Little Rock Scripture Study Comes to Townsville

The Word has come to life, not just in the way that it leads people to pray, or in the way that it encourages and comforts, but in ways in which it leads people to care for one another. Great peace and joy result from taking the time to read God's word. Constant assurance of His love for us diminishes worries and encourages our Faith and Trust in Him.

What is the Little Rock Scripture Study (LRSS)?

LRSS is a parish-based program that leads people to a greater understanding of the Bible, an awareness of God's living presence in sacred Scripture, and an appreciation of how the Bible can be applied to daily life.

LRSS in the Diocese of Townsville

LRSS was first introduced to the Holy Spirit Parish, Cranbrook in 2000. Holy Family Parish, Currajong adopted it in 2001 and St Mary's, West End, embraced it in 2002. Other parishes are also showing an interest in adopting the program. LRSS has the strong support of the Bishop of Townsville, Michael Putney, who believes that it is the basis for a renewed evangelisation of the Diocese.

What is Involved?

Daily personal prayer (using a Bible, a commentary and a study guide) for some 20 minutes a day, a weekly small-group sharing for about one hour and a twenty minute lecture (video) by a qualified person, to summarise the study. Prayer is the most essential element of the program which includes some shared prayer. The meeting concludes with some light refreshments and friendly rapport.

How can I benefit?

If your everyday life is becoming meaningless OR if your find difficulty coping with stressful personal, family or work situations OR you need strength to cope with the unforseen tragedies of life OR if you just want to get the most out of your daily life and live it to the full, then this program will help to give you that strength, vitality, purpose and power to live life with Christ. The truth that emerges from involvement in this activity, frees us from the slavery to fears and difficulties, doubts and worries. It enables us to build community as we share the wisdom of Gods Word with personal insights each week. The depth of sharing builds bonds as we pray for each other, and the wider church, within the group and as we grow in our faith, it gives us confidence to reach out to family and friends in a new way not possible before. When you read the Word of the Lord in this format, a richness of His love will completely free you to be loved as His own and become the person God created you to be.

What has it done for others?

This program has led individuals in our diocese to start lay initiatives which are increasing awareness of God in our community. In other communities this program has led some individuals to start soup kitchens, clothing closets, Habitat for Humanity branches, and food banks. Others have been led to form social concerns committees in their parishes, teams to visit the sick, and groups to work on local legislation to protect the rights of the poor. Their commitment to help their fellow community members is a direct result of how LRSS enlivens Gods presence in their lives.

How do I become Involved?

All you need to do is contact any of the above named parishes for details of the current/coming courses in their parishes.

How and Where Did the LRSS Originate?

It all began with Fred and Tammy Woell, of Little Rock, Arkansas, USA. Wanting to know more about the Bible, they accepted an invitation to join an interdenominational Bible study. The seed of God's Word began to take root in their lives. They found that it affected their relationship with each other and their children, and changed how they spent their time and money. The words of Vatican II came alive; "In the sacred books, the Father who is in heaven meets his children with great love and speaks with them…"(Divine Revelation 21) Like Jeremiah, they could not stop talking about it.

After years of praying for a Bible study in the Catholic Church, the Woells met Abbot Jerome Kodell, a local Benedictine Scripture scholar. Their mutual love for Scripture and desire to share it with others ignited the "spark" that became LRSS. With the support of several diocesan priests, a core group, and the blessing of the Bishop of Little Rock, Andrew McDonald, plans were set in motion to begin the Bible Study that has spread to 40 countries across the world.

Some Background

Mission

Leading people to a greater understanding of the Bible, an awareness of God's living presence in sacred Scripture, and an appreciation of how the Bible can be applied to daily life.

LRSS is a unique method of combining Bible Study and prayer that can help you make the connection between your faith and everyday living. There are three essential elements that make up the Scripture Study program:

• Daily personal reading with study guide
• Regular small group meeting with sharing and taped lectures
• Prayer

LRSS, one of the most successful Bible Study programs, began in 1974 in the Diocese of Little Rock. Arkansas, USA. Members of that Diocese had expressed a strong desire and need to understand the Bible from a Catholic perspective. They developed a series of 35 short courses, based on various books of the Bible, which range from 4 to 13 weeks. There are also programs available for youth and children.

"Little Rock" was initiated in 2000 in Holy Spirit Parish, Cranbrook. Holy Family Parish, Currajong adopted it in 2001, and St Mary's West End began in 2002.

Contacts

If you would like to begin a LRSS Study Group in your parish, assistance can be provided every step of the way. On-going facilitator training and support for existing parish groups is also available. Course resources are reasonably priced and there are some materials available in our Diocese, on a loan basis.

Details of current or up-coming courses can be obtained by contacting participating parishes directly or by contacting lrss.tvl@justinternet.com.au No prior experience in necessary to participate.

Key officeholders and contact information

LRSS - an outreach ministry of Holy Spirit Parish.

LRSS Townsville Core Group Members:

Vince Crowley (Coordinator)
Vince Crowley
Flora Young

Contact Information:

Vince Crowley
Phone: 4779 9460
Email: manybear@bigpond.net.au

Find out more from the Little Rock website: www.littlerockscripture.org