Join the Bible Challenge

5/14/2012

Dear Diocesan Family,

In the spring issue of the Virginia Episcopalian magazine, you read about a new opportunity taking place in the Diocese of Virginia. Starting this Pentecost Sunday, May 27, we're challenging you to enter into a thoughtful and intentional practice of reading the Bible - every day - to completion, in one year.

This particular program is designed by the Center for Biblical Studies. People and dioceses throughout the Episcopal Church and across the wider Anglican Communion are participating. Now, many of you might already have a Bible-reading practice. But I encourage you to take part in this diocesan-wide initiative, too, particularly in light of the brief daily reflections that will be offered by scholars and leaders representing quite varied approaches and perspectives. (I am myself providing a three-day series of reflections.) Moreover, as a large and wide-spread diocese, it can be a challenge in and of itself to find ways to come together and grow spiritually as a community. This shared practice of joining together in faithful discipline is one way to contribute to deepening our community as a diocese.

The time is ripe for such a challenge. As we look toward the horizon, we see great energy and change ahead. We have just elected a new bishop suffragan and look forward to her consecration on July 28. In early July, a deputation from your diocese will travel to Indianapolis for the triennial General Convention of the Episcopal Church, and every day here in the Diocese, men and women are hard at work on the initiative known as Dayspring, the effort to discern vision and strategy surrounding the properties that are returning to us. Grounding ourselves in Holy Scripture in this year of change and significant discernment in our diocese will be, I pray, a transformative experience for us.

We'll provide you with suggested daily readings and reflections, as well as an online community to share your thoughts and prayers. To get started, please visit the following site:

There you'll find a sign-up link and an introduction to the Challenge; a link to the daily readings; the collected reflections on the readings; resources for individuals and parishes; and a link to our Facebook page where you can interact with other participants.

I look forward to joining with you in this year-long journey.

Faithfully,

The Rt. Rev. Shannon S. Johnston
Bishop