unit of the quarter turns attention to 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus. These lessons consider the guidelines for the selection and nurture of church leaders.

Unit 1: Encouraged to Be Faithful
Unit 2: Strength to Be Faithful
Unit 3: The Church’s Ministry

Fall Quarter 2004
(written by Dr. Eugene March)

The God of Continuing Creation
The fall quarter surveys the Old and New Testaments with a focus on the theme of creation. Each of the three units celebrates God’s creation of human beings who live in relationship to their Creator. Unit 1 studies God’s creation of a people set apart for a purpose; Unit 2 considers God’s ongoing acts of re-creation within the community of faith; and Unit 3 explores the new creation God offers in Jesus Christ.

Unit I: Created for a Purpose
Unit II: God’s Creativity Continues
Unit III: A New Creation

Winter 2004–2005
(written by Kay Huggins)

Called to Be God’s People
Like the fall quarter, the winter quarter is a survey of Old and New Testaments, but the emphasis of this quarter is on the theme of call. The sessions look at the various ways God calls the community of faith to live out the purpose for which we were created.

Unit I: God Calls a People
Unit II: The Call of Jesus and His Followers