Bible Alive!
21 – 24 September 2011
"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path" - Psalm 119:105
Bible Alive was Christ Church’s continuous reading of the whole Bible to celebrate our 50th Birthday.
For 50 years the Bible has been the focus for the teaching and preaching of the Gospel in Christ Church. Reading the whole Bible out loud was a dynamic way for our community to proclaim, celebrate and witness together to the importance of God’s Word as the inspired revelation at the heart of our faith.
How Long Did It Take?
Approximately 79 hours reading through the day and night. We started with the book of Genesis at 10 am on Wednesday 21 September and finished the book of Revelation just before 5pm on Saturday 24 September. We read the New International Version of the Bible.
Who Took Part?
Revd John Moore, the founding curate of the church 50 years ago, launched the reading. He was followed by teams made up of individuals, friends, families, life groups, youth and children from across all the Christ Church congregations and the wider church in Abingdon. We were joined by Nicola Blackwood MP, Andrew Proud, Bishop of Reading, Mike Badcock, the Mayor of Abingdon, BBC Radio Oxford and visitors from the local community. We estimate that over 350 people read and more than 50 helped to host the event. Our youngest reader was four years old and our youngest visitor six weeks!
What Did People Say?
"I did not realise how powerful reading the bible like this would be – there is an incredible power and energy. I could have read all night ... and listened all day."
"A wonderful family experience we will cherish for a long time."
"When I read it was like being 'in the zone' - the words just seemed to leap out."
"Really excellent – so much effort had gone into the displays and set-up and it created a wonderful peaceful atmosphere."
"A true place to find God."