The John Group 2024
EucharistStarting June 2024 — 'Early' and 'Later' group
In 2024, the focus of the John Group will be on a Johannine perspective of Eucharist as we journey together through John’s Gospel, chapter 6.
Mary Coloe, in her Wisdom Commentary, has this to say of John 6:
We will seek to allow this symphony to unfold to us as we take our time contemplating chapter 6, beginning with its setting of the Jewish spring festival of Passover, through the ‘Bread of Life’ discourse, to considering our own answer to Christ’s question to his disciples: “Do you also want to leave?” What is revealed places before us a choice; it requires us to answer.
JUNE 17th • John 6:1-4
“The time was near Passover” An introduction: where? when? who? why? Preparing for this gathering: Explore the Jewish Passover festival. How does this inform your understanding of Eucharist? JULY 8th • John 6:5-15
“He took the loaves, gave thanks, and divided them among the people” The feeding of a multitude leading to the crowd’s recognition that Jesus is the one who is to come. AUGUST 5th • John 6:16-21
“It’s me, don’t be afraid!” The sea crossing and the revelation of Jesus as I AM. SEPTEMBER 16th • John 6:22-25; 25-59
“The bread of God is the one who came down from heaven and gives life to the world” A second transition: where? when? who? why? Discourse on the bread from heaven (Part 1). OCTOBER 14th • John 6:25-59
“My flesh is real food and my blood is real drink” Discourse on the bread from heaven (Part 2). NOVEMBER 11th • John 6:60-71
“This is a hard saying; who can listen to it?” A crisis is created by the word of Jesus.
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Each of the monthly gatherings will focus on a brief portion of John’s Gospel, with all participants sharing something of their experience and insight working with that month’s text in preparation for the gathering. Robert John, who leads the John Group, will complement this with his reflections.
Two groups are offered. Both online small-groups will meet via Zoom video conferencing on the second Monday of each group, June to November. There will be an ‘early’ group and a ‘later’ group. The fee is $210 payable at the commencement the group, or six monthly instalments of $35 each.
Both new and continuing participants are welcome. |