This year St. Peter’s is doing something that may sound crazy, but will certainly bless everyone who takes part. We’re starting the “Good Book Club,” which is an effort to read the whole Bible together in one year. Starting in September and continuing through June, members of all ages will be invited to read the Bible together as a church. It may sound daunting, but the reality is that most of us don’t know the story of Scripture. We hear bits and pieces on Sundays, but we don’t know how it all fits together. But it is God’s Word, telling us who God is, and how God has been in loving relationship with the world since the beginning.  

It all begins with a marathon Bible reading event called Miqra, September 15-18. Miqra is a Hebrew word meaning “reading,” and during the course of the weekend, in 72 one-hour reading shifts, volunteers will read aloud the entire Bible, from Genesis to Revelation. Sounds amazing, right? But Miqra is only the beginning.

The version we're reading together is called The Story. The Story is sort of like a Reader's Digest version of the Bible. It puts the 46 Old Testament books and 27 New Testament books into a narrative sequence in order to help us realize the central story at its heart: the story of our loving, forgiving God's relationship with us. There are versions of The Story for all ages, so everyone will read the same material each week at an age-appropriate level. Copies can be purchased at church, or through Amazon.

Each week in Sunday School, everyone will be supported and encouraged in their reading for the week. In their education classes (Sundays from 9-10 a.m.) children, youth and adults will talk about the stories they've read, and engage with where God might be found and what God has to teach us. We're doing it together, so no one is alone. Even if you get off schedule, it's okay. Come anyway.

For more information about Good Book Club, check out the brochure, email Casey or just come some Sunday soon. The Good Book Club calendar for the year can be downloaded here, complete with reading assignments and dates of additional events. Stay tuned for special events like performances, guest lectures and movie nights.