[Bible Study Media, http://www.biblestudymedia.com] a Christian curriculum publishing ministry and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, released a new four-week Advent study, called Hope-Peace-Love-Joy, written by Marcia Hotchkiss and Gilda Hurst. It features short daily devotional readings along with engaging video teachings from the authors, where they will also lead you into discussion questions included in the small group study guide. The devotional is also available in Spanish.

Read more about the study: https://biblestudymedia.com/products/hope-peace-love-joy

Who better to hear from during the Advent season than clergy wives? Between the two of them, Marcia and Gilda have served alongside their husbands in ordained ministry over sixty years. They have seen the upheaval of the Advent and Christmas season like no one else. Yet, they have chosen a different approach to Advent – not the busyness or the craziness – but one of hope, peace, love, and joy. Brooke Holt, Bible Study Media’s Adult Ministry Coordinator and a clergy wife herself, shares that “in this Advent study, these beautiful women of God call us to experience that hope, peace, love, and joy. In the chaos of Christmas preparations, Marcia and Gilda remind us there is Jesus, the baby born a king, the baby whose very life changes everything.”

In a recent conversation, Hotchkiss shared, “For many years I have noticed the pressure, busyness, and lack of joy we often feel in the leadup to Christmas. This is in sharp contrast to ‘How silently the wondrous gift is given.’ God gently nudges us to put down those burdens and to pay attention to the gift of a baby who saves our souls.”

“I pray this devotional will open hearts to a deeper, more transparent relationship with the one true God,” said Hurst.

The upcoming Advent devotional book and accompanying small group study will be shipping mid-November; pre-order your copy today! Both bulk and wholesale discounts are available.

Full details about the study can be found at: https://biblestudymedia.com/products/hope-peace-love-joy

Contact info:

Contact Person: Christine O’Brien

Company: Bible Study Media

Email Address:

Phone:(832) 582-4253

About Bible Study Media

Bible Study Media, a registered 501(c)(3), believes in building up the Church through a fresh discovery of God’s Word and Spirit. We produce resources to shape hearts and minds around the patterns of Christ while strengthening Christian community. Our Biblical Literacy Project seeks to introduce adults, youth, and children to the transforming power of God’s Word through curriculum built around the three-year Revised Common Lectionary and the Christian Church year. Our small group studies invite participants to journey together through the Scriptures in the rhythms of the Church year. We invite you to explore Bible Study Media—Igniting Hearts and Engaging Minds. To learn more please visit: www.biblestudymedia.com

About the Authors

Marcia Hotchkiss has been married to the Rev. Thomas Hotchkiss for 34 years, including two years as a seminary spouse and 26 years as the wife of an ordained clergy person. During that time, they have moved seven times as Tom has served in eight different churches. Marcia has taught Christian formation classes at the various churches as well as led Bible studies and spoken at retreats. Marcia has taught communications at various colleges, including interpersonal dynamics, group communication, and public speaking. She has a certificate in spiritual direction from a three-year ecumenical program. Marcia has also been trained as a circle of trust facilitator by a protégé of Parker Palmer. She is the co-author of a public speaking textbook as well as "View from the Pew," a clergy spouse Bible study. Marcia has also written for The Living Church and The Anglican Digest. Together with her husband, Marcia writes a blog: www.midlifecontemplative.com. The couple is also the designers and facilitators of a marriage retreat aimed particularly for clergy people and their spouses. Marcia is the event's chair of Spiritual Ministries Institute in the DFW area which promotes contemplative practices. Marcia and Tom have two grown sons and a one-year-old granddaughter, who is the light of their lives. She enjoys reading, movies, traveling, and pickleball.

Gilda Hurst has called McKinney, TX home for almost a decade. She is a licensed career educator who spent over twenty years as a classroom teacher, developed programs for school districts, served as a crisis professional and teacher mentor. She has ministered in church communities in Tennessee, Kentucky, and Texas to youth and adults. She is an evangelist at heart living out the example of Christ wherever she goes. Gilda was received into The Order of Evangelism in the Episcopal Diocese of Dallas in 2019. She has been married to The Rev. Michael Hurst for 39 years. Together they have led marriage enrichment retreats, taught Christian education, and hosted incredible parish social gatherings. However, her favorite pastime is spending adventurous days with her five grandchildren. Gilda holds a degree in Vocational Careers with Children and Human Development from Western Kentucky University. Post graduate religion studies from The School of Theology at The University of the South and The Stanton Center for Ministry Formation. She is a licensed spiritual director and the co-author of “View from the Pew,” a clergy spouse Bible study.