St. Andrews group completes year-long study of Genesis
By Paulette Sackett
One year is a long time to study a subject, longer than some college courses. However, 12 members of St. Andrews Anglican Church in Breckenridge recently completed a year-long, in-depth study of the book of Genesis.
Working through one chapter per week and examining the teachings of the church fathers regarding the text, participants explored historical teachings, academic texts, archeological evidence, maps, news articles and more, discussing the implications of the scriptures on our lives today.
From my personal experience, this class has completely changed how I read scripture. It’s taught me to slow down and pay attention to the subtleties of the text. So often, that’s where we find clues to the meaning of the passage. It’s made reading the Bible a much richer and rewarding experience.
Another one of the participants, Kristi Williams, commented on the experience: “Studying the book of Genesis deepened my faith by reminding me of God’s sovereignty from the very beginning. Seeing his promises unfold, even through human weakness, gave me a stronger trust in his plan and a clearer understanding of his unwavering faithfulness.”
“My goal in teaching on Genesis was two-fold,” said Father Don Sackett, who led the study. “I wanted to provide them with an intensive study focused on the perspectives of the church fathers. I also tried to equip participants with an understanding of how these ancient texts have shaped our Anglican worship and doctrine.”
Sackett went on to share his perspective. “I think the Old Testament is essential study for believers,” he said, “because we can’t rightly understand the New Testament without the foundation of the Old.”
“I’ve gone to church my whole life, but no one has ever taught me scripture in this way,” said participant Wayne Justus. “It’s been a very rewarding experience.”
The parish will begin another study in September exploring the last book of the Bible, the Book of Revelation. The weekly Wednesday evening classes will be open to the public.
To learn more about St. Andrews in Breckenridge, visit saintandrewsbreckenridge.org. The church is located at 200 N. Easton St.
Cutline, top photo: A group of Breckenridge residents recently completed a year-long study of the book of Genesis from the Bible. Participants, from left, were John Cotten, Jan McMillan, Wayne Justus, Frank Chandler, Lynda Justus, Kim Chandler, Kristi Williams, Ted Williams, Paulette Sackett, the Rev. Don Sackett, Amy Turturro, Stacy Jandrucko, and, not pictured, Rhonda Martin. (Courtesy Photo)
Editor’s Note: Paulette Sackett is a member of St. Andrews Anglican Church, and her husband, the Rev. Don Sackett, is the rector at St. Andrews.
