This year I had the privilege to once again study God’s Word in Community Bible Study (CBS).   Our class in Grand Rapids studied “Return to Jerusalem” this year.  During the course of a Wed. morning from Sept. to May we met in small groups, listened to excellent lectures, and had occasional fellowship over coffee or brunch. While the majority of small groups consisted of women, there was also a men’s group and a mixed men / women group.  At the same time there was child care for newborns up through classes for preschool and even older home schooled children.

As a substitute core (small group) leader I got to facilitate several of the groups.  I was also able to  be in on leadership training and small group discussion with other servant leaders.

In October, along with the other small group leaders and children’s teachers, I attended an area-wide leadership conference in downtown Grand Rapids.   Through lectures and workshops we were encouraged to shepherd the men, women and children in our groups.   A surprise blessing was getting the chance to meet the new Executive Director of CBS, Kimm Carr.  And an even greater surprise blessing was to discover that Kimm is a very dear friend of our dear friends, and missionary colleagues Luke & Leanne Turk who are currently in Cameroon, living in our house this year!  What a small world!

After a year of growing, learning, and studying together, our classes celebrated the end of the year well in the month of May.  There was a presentation of drama and music from the children.

The leadership team was treated to a luncheon to celebrate the end of the year of study.

And the final day of CBS for the year is “Sharing Day” where we celebrate the end of the year as a whole class with brunch.  And each person has an opportunity to share how God has used the study to transform their lives.  It is a wonderful time to praise God together.