News & Updates
Welcome to the website for Pioneer Valley CBS!
Are you looking forward to September 12th? We're sure looking forward to getting together again! It'll be great to see old friends, make new ones, and find out who we'll all be getting to know better in our core groups this year. Please register now to help us get your nametags made and core groups set up.
NEW THIS YEAR: Because we'll be starting a new 6-week Bible study every few weeks, we'll welcome visitors and their children every Wednesday morning
except the first week of the month (when we have our brunches). Ladies wishing to "check us out" should meet in Bethany's Lighthouse Auditorium (Rt. 57 side) for our 9:30 opening - we'll take good care of you and your children! Homeschoolers in grades 7-12 may also come to the opening if they wish to visit our Teen class. Please email Kristin to register or if you have questions about visiting: info@pioneervalleycbs.org.
Pioneer Valley CBS is excited to announce that for our 2007-08 class we'll enjoy the following courses:
God's Amazing Book: This course addresses the issues of divine inspiration, canonicity, the uniqueness of Scripture, and the role of prophecy in a clear, succinct manner. The course contains a section that provides a broad overview of the entire Bible. Students with all degrees of bible knowledge will find
the questions thought-provoking.
James: The book of James is one of the most practical in the Bible. The lessons encourage each student to lead a more consistent, caring Christian life
and to explore the practical application of faith in family and society.
1 & 2 Thessalonians: Written by Paul to the young church in Thessalonica, 1 and 2 Thessalonians focus on the hope and the habits of faith when tested. The study looks at how the words of encouragement and of warning guided new believers and apply to believers today.
Philippians: Written by Paul to friends at Philippi, Philippians is one of the most-quoted New Testament epistles. The study shows how real joy is not dependent on surroundings but on the Savior Himself. The study explores working for the Kingdom, withstanding persecution, Christian unity and charity....
1 John: Filled with assurances, 1 John also provides practical advice to believers. The study looks at the differences between those who have been
deceived and true believers, evidences of a new life in Christ, and the great love of God to all His children.
REGISTRATION INFORMATION:
This year's classes will begin Wednesday, September 12, 2007. Pioneer Valley CBS is happy to offer classes for Women, Toddlers (13-23 mos), Preschoolers 2-5 years old, Kindergarten through 6th Grades, and Junior and Senior High students. In addition to our well staffed nursery for infants 0-12 months old, we have a mothers' class for those who'd like to keep their babies close.
We're now accepting registrations for women and for children of all ages, newborn - high school. To register or to request more information, please contact coordinator Kristin Loftus by email: info@pioneervalleycbs.org. Those from all church backgrounds and with all levels of Bible knowledge (including none) are welcome. Never been to Community Bible Study? Give us a try! And invite a friend!
Our CBS class is attended by women of all ages from various backgrounds who meet at a host church in Agawam for Bible study.
Classes meet for two hours, once a week for 30 weeks, beginning September 12, 2007 and ending May14, 2008.
We follow the local Agawam school calendar for vacation days, snow days and seasonal breaks around Christmas and Easter.
The CBS approach to Bible study allows participants to be exposed to the Word of God in several ways:
Studying a Bible passage at home and answering questions
Sharing in a small Core Group discussion
Listening to a lecture by a trained Teaching Director
Reading a prepared Commentary on the lesson
Seeing the truths of the Bible lived out in the lives of leaders and class members.
Before coming to class, each person is asked to read the Scripture passage for that week and to answer questions related to it. Home Study Questions
are divided into six groups, encouraging class members to invest time each day (usually 15 to 20 minutes) in study and reflection. On class day, after a
brief opening program, members go to their Core Groups of approximately 15 people, led by a trained Core Leader, to share their answers to the Home
Study Questions. The diversity of the group leads to rich and meaningful discussion. Monthly, the Core Groups have a brunch to give members an oppor- tunity to know one another on a more personal level, and often members become good friends.
Study Questions. The diversity of the group leads to rich and meaningful discussion. Monthly, the Core Groups have a brunch to give members an oppor- tunity to know one another on a more personal level, and often members become good friends.
After the Core Group discussion, members gather to hear a lecture of about 30 minutes on the Bible passage by a trained Teaching Director. Members
gain additional insight into the passage as well as personal applications and challenges. Class members then go home with a Commentary on that week's lesson and Home Study Questions for the next week's Bible passage.
In addition to the four essential CBS elements -- home study, Core Group discussion, lecture, and take-home Commentary -- class members also exper- ience biblical truth as it is lived out in a loving, caring community. If you'd like to be part of such a group, please Click Here to request Registration info.
