Following on from the Year of Mercy, the Bishop has designated 2017 ‘The Year of the Bible’. During the year, there will be all sorts of events going on to help us engage more deeply with this hugely important text for the Christian journey.  If you do not do so already, I urge you to think about getting bible reading notes.  These are available on the bible reading fellowship website http://www.biblereadingnotes.org.uk/

New Daylight is a particularly good one for those starting out on this but there is a whole selection on the website.  For those of you who are technically minded you can even download them now straight to your phone or computer!  However, if you would prefer us to order them for you please sign up on the list at the back of church and I will organise it for you.  The new notes begin in January and what better new year’s resolution could there be than to spend time with God’s word every day.

The Bishop has also recommended we pray the Bible Sunday collect as a regular inspiration to us all.

Blessed Lord, who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: help us so to hear them, to read, mark, learn and inwardly digest them that, through patience, and the comfort of your holy word, we may embrace and for ever hold fast the hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Saviour Jesus Christ, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen