
3 minute read
Bible Study: A Beautiful Opportunity to Grow Our Relationship with God
God has a special way of pulling us into stewardship — one seemingly simple “yes” building upon another in often unexpected ways. This has certainly been the case for parishioner Mike Bulmanski.
“It all started several years ago when a former associate pastor brought us the Jeff Cavins Bible Timeline series,” Mike says. “I was considering the diaconate at the time and thought this would be a wonderful way to help me prepare for that. So, I signed up for the class and was just enthralled — I thought it was one of the greatest things I’d ever done. Well, fast forward two to three years. That priest was gone and I went to Phyllis Eubanks’ office one day and told her how much I missed those Bible study programs. She said, ‘Well, Mike, I know how we can fix that. You can start it again in September.’”
Advertisement
Not able to tell Phyllis “no,” Mike says he gave her a sheepish “okay.” So, he suddenly found himself in a new leadership position — one which he has held and been blessed by ever since.
“It’s been very easy on my part,” Mike says. “I really don’t have to teach anything. All I do is absorb what Mr. Cavins has to say along with everyone else.”
As facilitator, Mike has hosted series on the Gospel of Matthew and, most recently, the Acts of the Apostles. Classes typically begin in early fall, taking place weekly on Monday nights until their completion. Each evening consists of food, fellowship and fun, all with the purpose of helping parishioners come to know God more personally through His Word.
“It’s really a wonderful way to spend a couple of hours in the evening and just be with some friends,” Mike says. “It’s a wonderful way of learning more about God.”
Sessions always include a video presentation from Jeff Cavins on the night’s topic, opportunities for small-group discussion, and the materials to help guide private reflection at home. Mike says the small-group element of the courses have been particularly beneficial, enabling parishioners to develop new relationships where they can truly grow in faith together.
“In a small-group setting like that, when you speak, people listen — when other people speak, you can listen,” Mike says. “You are all on the same page and it’s just beautiful, uplifting and, at times, deeply emotional as you learn and share about God together. Getting to know Christ is such an important thing. In this case, you are getting to know Him while also getting to know the people at your table.”
The course planned for this year’s study is on the book of Revelation, a series in which Mike is particularly interested because it’s so commonly misunderstood.
“Phyllis and I chose Revelation because that is the one book in the Bible that probably we as Catholics know the least about,” Mike says. “Many of us read it and are just so confused. Because of that, I think this is going to be our largest class ever. Many people have come up to me and expressed an interest. Personally, I’m ready to just delve into the book of Revelation myself, taking it in word by word.”