The Story

1. What is “The Story”?

“The Story” is a condensed, chronological Bible study tool (using the NIV translation) designed to assist readers in working through the major storyline of scripture.  While it is not the Bible in its entirety, it carefully chooses portions of the Bible and combines those with written transitions to bridge historical periods. It begins in Genesis and ends in Revelation, covering the Bible chronologically. There are no verse or chapter divisions, just 31 thematic chapters so that it reads like a novel.

After reading through “The Story” we as a church will have experienced the Bible in a brand new way. “The Story” is not meant to replace the Bible. It is simply a tool to help us experience the Bible better.

2. What’s “The Story” Church Wide Challenge?

“The Story” church wide challenge is to challenge every TFRC household to read through “The Story” (one or more versions) from September 9, 2012 to April 28, 2013.

3. What are the goals of reading “The Story” at TFRC?

First: “The Story” will be a great resource in our quest to “build vibrant community, passionately modeling Jesus.”

Second: We‘ll raise the level of our knowledge and understanding of the Bible as individuals, families, and congregation.

Third: Couples/Parents will be encouraged and equipped to begin or strengthen their devotional life together.

Fourth: Reading and studying “The Story” will offer TFRC an opportunity to accomplish something together around the priority of Scripture. It has potential to enhance a sense of unity congregation wide.

Fifth:  We will use “The Story” as an invitational tool, since It has proven to be effective in inviting family and friends into Bible study groups or worship services.

4. How will TFRC be studying and applying “The Story”?

There will be primarily five different types of opportunities to participate in “The Story” Church Wide Campaign.

First: Through personal reading and devotions. We’ll provide a bookmark with a template for a time of personal reflection(and journaling).

Second: Family time-reading “The Story” book or Bible picture books and having a simple discussion concerning the chapter of the week.

Third: “Living rooms” A majority of our life stage groups, men’s and women’s groups, Sunday morning groups, etc. will be studying “The Story”.  There is Bible study curriculum available to assist the process, along with discussion questions for each chapter. Children’s and youth ministry will also participate.

Fourth: Worship services-each Sunday we’ll be focusing on “The Story” chapter for the next 8 months.  Our Get Vertical e-mail devotions will also help prepare for “The Story” on Sunday.

Fifth: 4x4’s and H2H’s-We’re encouraging all of our small groups to incorporate “The Story” into their weekly meeting. There will small group templates available to assist in the study of the chapters.

5. How, when, and where will the copies of “The Story” be distributed?

Beginning on Sunday, August 26 and continuing through Sunday, September 30, copies of “The Story” will be available at display tables in the octagon. As of October 1, copies of “The Story” or related books must be purchased at cost. From October 7 through April 28, 2013, copies will be available for purchase at the information desk in the octagon or the church office.

During August and September, commitment cards will be filled out by one family member and submitted to the display table volunteers in order for the books to be distributed. TFRC will gift one copy per household per age group represented. Teen copies of “The Story” will be picked up by the Jr/Sr high school students independent of their parents (to enhance their commitment to reading through “The Story”).  “The Story” banners will also be signed by those committing to read the story as an act of commitment. Commitment cards will be in the bulletin from August 26-September 30.

6. What will the process (sequence) of reading through “The Story” be?

Beginning the week of September 9 thru 15 (reading chapter 1), each week you will prepare for the Sunday message by reading one chapter of “The Story”. On that Sunday and the following week, our preaching, group studies and various ministries will focus on the same chapter that was preached. During that same time you will read the next chapter in preparation for the next Sunday, and so on. We will take a week off of our reading during Thanksgiving week and two weeks over the Christmas holiday finishing on April 28 with chapter 31.

THE STORY - SCRIPTURE REFERENCES (click here)

THE STORY BOOKMARK  (click here)

FAMILY DISCUSSION GUIDES
 
Week1   Week6 Week11 Week16 Week21 Week26
Week2   Week7 Week12 Week17 Week22 Week27
Week3   Week8 Week13 Week18 Week23 Week28
Week4   Week9 Week14 Week19 Week24 Week29
Week5 Week10 Week15 Week20 Week25 Week30
Week31

We love to have visitors!  Our worship is contemporary, our dress is casual, and you are welcome!

We offer two identical services: 
9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. on Sundays.