We are taking a special interest in reading and understanding the Gospel
                        of Matthew this year.  Why?  Well, we are a Bible study group of Rayne 
                        and Braintree folk and you’d expect us to study something of the kind.
                        But why the Gospel of Matthew in particular?  Good question…

                        Well, apart from the fact that this Gospel is on the cycle of readings 
                        for the Church of England this year, it is a powerful and vital piece 
                        of world literature. Matthew tells us not only about the life and 
                        significance of “Jesus the Christ”, but also about the stresses 
                        and strains of the beginnings of Christianity and Judaism and what it means 
                        to live a life of faith today.  Also, as they say, “It’s good to talk” 
                        in a friendly group and to enjoy companionship.

                        Here are some of the topics that came up in considering just chapter 1 
                        of this extraordinary Book:
              
       	                •       How important was Mary, the mother of Jesus?
                        •       How important are women today in our society and to the church?
                        •	Can miracles really happen?  Do they happen?
                        •	How do Jews and Christians relate to each other?
                        •	Is the Gospel true?
                        •	How does God speak to us? (And do we even listen?)

                        Next stop:  King Herod, the star and the Magi.  What was going on there?

                        If you are interested in this study, please feel free to give us a call. 
                        Roman  Kukieiwicz  22 The Maltings Rayne (01376 321479).

                        Bring a Bible.