Didache (pronounced “did-a-kay”) is the mark of a Christian community in which all are being trained in the way of Jesus. We notice that when Paul speaks to the Ephesians he does not speak of them learning “about Christ”. Instead, he talks of “learning Christ” in the same way that we might describe someone “learning French”. In fact, we imagine that living as a Christian community in a sea of consumerism and individualism is a lot like being trained in the language and ways of an alternate culture.

And there is much to learn. Many of us find that our knowledge of the biblical story is slim so we seek many ways to tell it to one another. No matter what your age, we invite you to join us in learning the great story of the Bible. One of our disciplines for reading the Bible is to use a set of scripture readings called a lectionary - a three year cycle that takes us through the Bible Sunday by Sunday. Most weeks you can find the scripture for next Sunday on our lectionary blog by clicking here. As well, you can read and post comments, questions or insights about the text in preparation for Sunday’s sermon.

A regular facet of life at University Hill Congregation is the annual creation of a Lenten Devotional Book. In it forty-seven Uhillians - of all ages - offer to ‘host’ a scripture text on behalf of the congregation. The booklet that results gives rich testimony to God’s activity in our midst. It reminds us that all of us have the capacity to listen for a Word from God and to share what we hear with our neighbours.

Learning Christ together ...

Our Christian Education ministry seeks to provide our children and youth with opportunity to learn the Way of Christ. The Little Ones program provides a caring entry into Christian community and the Christian story every Sunday morning for infants and toddlers. As children grow we invite them to be trained in the disciplines of a Christian life by inviting them to practice alongside mentors and elders. We notice that often the children themselves teach their elders Jesus’ way of compassion.

Bible Studies attract a variety of teens and adults into conversation about our lives as disciples of Jesus at home, in the neighbourhood and at work. On Wednesday mornings, the Text to Sermon group meets with Ed Searcy in the Kerrisdale neighbourhood to wonder about what word God has for us in Sunday’s scripture reading. During the Fall, Winter & Spring groups meet weekly - on Sundays after worship and on a midweek evening - to learn about Christian life together. Newcomers are always welcome to join in our learning journey.

Learning Christ (didache) involves living the biblical story in our daily lives and in our life together. The marks of Christian service (diakonia), Christian community (koinonia) and Christian worship (liturgia) all provide occasions to practice living and telling the good news (kerygma) of Christ. The classroom of Jesus is never restricted to Sunday.