Women at the Well

“Women at the Well” Bible Study Group

Shadyside Presbyterian Church welcomes women of all ages to gather with the “Women at the Well” for in-depth Bible study, discussion, and fellowship. Friendships and connections grow deeper when we share the Scriptures in study and prayer.

This fall, we are exploring Words of Life: Jesus and the Promise of the Ten Commandments Today, by Adam Hamilton. Viewing the Ten Commandments not as burdens but as guideposts, Hamilton considers their meaning in historical context, unpacks Jesus’ interpretation of them, explores how the latest psychological and scientific research illuminates them, and shows how every “thou shalt not” points to a life-giving “thou shalt.”

Beginning Thursday, September 14, the group will gather from 10:30 a.m. to noon in the Craig Room. In general, we meet on the second and fourth Thursday of each month, but check the calendar for exceptions. Our tentative schedule is as follows:

• September 14: Study Introduction (pp. 1-9)
• September 28: Commandments 1 and 2 (pp. 15-53)
• October 12: Commandments 3 and 4 (pp. 54-91)
• October 26: Commandment 5 (pp. 95-114)
• November 9: Commandments 6 and 7 (pp. 115-158)
• November 30: Commandments 8 and 9 (pp. 159-194)
• December 14: Commandment 10 (pp. 195-222)

Questions? Please contact Deacon Connie Coffelt through the church office. Join us as together we seek to quench the thirsting of our souls!

About the Study

What if the Ten Commandments were not just a set of ancient rules, but a guide to experiencing the good life today?

“Adam Hamilton is a teacher of the highest order, able to bridge the gap between very old divine teaching and very current human reality.”–Barbara Brown Taylor, author of Always a Guest: Speaking of Faith Far from Home

Nearly everyone has heard of the Ten Commandments, the list of “thou-shalt-nots” found in the Bible. Jesus saw these commandments not as onerous burdens, but as guideposts to help us experience a good and beautiful life. These ten ancient “words” were given to us by a loving God who longed to set safe boundaries, create order out of chaos, help communities live peacefully, and protect us – often from ourselves.

In this book of Scripture and inspiration, bestselling author Adam Hamilton brings modern eyes to the most important set of ethics in history. He considers the commandments in their historical context, considering the meaning of each commandment in Hebrew, unpacking how Jesus reinterpreted them, and showing how every thou-shalt-not was intended to point to a life-giving “thou shalt.” He also explores how the latest research in science and psychology illuminates these commandments, rightly understood, as a way of ordering one’s life beautifully in the present day. In a culture marked by workaholism, materialism, and social media-driven envy, God has given us a time-tested path that leads to gratitude, confidence, and peace.

A landmark work from one of our most trusted biblical thinkers, Words of Life is an inspiring, thought-provoking read for anyone seeking to live a meaningful and joyful life.

About the Author

Adam Hamilton is senior pastor of the 20,000-member Church of the Resurrection, Kansas City, which NPR described as “one of the most influential churches in America.” Reverend Hamilton is a leading voice for reconciliation and renewal in the Church, and the bestselling author of more than thirty books, including Unafraid and Making Sense of the Bible. He and his wife, LaVon, have two grown daughters.