Good Book Club

On Sunday we're kicking off Good Book Club, and I couldn't be more excited. GBC is our all ages, year-long effort to read the Bible together as a community. Using an adaptation of the Bible called The Story, everyone is invited to share the joys and challenges of diving into God's holy Word. It's supplemented by Sunday School for kids, where our children will become familiar with the characters, themes and stories of Scripture. Youth in middle and high school will similarly engage the Bible. And adults are encouraged to take advantage of the weekly forum in the Parish Hall, where we'll dive deeply into God's Word and consider how it speaks to us today.

We prepared for GBC last week with Miqra, our three-day marathon reading of the Bible. Against our better judgment, against our doubts and fears that it wasn't possible, that we couldn't pull it off, we stepped out in faith. Hour after hour volunteers showed up to read. Hour after hour, the church was filled with holy words.

I've had a chance to visit with many in the past week who took a reading shift, and nearly every one shared that the experience was inspiring and transformative. They were deeply affected by the chance to be part of something so unique and transcendent. But to be honest, I was surprised to hear this from the readers. Because that's what happens when we connect with God in Scripture. That's what happens when we finally begin to engage the holy words that have nourished the faithful for thousands of years.

How many times have you said to yourself, I wish I had read the Bible? How many times have you wished you better knew what's in there? How many times have you considered opening the pages of Scripture, only to put it off for another day, or give up after a few dozen pages?

This is your chance. We can do this together. We can open the Bible, the Good Book, as a community. But be ready: your life will never be the same again.