Welcome to our Bible in a year journey! We’ll start with John 1, Psalm 1, and Genesis 1-2. Whether you’re on the Whole Bible plan or the New Testament, Psalms & Wisdom, or Old Testament plan, you’ll read 5 days each week and take 2 days off: one for rest and one for worship. Before we begin, I invite you to set some intentions. Where will you do your Bible reading? I find having a specific, set aside, “holy” location is helpful for setting a habit. I have a favorite chair. When will you do your reading? I recommend either wake time, bed time, before/after a mealtime, or even travel time. I find mornings work best for me. Find what works for you. Setting ”holy” time makes habits easier and helps you be fully present. What will you read? The Bible, obviously. :) But what translation will you use? I recommend having a primary translation and then comparing with other translations as you have time/desire/need. Bible translations fall on a spectrum from word-for-word to thought-for-thought to paraphrase. On the one end, they try to mirror word order in the original languages: Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. On the other end they read more like modern English. The middle is the Goldilocks zone. The New International Version (NIV) is my go-to for years. If I have a verse memorized it’s most likely the NIV. The New Living Translation (NLT) is also really great. If you have time and opportunity, consulting one from each category and comparing is a beautiful way. My flow for years has been: 1) Read the English Standard Version (ESV), 2) then the New International Version (NIV) and/or New Living Translation (NLT), and 3) then The Message (MSG). Whew! That was more complicated than it needed to be, but hopefully it made the vast marketplace of Bible translations more easily navigable for you. How will you read? Are you going to read in a paper Bible primarily or use an app or do some combination of both? The Holy Bible app/website (YouVersion) is the best one out there. (Even though we’re doing our plan through the Church Center, it is powered by this app.) The readings will start posting January 1 in the Church Center under "More." Will you read aloud or listen along in the Bible app/website? Are you going to underline or mark up your Bible? Write notes or summaries? How will you process what you read? Are you going to journal in response? Write prayers, poetry, or doodles? Are you going to process your reading in regular conversation with anyone? Find or make songs or artwork that respond to the readings in some way? What extra resources will you consult to gain understanding? Maybe you want to use a study bible, such as The Concordia Self-Study Bible, and have those study notes available as you read. Maybe you want to watch the Bible Project “Read Scripture” book summary videos before you begin each new book of the Bible. Phone a friend or ask the pastor? Also good options. Make a plan to make this journey practical, meaningful, and memorable for you. If you know others who would benefit from a journey like this, invite them. Peace in Christ, Karl