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Zoom Meetings and Virtual Coffee Hour  

​As we live into the current reality of being physically apart, we seek new ways to be together.  BHUMC has an online meeting tool called: ZOOM.   Zoom allows us to hear one another, and (if your phone or computer is camera-equipped) to see one another. Explorers, Seekers, Pub Explorations, Early Birds,  staff and others are already meeting by Zoom.
 If you have questions about any of these studies/discussions, or would like to receive the Zoom link so you can participate, please call or email one of the pastors, or Cindy in the main office (518-399-5144).


Come and chat:
Every Sunday at 11 AM, we will have an informal "Coffee Hour".  One or both pastors will be present each time, and all are welcome to gather. 

 
Also happening: 
This at-home time is a great opportunity to deepen our understanding of scripture, and of what it means to follow Jesus.  Disciples are always learning…

 Explorers Bible Study
On Wednesdays, from 9:30-10:30 AM.    Explorers started a new series that began on December 2 and will go until, roughly,
​late spring.  Anyone with an interest is invited to join the group as we begin "Jesus and His Jewish Influences," presented by Dr. Jodi Magness.  This study will look at "the roots of Jesus’ actions and teachings within the traditions of early Judaism."  Approaching the topic "from a historical, rather than scriptural, perspective; one rooted in ancient texts and archaeological discoveries."
If you are interested in attending, please contact Pastor Doug for an invitation to the Zoom space.

​Each Explorers session includes a bit of fellowship, a video of an educational session led by a biblical scholar, and time to discuss what we hear in the video, what we may have learned, how it might apply in our lives or understanding of Scripture and/or Biblical context.  Each Explorers session is a stand-alone unit, so feel free to attend whenever you can, but do not worry about missing other sessions.

Pub Explorations  is also on Wednesdays, in the evening. Contact Pastor Doug for more information.

Lenten Study - The Grace of Les Misérables
BHUMC is planning a Lenten study for this year focused around Matte Rawle’s newest study, “The Grace of Les Misérables,” and an associated series of short videos. This study examines the epic story created by Victor Hugo in his powerful book, Les Misérables. Whether one has read this novel or seen any of the screen adaptations, you are likely to recognize that Hugo addressed the ideals of grace, justice, poverty, revolution, love and hope in his work. In this study, Rawle focuses on the intersection of the church with “Pop Culture” by examining the parallels between the themes of Hugo’s work and our Christian calling as a way to consider our faith and to live it out in the world.
The study will last for six sessions, meeting via Zoom, on Wednesday evenings at 7 pm.
                                                            (Feb. 24, March 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31) 
Each session will provide an opportunity to review the reading for that week (for those who choose to), view the short video on each chapter, and engage in discussion and learning about the themes covered. If you are interested in taking part in this study, please contact Pastor Doug or the church office and let us know if you would like to purchase the book (currently $9 on Cokesbury – a bit more on Amazon) and take part in the Zoom sessions.

​6 Weekly Sessions:
2/24 - Session 1: Grace Well Received: The Story of Jean Valjean
3/3   - Session 2: When Grace and Justice Collide: The Story of Javert
3/10 - Session 3: The Poor Are Always with You: The Story of Fantine
3/17 - Session 4: The Gift of Love: The Story of Marius and Cosette
3/24 - Session 5: Building the Barricade: The Story of Les Amis
3/31 - Session 6: The Blessed Garden: A Hopeful Vision

Seekers, the women's Bible/Book Study, meets on Thursdays from 9-10 AM.  They are currently finishing up "The Very Good Gospel," and will be starting "The Book of Joy,"  by the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, on January 28. Contact the office if you would like a book, and Pastor Holly for the Zoom link.

The Early Birds     
The study meets on Zoom, at 9:30 AM Fridays. The next discussion will be a Lenten-themed study and begins on February 19:
"John, the Gospel of Light and Life."  The Zoom link and instructions will be available from Pastor Holly.