Diocese of Peterborough
The Faxton Bible Challenge
Prompted by some publicity around Bible Sunday in 2007, the Faxton benefice (the parishes of Arthingworth, Harringington, Oxendon, East Farndon, Maidwell, Draughton, Lamport and Faxton) decided to take up the challenge of reading the whole Bible in a year.
Starting on 1 January 2008 thirty-three people from the congregations began following the Every Day with Jesus Bible, with set readings for each day and a commentary by Selwyn Hughes. Thirty of these people are still going strong and keeping up with the daily readings.
Each day's text typically includes a couple of chapters from the Old Testament, something from the Psalms and Proverbs and a chapter from the New Testament.
Most people follow the readings on their own and inevitably questions arise. In response to these questions the Rector, Mary Garbutt, has set up monthly discussion meetings and provided notes that people can take away and study. The discussions are good and sometimes heated!
People from across the benefice have taken up the challenge and it has become quite a talking point when they meet at benefice events.
Although there had been two or three short Bible study courses in the benefice before, no more than ten people had attended. Many more were keen to take up the Bible Challenge, including some who had never read the Bible before, except in church services.
"Most Christians are familar with the New Testament but rarely read the Old Testament unless they have to," said Mary Garbutt. "I am delighted at the number who have taken up the challenge."
When they get to the end in December 2008, many are planning to start all over again, with Mary's notes beside them.
June 2008