And yet because it is a book about both the sublime and the unspeakable, it is a book also about life the way it really is. It is a book about people who at one and the same time can be both believing and unbelieving, innocent and guilty, crusaders and crooks, full of hope and full of despair. In other words, it is a book about us. One way or another, the story we find in the Bible is our own story. – Frederick Buechner, Wishful Thinking
WHY READ THE BIBLE IN A YEAR?
The Bible. Over 5 billion in print worldwide, by some estimates. Translated into some 500 languages. It is the bedrock of the Christian faith. History, narrative, poetry, prose, prophecy – it’s all there. The Bible is also one of the most misunderstood books, used over the years to support segregation, inequality, war and peace, and even that the earth is at the center of the universe. Many well-meaning Bible believers simply act on what they think the Bible says, or take particular verses out of context to support pre-conceived ideas and agendas.
Reading the Bible in a Year is a step in faith as our church commits in 2016 to growing spiritually – to learn for ourselves, as a community of faith what the Bible actually said to its original audience and what it then it might mean to us today. Reading the Bible in the year is not a sprint but a marathon – a leap of faith and a commitment to grow into the foundation of all we hold near and dear.
WHEN WILL IT HAPPEN?
In 2016, the congregation of Trinity Presbyterian is invited to read the Bible in a year together. We’ll begin promptly on January 1st and conclude on New Year’s Eve. All ages are encouraged to participate, and families in particular are invited to commit together – as well as other church groups (Sunday school classes, book clubs, small groups).
WHAT AND HOW?
We’ll use the Bible In One Year program created by the HTB Church in London. This model allows multiple ways for readers to engage the adventure:
- A free iPhone or Android app,
- A daily email subscription, sent right to your inbox,
- A daily reading list that can be printed and used with your Bible
Each day offers three readings: Psalm/Proverbs, Old Testament and New Testament. The smartphone apps and email subscription also offer daily commentary if you choose to read it.
To make your Bible journey official, click HERE to sign up. That’s it!
A FEW OTHER POINTS:
Once a month, Bible In A Year participants are invited to gather after worship for an hour to talk about what they’ve read and hear about what’s coming up. Here are the dates (feel free to bring a lunch): January 10, February 7, March 13, April 17, May 15, June 12, July 10, August 14, September 11, October 9, November 13, and December 11. Signing up will put you on an email list so you’ll get reminded before each gathering.
Readers are encouraged to connect with a fellow “Bible Buddy” to offer mutual support and encouragement along the way. If you wish, we’ll be happy to assign one to you – just indicate when you sign up.