In our Circuit, October means Bible Month- and this year Bible Month means Paul's wonderful letter to the Philippians. But this time we're doing it differently by equipping everyone-yes, everyone-with a helpful guide to reading Paul's letter bit by bit, day by day.
Bible Month is a nationwide Methodist initiative and one of the resources made available is a 30-day Reading Guide to the featured book of the Bible. These booklets are free , so we have grabbed enough to give a personal copy to everyone who attends our services.
In all our services throughout October we will focus on successive chapters of Philippians. Every service in our five churches will start with a common Call to Worship and the singing of a specially chosen hymn(a different one each week), so we are all worshiping together, in different places.
There are only four chapters to Philippians, so it's an easy read- especially if taken a verse or two at a time each day. And that is where the Reading Guide comes in.
Copies will be given out over the first three Sundays in September and everyone will be encouraged to set aside 10 minutes a day to open their Bibles, read a few verses from Philippians and the helpful notes in the Reading Guide, and spend a moment in thought and prayer.
To make sure we're all ready for the first Sunday in October, we'll start reading chapter 1 on the last Sunday in September, the 27th.Then one chapter each week ending on Sunday 25th October.
Reading your Bible in this way might already be be part of your daily routine, but everyone being on the same page, so to speak, will make Bible Month come alive in a powerful way,
Any questions?
What are we reading?
The apostle Paul's short but powerful letter to the Philippians that overflows with joy, encouragement. and love- even as he writes from prison.
Where do I find it?
it's the 11th book of the New Testament ,coming after the four gospels, Acts, Romans, 1 & 2 Corinthians, Galatians and Ephesians.
How do I take part?
Put aside a few minutes each day to read in your Bible the verse or verses set out in the in the daily Reading Guide- then think and pray about them in the context of your life. The Reading Guide has helpful comments and hints each day. Don't be put off by the occasional reference to an original Greek word, or the fact that it's based on the New Revised Standard Version(NRSV) of the Bible. Use your preferred printed Bible-or maybe download an online version of your choice to your smartphone or tablet. See www.biblegateway.com
When do I start?
Start reading chapter 1 of Philippians on Sunday 27th September. Its spread over 8 days, so aim to read the last four verses before church on Sunday 4th October. Then we move on to chapter 2 in preparation for the next Sunday, and so on. There'll be reminders each week in church notices and newsletters.
Why are we doing this?
Reading our Bibles daily is good for our souls and our discipleship ( and a key element of the the A Methodist Way of Life initiative*). To have everyone in our five churches reading. thinking and praying about the same verses each day will help bring us all together-and enhance our worship and the focus on Philippians each Sunday throughout October.
Who is doing it?
All of us! Don't be left out!
" And this is my prayer: that your love may overflow more and more with knowledge and full insight"( Philippians 1; v9 NRSV)
*See www.methodist.org.uk/faith/a-methodist-way-of life
