December 14, 2016
Dear members and friends in Christ,
We’re coming up on the 4th Sunday of Advent and as we prepare for Christmas it’s important that we remember to take the time to abide in Christ (Jn 15:4) through meditation and prayer as well as to share the Gospel message with those we love. Jesus shared those words of wisdom with his disciples on Maundy Thursday in his last hours. As we linger in the last days of Advent may His “joy may remain in you, and your joy may be made full.” (Jn 15:11 | Section 150a) as you abide in Him, carry out His will and your calling in ministry.
HBR NEWS & UPDATES
2016 has been an encouraging and fruitful year.
Among the blessings are:
- ☑ New members and ministry leaders registering with us in the last few months
- ☑ A partnership with BibleVR and FaithX
- ☑ More than 100 Study Guides and Podcasts now available
- ☑ 10 additional resources
- ☑ The Gospel Lectionary
- ☑ and many folks connecting via Facebook and Twitter
More about our Vision:
Our enduring vision for this cooperative ministry is that we create it together and that all our resources remain free under a creative commons license. We want to reach more folks helping them have a joyful and abundant life in Christ!
In 2017 we’ll complete our the 3.5 year study through the Harmony of the Gospels; continue publishing the Gospel Lectionary; complete the Bible Timeline. With your help we’ll take on three new initiatives: 24/7 Web radio station (multilingual and ecumenical); YoungLife Leader Series (Club and Campaigners); Narrative Lectionary (an alternative to the RCL).
Use this webform or post a comment with any projects which you’d like to champion or other requests that you think will help small group leaders and folks disciple others.
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You Can Help Harmony Bible:
While our current annual operating budget is just $2,000 the radio station will cost about $35,000 to get started. After that time it has the potential to become self-supporting and cover future operational expenses.
Before the end of 2016 we should be registered as an “integrated auxiliary” of FaithX which will allow you to make a tax-deductible donation to Harmony Bible. The other two initiatives require more team members but have no added overhead cost.
As a Coop we hope that you will offer your gifts and skills to help strengthen this ministry. Techy skills are needed, scholarly and pastoral commentary is needed, and if nothing else – you can simply share our posts with your friends, small group and church members. We would also welcome the help of more clergy on a weekly or casual basis. If you’d like your pastor to help us or you’d like to chip-in send me an email or have them fill our standard registration form.
| Did you see the news about BibleVR?
This will make a great gift for your pastor, student and those who have wanted to travel to the Holy Land. We have so very few expenses but every person subscribing to BibleVR who uses our Promo Code #NA103 will help us pay the overhead and God willing help us to fund the ongoing costs of hosting a 24/7 web radio station. Subscribe here. Pastors, Youth Pastors and Missionaries can get a free subscription if they also register with us here. Download the app for iOS or Android. |
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The Gospel Lectionary:
Earlier this year I received a call from a friend in NY. He told me that he really liked our study through the Harmony of the Gospels but rather than follow our chronological study he wanted to lead members of his church through the Gospel Lectionary readings from the Revised Common Lectionary. As we begin Year A Fr. Rob Eaton has begun contributing Parsing the Collect – a weekly devotional he sends to members of The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd in Hemet, CA. We’re now including a hyperlink to his devotional in each post in the series. This is a great resource to use during a Sunday morning Sunday School class, for the Youth or for a midweek Bible Study.
This Advent may your days be filled with Hope, Love, Joy and Peace.
Greg Troxell, Founder
Lake Nona – Orlando, FL
www.harmony.bible | info@harmony.bible
Jesus’ promise to the Church is that the gates and powers of hell itself will not overcome her (Mt 16:18 Msg). Yet it seems that many have lost heart and thought less of her glorious calling, and posture. Individually and so corporately, though not overcome, the Church often feels bereft, as member after member is bamboozled into thinking they are sackless to the temporal snares and spiritual powers at work around us.
