During the 2019 Lenten season, the Minnesota Appointive Cabinet will lead the conference in a study around the book “The Balancing Act: A Daily Rediscovery of Grace” by Bishop Robert Schnase. 

For each of the six main sections of the book, there is a study guide to lead you through a discussion of it, as well as a video featuring a Cabinet member talking about the section’s topic. Each study guide contains daily exercises for participants to engage in as they read that week’s section, as well as a detailed framework for a small group gathering to explore that section later on. The study guide has scripture readings, a gathering exercise, reflection questions, a prayer practice, and a closing exercise.

We recommend that small groups or committees meet on a weekly basis throughout Lent to discuss a different section of the book using the corresponding video and study guide. All videos and study guides are available now.

Please join us in this study as we rediscover God’s grace in the midst of work, family, friendships, and other aspects of our busy lives.

Introduction and instructions for congregational and small group leaders

Videos and Study Guides

Below are the Lenten videos and accompanying study guides. You are welcome to view, download, and print the study guides, offered in Microsoft Word format so that you can tweak or adapt them to meet your needs. Small group leaders should be sure to read this introduction and instructions before delving into the individual study guides.

Introduction - Video (Rev. Cindy Gregorson) 

Section 1: Looking Within - Video (Rev. Ben Ingebretson) / Study guide 

Section 2: Noticing God - Video (Rev. Dan Johnson) / Study guide 

Section 3: Finding Courage - Video (Rev. Cynthia Williams) / Study guide

Section 4: Embracing Change - Video (Rev. Fred Vanderwerf) / Study guide

Section 5: Letting Go -  Video (Rev. Susan Nienaber) / Study guide

Section 6: Reaching Out - Video (Rev. Mark Miller) / Study guide