Words that Become Flesh

Usually, you hear about preachers waxing semi-eloquently about "the Word made flesh"...

In the beginning was the Word (Jesus), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. IN him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. (John 1:1-5)

But Henri Nouwen flips that around and writes of "words that become flesh."

Words are important. Without them our actions lose meaning. And without meaning we cannot live. Words can offer perspective, insight, understanding and vision. Words can bring consolation, comfort, encouragement, and hope. Words can take away fear, isolation, shame, and guilt. Words can reconcile, unite, forgive, and heal. Words can bring peace and joy, inner freedom and deep gratitude. Words, in short, can carry love on their wings. A word of love can be one of the greatest acts of love. That is because when our words become flesh in our own lives and the lives of others, we can change the world. 

Jesus is the word made flesh. In him speaking and acting were one. (Bread for the Journey, June 22)

As we prepare to read through "The Story," we believe it's of utmost importance that our reading doesn't remain just that--simply reading the words assigned to us that day ... and then putting them aside until next time.

We want this adventure with "The Story" to be words made flesh for you--for what you are reading to affect the way you are living! We need WORDS and ACTIONS for faithful living and obedience to Christ. 

To help you with this, each Monday morning, a set of questions will be posted. These will be divided into three parts:

1. "Checking Your Comprehension" Are you REALLY paying attention as you read? Are you getting the gist of the content of the chapter? 
2. "Digging Deeper" This section will contain a couple of questions that go beyond content to really struggling with an idea or question or suggestion. More than just yes or no answers, these answers are meant to stretch your brain and your heart a bit. Here's where your flesh will become words. 
3. "Personal Action"  Here's where your words will become flesh. Each post includes a suggested action for you to take at some point that week.  

You are welcome to answer any of these questions in the comments under each post. (You are also welcome to post any QUESTIONS you may have!) In particular, we'd love to hear your thoughts on the "Digging Deeper" questions as well as if you attempt the "Personal Action" for the week. (Tina and Allison will be monitoring these comments and will respond as they are able.) 

And YOU are welcome to respond to someone else's comment if you would like. We do ask that because we want this to be a safe place to share our fears and questions (and perhaps even doubts), please be gentle with your words when you are addressing someone else. 

These posts will be identified by the title "Chapter ___: Questions." If you don't get to the post on Monday morning and can't find it, check the blog archive on the right hand sidebar of the blog. You should be able to find the post that you're looking for. (Also, each post will be tagged by "questions," "digging deeper," and "personal action" so you can search for it using the tags as well.) 

Happy reading!

Getting Your Family on the Same Page

Just imagine if your WHOLE family was reading through God's amazing story of love for us. Together. All at the same time! With "The Story," you can do just that.

You can sit down with your spouse or your kids (or whoever you consider "family"--friends, neighbors, co-workers!) and read together.

Think together.
Ask questions together.
And pray together.

You'll learn things you never knew about each other before when you're on the same page--not just with the church, but also with your loved ones!

(Check out this post for all the options of ways to read "The Story.")

"The Story" for Tweens and Teens

You've heard us say that there are lots of options when it comes to reading "The Story." (Like here, for example!) Every group in the church has its own way to read it.

And here's another way "The Story" is for tweens and teens (besides the teen version of the book)--we're doing a Confirmation Class using it!

The last Sunday of each month, youth from the Frankfort Church and the Paris Church will meet together to talk about a chapter from "The Story," munch on snacks, ponder what it means to be a member of a church, and explore how our individual stories fit into God's great, big story.

September 2014-May 2015 we'll meet, then God's kingdom will get a little bigger as the youth join the church on Pentecost, May 24.

Check out this video for a look at some of the curriculum we'll be using:



(Awesome, right??)


And here's our schedule for the year:

(Click on it to make it bigger!) 

Click HERE to print out a copy of the schedule to put up on your fridge! 

The Schedule

Here is the reading schedule we'll be following for the the 31 weeks of this adventure through "The Story."

(Of course, you can read along at your own pace, but if you want to keep up with the sermons and the reflections which will be posted here, you might want to check this out from time to time!)

(Click to make this picture bigger!)

If you want to print out a copy of this schedule, go HERE.

"The Story" uses many different passages of Scripture from the New International Version (NIV) of the Bible and weaves them together as one seamless story of God's love for us.

As you read along, you may find a story that you don't remember or you want to know more about. On this schedule above, the last column has "bonus reading" for each chapter--these are the Scripture references for the chapters of "The Story." Check there if you want to read more. (Or, if you're an overachiever and want to read more than just the chapter, look here for more good stuff!)

Lots of Ways to Read "The Story"

Which one of "The Story" options is right for you?

They have a Kindle version if you like to use your tablet or smartphone for reading.

If you're an adult and like the feel of a book in your hands, the regular "The Story" book is just the thing for you! (Looks like the hardback is cheaper than the paperback--who knew?)

Teens and pre-teens, check out this version of the story, written for you. (A Kindle version of this is available too.)

And parents (and grandparents), there are a couple of options for kids (9-11), children (ages 4-8), and little ones (ages 2-5). (A Kindle version seems to be an option for these too.)

Plus, there is an AUDIO BOOK version available (if you'd rather listen than read) and AUDIO CDs for those whose eyes don't see as well as they used to.


Frankfort will be placing an order soon (donations to cover the cost are welcome!) but if you are "playing along at home," you can order your own resources. Week 1 starts Sun, Sept 28--make sure you're ready!!