Gathering Around the Word

What do these people have in common:

• a 90-year old widower from Northeast Kansas
• a couple from Alberta, Canada
• two former teachers from Mason City, Iowa
• winter visitors from Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin
• two recent newcomers to Arizona from Oregon
• a widow from Minnesota
• a couple of active members of MVLC who regularly return to Cleveland, Ohio
• a full-time RV couple who travel the country but come back to Arizona for the winter

The Current Study

These folks and several others are gathering weekly for Bible study using

The First Study

LIfelight materials from Concordia Publishing House.  The group has been meeting since the year 2000 for about 9 weeks at a time.  Each year they have studied another Lifelight study which requires a similar approach - prepare in advance by reading and responding to study questions, come together to share responses, spend time in getting better acquainted and pray for one another as needs arise.  

The group began and continues under the leadership of Norman and Linda Schmidt, two retired  teachers from Mason City, Iowa.  They return to their home church, St. James Lutheran, and lead similar studies there during the summer.  The group meets in their park model home at Gold Canyon RV Park.  Over the years, some 36 people have been involved, representing a variety of church backgrounds.  All of the current members attend Mountain View Lutheran.

On March 4, 2019, this group gathered to wrap up their study of Law and Gospel and to thank the group leaders, Norm & Linda Schmidt.  They will be returning to Iowa and have sold their vacation home in Arizona.  The group gave thanks to God for their leadership over the years and bid them Godspeed as they return to Mason City.

 There are other Lifelight studies happening at MVLC.  A group of women meet weekly at the church to study 1st Corinthians.  Both groups meet under the leadership of laypersons but know they can call upon a pastor should questions arise they cannot answer.  The Lifelight program has been a positive stimulus to regular and directed study and discussion of God's Word.