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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Home Group (11/29/07)
Early Church -- 30 A.D.

Chapter 1
1. Most excellent Theophilus, with this additional treatise I will seek to answer questions you had concerning the church. 2. Many souls are being added to the church daily. 3. There are some who have sold their possessions and share all things in common. 4. With gladness I report that Ananias and Sapphira, whom you asked about, are among those seeking to sell a possession and have promised the money to the apostles.

Chapter 2
1. It is with joy that I now inform you of the house meetings. 2. Those who believe are going from house to house enjoying fellowship. 3. Daily they continue in the apostles doctrine and prayer. 4. With gladness they are breaking bread, proclaiming the Lord‘s death until He returns. 5. Never has there been such singleness of heart and praises offered to God.
--Luke



Log Cabin -- Rural North America 1850’s

Dear Gabe and Mattie,
We hope that things are settlin down after your wedding. If there be anything we could help you with just give a holler. As Charles is making a trip to town, I thought I’d have him deliver this invite. Now that winter is upon us and the circuit preacher unable to come until after spring thaw, we invite you to our home on Sunday mornings if the weather be good. We will have a church service. Charles is a right good minister of the Word. We’ll have a hymn time too. We’re sending word to the DeWitts and the Millers who live up near Possum Crik. Claude DeWitt has an ear for playing the fiddle and his wife Sarah sings like an angel. Afterward please stay for Sunday dinner. Iffen you want to bring food to share we’d be pleased, but it’s not needful.
Your neighbor,
Bessie Williams



Calhoun County Post Gazette -- August 10, 1966

Seven ladies met at Mrs. Herbert Smith’s home on Wednesday, August 3rd for their Mary and Martha weekly Bible Study. Those in attendance were Mrs. Fred Appleby, Mrs. Gerald Talbert, Mrs. John Fitzsimmons, Mrs. Arthur Ellsworth and her small daughter Debbie, Mrs. Kenneth Craig and her sister, Miss Donna Newcomb who is visiting from Emmetsburg. The topic for the afternoon was Proverbs 31 with Mrs. Smith leading the study. Mrs. Talbert brought a delicious fresh apple pie that was enjoyed by all present. The study for next week will be at the home of Mrs. Ellsworth.




21st Century Home Group -- end times

From: Immanuel Bible Chapel
([email protected])
Sent: Thurs 12/06/2007 8:15 AM
To: Sherah Daniels ([email protected])

Sherah,
Thank you for agreeing to host a home group. We will be studying prophecies from the book of Daniel. The study books are ordered and according to the UPS tracker, should be arriving Friday. This is a 13 week course. At the end of the thirteen weeks, all five home groups will meet back at the chapel for a fellowship dinner and a time of sharing.

May the Lord bless you as you use your gift of hospitality for Him,
Pat
(Chapel Secretary)

I’ve attached a list of additional suggestions that may help you to prepare for this.



World Date -- Daniel’s 70th Week
Location -- Unknown

Was that footsteps?

Two practically inaudible taps followed by a delayed third sounded on my door.

Did I imagine it? I dared not open the door.

A paper was slid underneath. Scrawled on the paper was,

“Tonight, just after sundown -- Alpha House
Bring your section of the Word to trade
Delta House raided -- residents will receive the martyr’s crown of life -- their section (Mark’s Gospel) was confiscated”

Alpha house was where John and his extended family stayed. John, a believer of seven months, was the elder for our group. It would be good to meet with the others and be able to trade sections of the Bible. My heart wept at the loss of the Gospel of Mark and for the residents of Delta House. At the same time I was envious that they no longer lived in fear, and for this I rejoiced. Time is short.

More footsteps…
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This article has been read 3223 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Dianne Janak
12/07/07
Loved the history of home group presented here up until the end days when we have to worship and gather in secret and persecution. Really hits home just how blessed we are right now with our freedoms. Thanks for reminding us that home groups is not just a fad or trend in our present lives but has always been a place for believers to meet.
Joanne Sher 
12/09/07
Very creative take on this topic - enjoyed each little "vignette" - and, of course, the last one grabbed me.
Dee Yoder
12/10/07
Very creative, and I love the way each section has a tone of it's own for the time it's written. The 1960's vignette was so authentic in voice, and the last one is urgent and sad.
Lynda Schultz 
12/11/07
And some people thought that home groups were a new invention! Very good — you have me captured from the start. I especially loved 1966 — it reminded me of the Eganville Leader, a weekly published in the village near where my mother grew up. They always put in all the details of who did what, and who was visiting from where. Delightful.
Angela M. Baker-Bridge
12/13/07
Congratulations Beth!!!!
Sharlyn Guthrie
12/14/07
Congratulations! This is a wonderfully unique approach to the topic. It's both informative and inspiring. Love it!
Karen Wilber
12/18/07
This is really creative - the way you changed the voice and rhythm to fit the time period. Great take on the topic. Congrats on a well deserved HC.
Janice Cartwright
12/24/07
Just doing a little reading this afternoon and thought I would drop by. I'm so glad I did because your entry for Home Group is a treasure. Great writing - especially your skill in moving from era to era. Your insight in regards to our likely future is keen.
Sarah Engle
01/11/08
Wow Beth...
I can hardly sustain the trickle of tears after reading this. Thank you for your creative perspective. I followed your piece through time. It seemed as though I was present for each letter...
A good reminder of God's Faithfulness "Through the Ages."
Sarah