Forward Movement, along with partners from across the Episcopal Church, invites all Episcopalians to participate in the Good Book Club, a church-wide Bible reading initiative. The Good Book Club will focus on Paul’s Letter to the Romans, with participants reading a section of scripture each day during the Epiphany season, starting on January 7, 2019.
“When we commit ourselves to reading God’s Word, we open ourselves to the opportunity for transformation,” said Richelle Thompson, deputy director and managing editor of Forward Movement. “Although Paul wrote this letter to the Romans, the message of salvation and redemption through the risen Christ is one we all need to hear and embrace today.”
The Good Book Club kicked off during Lent and Easter of 2018, with tens of thousands of Episcopalians reading the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts. Survey results from participants showed a hunger and desire to continue the initiative and provide more opportunities for people to read and discuss scripture together. Romans was the first choice of participants for the next Good Book Club.
Presiding Bishop Michael B. Curry supports and encourages individuals and congregations to join the Good Book Club as a way to engage in “Learn,” one of the seven Way of Love practices for a Jesus-centered life.
Several organizations are partnering with Forward Movement in the Good Book Club, including the United Thank Offering, Forma, Episcopal Church Women, and The Living Church. Partner organizations are creating resources or encouraging their constituents to take part in the effort.
ChurchNext, a ministry of Forward Movement, will offer two six-week live Bible studies, one in English led by the Rev. Jay Sidebotham, author of Conversations with Scripture: Romans and director of RenewalWorks, and one in Spanish, led by the Rev. Glenda McQueen, the Episcopal Church’s staff officer for Latin America & the Caribbean, and Hugo Olaiz, assistant editor for Latino/Hispanic ministries for Forward Movement.
The Good Book Club website lists the daily readings and partners, as well as resources to support people as they read the scriptures. Spanish resources and information are available at clubbiblico.org. Organizations, including dioceses, that would like to partner and develop resources for the wider church should contact Richelle Thompson at rthompson@forwardmovement.org.
Forward Movement is a ministry of the Episcopal Church that inspires disciples and empowers evangelists. With offices in Cincinnati, Ohio, Forward Movement offers online resources, digital products, books, pamphlets, and Forward Day by Day. Learn more at www.forwardmovement.org.
For more information, contact Richelle Thompson at rthompson@forwardmovement.org or 513-721-6659, ext. 315.