wfn.org | Lutheran regions present Bible studies in cultural contexts

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Regions present Assembly Bible studies
Cultural and contextual messages from seven areas

HONG KONG, July 25, 1997 (lwi) - Cultural and contextual Bible study was
presented each morning during the Assembly by one of the seven geographical
regions of the Lutheran World Federation. The Chinese gong broke the
silence of private meditation to enter into corporate worship followed by
Bible study.

The Nordic region set the stage July 9 with Acts 8:26-29 as the text. A
professional clown, called Mr. Nobody, helped to interpret scripture
through a choreographed mime presentation. A brief period of darkness was
broken by the entrance of the clown, Ms. Viveka Olofsson, and an
accompanying musician. Shedding her outer clothing, the clown put it before
the altar, which symbolized emptying herself before the Lord. A ribbon
dance presented a message of hope and fulfillment.

That was followed July 10 by the North American region interpreting Acts
16:13-15 with photos and dramatization. Through symbolic representations of
St. Paul, Lydia, the Gate, the River and the Home, Bible study leaders
brought a message of witness and service, showing how the church in North
America struggles with issues of race, the inner city and poverty in the
midst of affluence and technology.

Bible study of Acts 9:1-19 came from Asia on July 11. Through music and
dance the missionary role of Asian churches was shown. The lighting of the
Indian Lamp signifying the presence of God and the singing of the bhajan
"Saranam, Saranam" (meaning, 'I surrender') began the Bible study.
Indonesian delegates sang and danced, and Indian dancers presented the
story of Paul's conversion through an Indian dance called "Bharathanatyam."

On July 12, the churches of Africa brought the text of Hebrews 12:1-2 to
the Assembly. This text talks about running a race with patience. The
African churches see the route of their race demarcated with many setbacks.
They bring the lamentation of the continent and the hope of the continent
to the assembly through the Bible study that included lively African music.

A video showed a modern version of Mary Magdalene's visit to the empty tomb
and her meeting with the risen Lord on July 14 as the East Europe region
interpreted the text of John 20:15- 23. "Woman, why are you weeping?" is
the question that women delegates from Eastern Europe answered in their
testimonies in this Bible study.

Using pantomime, slide projection, narration and music, West Europe on July
15 presented a reading of Acts 1:8 and John 4:20-26. The day of Pentecost
was presented as people gathered in the room wearing black garments, turned
to white, as they were filled with the Holy Spirit. A skit showed the
encounter of Jesus with the Samaritan woman in John 4.

The series of Bible studies concluded July 16 with the Latin American and
Caribbean churches calling the whole Lutheran communion to accountability
by the liberation theology method of see, judge and act. A combination of
music, singing and stage play was used to present the Zacchaeus story (Luke
19:1-10). It concluded with the group singing "God calls all people now to
a new life" and inviting all people to join with them for dance.

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