What version of the Bible should I use?

While this is a matter of personal preference, we recommend the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) of the Bible which is the one we use in worship. Ideally, an NRSV study Bible is the best since it will offer additional information about what you are reading. We recommend either the New Oxford Annotated Bible or the Harper Collins Study Bible with the NRSV text.

Electronic versions are available for PDAs with the text of the NRSV Bible, daily readings, study resources and more. Speak with one of the pastors for more information.

I would like to read the entire Bible in one year.

One plan that will walk you through the entire Bible in one year is available on our church’s website (www.fpcallentown.org). There is an Old and New Testament reading each day which you can read in one sitting or read one in the morning and the other one in the evening.

Another plan is A Year With The Bible (www.pcusa.org/devotions/index, 888-728-7228, Ext. 5331) which covers most, but not the entire Bible.

I would like to have a daily reading of Scripture with some questions for reflection.

Sign-up to receive daily readings, questions, and a prayer via e-mail (www.americanbible.org/brcpages/daily-bible-reading).

Sacred Reading (also known as “Lectio Divina”) is a spiritual practice for personal or group Bible study:

1. Read a short passage of Scripture (use daily lectionary or choose your own passage)
2. Think about its meaning by answering three questions:
   
   - What does the passage tell us about God?
   - What does the passage tell us about humankind?
   - What is God calling me/us to do?
3. Respond to it. Commit yourself to making some change in light of what you read. You might want to record your thoughts in a journal, write a poem, draw a picture, or create something that expresses your thoughts and feelings related to what the passage asks of you.
4. Share and celebrate the passage with God. Talk to God about the passage and whatever it brings to your attention. Be quiet so that God can speak to you.

I would like to have a daily reading of Scripture along with a daily devotion.

Two good resources are:

1. The Upper Room (available in print or on-line, www.upperroom.org/devotional, 800-925-6847)
2. These Days (available in print, www.ppcbooks.com/ppcbooks/thesedays.asp, 800-624-2412).

A limited number of These Days is available at church free of charge – donations accepted.

I would like to follow the daily lectionary (assigned passages on a two-year cycle) of Scripture readings.

These are available to read on-line, to receive daily via e-mail, and as downloadable MP3 format audio files. All are available at www.pcusa.org/devotions/index, 888-728-7228, Ext. 5331.

Also available at this website is another resource, the Mission Yearbook for Prayer and Study that offers daily scripture readings and stories about Presbyterian Church (USA) mission work around the world and news from each Synod and Presbytery in our denomination. You can order your own copy or read it on-line (www.pcusa.org/missionyearbook/index, 888-728-7228, Ext. 5686). There also is a Children’s Mission Yearbook for Prayer and Study for third through sixth graders.

In addition to reading the Bible by myself, I would like to gather with others for study.

Check out one of our Church School classes or weekday Bible Study Groups at our church. Contact the church office for details (610-395-3781).