A Study Series

Tuesday evenings at 7.00pm

Online and in person at Union Chapel

Zoom link - https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88618605116

This series of hour-long sessions, in person and online, will provide an overview of the book of Psalms in the Bible.

The Psalms are familiar to Christians as they are frequently used both in public worship and private devotion. We tend to treat it as a collection of individual poems – the hymn book for the Temple. It is, however, a complete work with its own narrative rooted in the story of Israel.  Yet it speaks across the centuries to the everyday experiences of individuals and communities.

In these sessions we will learn about the Psalms, their message, composition and learn from them for our own devotions and understanding of scripture.

October 17 - A new Torah

An introduction to the book of Psalms and its overall theme.

October 24 - Psalms as poetry and music

The Psalms were sung – but how? They are also beautiful poetry with their own distinctive styles.

October 31 - Weeping and lament

Many psalms arose from crises for the people of Israel. They are laments which touch the deepest human experience. Out of the depths comes transformation.

November 14 - David in the Psalms

Almost half of the Psalms are attributed to David. The underlying message of the book is rooted in the Davidic Covenant, his kingship, and the promise of God toward his descendants.

November 21 - Psalms as Wisdom

Psalms is located between Job and Proverbs in the Bible. It is firmly placed in the Wisdom tradition.  As such it speaks powerfully to the human condition.

November 28th - God in the Psalms

The God of the Psalms is both Creator and Redeemer.  In the book we can learn much of the character of God and God’s way of being with the world, and God’s people.