(Note: See above for weekly links for Small Group videos)
Lent is a season of preparation and drawing closer to God. It is a time of growing our faith and understanding of Jesus and his church. This year, we invite you to be part of our churchwide project, which will take your faith to a whole new level: reading the entire New Testament in 40 days.
Why do this? Most people own a Bible (the average household owns three), but most don’t read it. A 2016 Lifeway study reports that only 11% of American report they have read the entire Bible. This happens because the Bible feels big and overwhelming. So, reading the entire New Testament as a congregation gives us structure, support, and encouragement. It makes it doable.
And, the New Testament is only 260 chapters and about 184,600 words which is about the same size as “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire” or “The Fellowship of the Rings.” In other words, it is totally achievable!
Here is how you can be part:
1. Decide how you will participate. We encourage everyone to be in a small group, and if you aren’t yet in a group, email us at MAndrews@umcv.org .
Being in a small group will help you stay focused on reading, encourage you when you get behind and help answer questions and grow your understanding. We will be using videos from The Bible Project in small groups – you will love these interesting and engaging videos.
2. Pick your plan. We will give you a plan to read the New Testament in 40 days but you will need to decide between several options. For example, you can read using an app, using a Bible you already have, or purchasing a New Testament for the occasion. Maybe you’d rather use an audio version? That is fine too. Consider reading out loud or using an audio version if you are doing it as a family. How much time will this take? About 30 minutes a day. We start on Monday, February 24 (2 days before Ash Wednesday) and end on April 3 (a full week before Easter, so you can catch up if you need to).
3. Where to start: Join in on February 23 at 5PM for our Kick-off and Chili Cook-off. We will have speakers Rev. Dr. Kathey Wilborn, a fantastic pastor and leader, and hear from a group from Palmdale First who will share how the Bible has changed their lives. We will have a spirited time of worship and then, our annual Chili Cook-off. Tickets for the cook-off will be available soon!
4. Consider who you will invite to join you in this experience. What co-workers, neighbors, and family would love the achieve this goal? One of the top experiences those on a spiritual path are seeking is a better connection to the Bible. With daily reading and Pastor Nicole’s weekly sermons (she will be looking at upcoming scriptures for the week to get us grounded and ready), anyone can make 2020 the year when they read the whole New Testament.
5. Invite your young adults, youth and older elementary students to join you in the challenge. A recent study shared that many younger people are looking to connect to the scriptures but lack the tools to do so. This process will give you the tools to support those in your family who want to learn.
6. Got little kids? No worries. You can have them be a part by reading through a children’s Bible over the 40 days. Look at the “Children’s Easy-to-Read New Testament,” available on Amazon if you want to read aloud. If you are looking to do this with very young children, you may need to use a story Bible as one for the New Testament might be hard to find.
7. Still got questions? Check out our FAQ sheet or connect with Rev. Nicole at NReilley@umcv.org
