Beautifully Broken and Chosen: The Study
This series will be based upon the New Testament stained-glass (faceted glass!) windows that were lovingly put on the right side of the sanctuary as you walk in. Each week we will parallel our faceted glass windows with a study of the popular series currently on Netflix: The Chosen.
You are invited to watch an excerpt or episode of the Biblical Series as we walk through our stained glass windows and/or find a group of church people to watch and ponder the The Chosen episodes together. You do not have to agree with the interpretations! The creators give their own view of what the New Testament stories might be together. We are including The Chosen for two reasons. First, is that we have a number of new christians in the congregation right now who need to hear the basic Bible stories to start their journey. Second, I noticed in our small groups at the church that The Chosen was mentioned many times in reference for people’s thinking. This makes me feel like the Spirit has something to say to us through this video series.
You can watch The Chosen episodes through the links below. I suggest you listen to the Song, read the passage, and then watch the show before each sermon or shortly after. See the dates listed. Each link below will guide you through, and more may be added. Bring a journal to worship and while you watch these pieces if you like. Your journal could have the following prompts if you would like more structured reflection.
- What are the images you can identify in the stained glass (faceted) windows for this week? What are the ones that remain a mystery?
- What are the scriptures that are depicted? Write these down. As you listen to the scripture read, write down three or four words that speak loudly to you today.
- In the episode you watched today, what surprised you (or did not surprise you) about its interpretation?
- Now go deeper. What is being taught in these passages or in the scenes in The Chosen? Identify what you feel is the main theme for the people in the Bible and their context.
- If you are in a group, share your thoughts so far, and ask “How is this relevant to how we live today?”. You might answer in broad strokes for society or you might ask yourself what God is challenging you to do differently today.
- If you are needing it, ask for accountability from a friend, your pastor, or the whole group.
Apr 14, 2024
We will be looking at our first window on the right side as you enter the sanctuary.
Listen: “Never Grow” Up Taylor Swift This Song helps us to categorize the first several windows. Also listen throughout this series to: Draw the Circle Wide
Read: Nativity: Matthew 1:18-25.
Watch: The Shepherd
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Apr 21, 2024
We will be looking at the second widows on the right as you enter the sanctuary.
Listen: “Never Grow” Up Taylor Swift This Song helps us to categorize the first windows. Also listen throughout this series to: Draw the Circle Wide
Read: The Boy Jesus in the Temple: Luke 2:36-38, Anna the Prophetess,Luke 2:41-50
Watch: The Chosen, Season One episode 5
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April 28, 2024
We will be looking at the third window on the right as you enter the sanctuary.
Listen: Fire and Rain by James Taylor, This Song is re-visited to talk about Water and the Spirit in baptism. Also listen throughout this series to: Draw the Circle Wide
Read: The Baptism of Jesus: Matthew 3:13-17
Watch: A video depiction of the baptism of Jesus (not The Chosen this week)
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May 5, 2024
Listen: You’ve Got a Friend by James Taylor. Also listen throughout this series to: Draw the Circle Wide.
Read: Calling the First Disciples, Matthew 4:18-22
Watch: The Chosen, Season One, Episode 4 The Rock on Which it is Built