The Art of Engaging Holy Scripture – TAEHS
We have a unique form of studying the Bible at Saint Barnabas which uses a curriculum written by our former Rector, Jim Clark. The informal name is ‘TAEHS’’ (rhymes with ‘days’); the full name is The ART of Engaging Holy Scripture. This is not a ‘usual’ Bible study. Rather, it is an opportunity for each person to read (we say ‘engage’) Bible passages and learn not just to study them but also to pray them and to reflect on their reading in a small group environment.
Small groups begin with the TAEHS starter curriculum – “The Method and the MetaNarrative.” In this first of a three-part series, we study readings that begin an overview of our Christian story beginning with the creation narratives. The following two studies engage readings of Jesus’ birth, ministry, and resurrection and portions of Paul’s writings to early Christians, completing the overview of ‘the MetaNarrative’ – our Christian story. Groups then select between studies on the Gospels or some of Paul’s Epistles.
TAEHS teaches a method of engaging the Scriptures through reading and study, conversational prayer and silent prayer, and group sharing. This dynamic method of engaging the Scriptures gently leads us to experience the presence of the Holy Spirit. The experiential focus makes all the difference: we become awakened to the presence of the Holy Spirit in the Scriptures, in our own selves, and in our sisters and brothers. As our ability to experience the Spirit’s presence is refined, the method continues to nurture us in an ever-deepening relationship with the Holy Spirit. At the same time, we are learning the Bible and, because of the experiential focus, tend to retain more of what we learn. The small group context offers the opportunity for meaningful faith-based friendships to develop within our larger Christian faith community—and for having fun!
For more information about joining a taehs small group, please contact our taehs facilitator, Ann Hott by clicking here
