NATCHEZ — You don’t have to be a Scrooge or a Tiny Tim to enjoy the upcoming book and Bible study at Trinity Episcopal Church.

The series, which takes a closer examination of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” begins with a viewing of a film version of the popular holiday tale at 3 p.m. Sunday in the church’s parish hall on Commerce Street. Refreshments will be served and an introduction to the entire Bible study will take place after the film.

“We all know the story, but we don’t think about it having theology,” Bible study leader and Trinity church member Kathleen Bond said. “Once you start poking around, you find it is based on some really deep Christian principles.”

The series will continue for four Wednesday nights — three in December and one in January. Each night will focus on a part of Dickens’ story, Bond said.

The series will begin to tackle questions from the story of Bob Cratchit and Ebenezer Scrooge.

“Why is Tiny Tim important? What is it that makes Scrooge so miserable?” Bond said. “In the end it is a redemption story.”

A light supper will be served at 6:15 p.m. with the book study and Bible study at 6:45 p.m. on Wednesday nights, Bond said.  Bond said anyone is welcome to attend the Sunday movie and the Wednesday night book studies.

“Anyone can attend the film whether or not they attend the book study,” Bond said. “And, frankly, anyone can attend the book study whether or not they read the book.”

Bond said she hopes the series will help those who attend find something in Dickens’ story that they can apply to their own lives.

“It is a great way to prepare our hearts for the new year at hand, and to tie Dickens’ beloved classic to our moral values as a Christian community.” 

In addition to the book and Bible study, Trinity Church is offering quiet and short evening prayer sevices at 5:30 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from Dec. 2-23. On Wednesdays the church will continue its weekly Eucharist with healing service at 5:30 p.m.

At 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 8, the church will host its annual Advent Lesson and Carols Service with reception following.