The Bible Trail A Trek through The Christian Scriptures

1. The Bible TrailA Trek through The Christian Scriptures Preaching the Whole Bible September 2006 – June 2009

2. Founding Principles • In 1990, St. Andrew’s Mission and Vision statement affirmed the following: “… the Christian Church of which St. Andrew’s is a part, is built upon the Word of God, and we as members of St. Andrew’s endeavour to come to know God’s Word through the Bible so that we can grow as Christians by living God’s Word.”

3. Built Upon the Word of God • The Vision also states… “We will become a group of biblically-literate Christians who discuss the relevance and meaning of God’s Word and apply it to our lives.”

4. The Concept • Preach every book of the Bible over a period of 2 ½ years • “What’s the Big Picture?” • Breaks would be taken at Advent and Christmas, Lent and Easter, Anniversary Sunday and Mission Awareness Sunday and throughout the summer.

5. Why Preach the Whole Bible? • Declining numbers in Bible Study • Over the last few years, an average of 5 people attended any kind of Bible Study opportunity. • Sunday morning worship is important to our members • Regular attendance at Sunday morning worship seems to be a higher priority than participation in programs through the week.

6. Something to believe in • May create even more commitment to attending worship regularly • It is hoped that providing the congregation with a plan for preaching the whole Bible will encourage them to commit to being here even more than they already do.

7. Know Our Bible • Will increase Biblical literacy • By 2009, if members commit to the Daily Reading Plan (explained later) they will have read the whole Bible cover to cover.

8. Our Relationships • Will build more relationships along with prayer and pastoral care • Accountability groups (detailed later) will help the membership to keep on track but also will strengthen relationships and mutual care of our members and newcomers.

9. “That’s the church that is…” • Raise the profile of St. Andrew’s in the community • We will advertise this program and it is hoped that it will attract attention from the local community and increase the numbers of newcomers joining our fellowship. • We will begin the Trail on September 10th, 2006 with an Orientation Session within the service of worship. • Our advertising will be tied to our promotion of the “Open House” event.

10. Openness and Trust • Talk openly about our questions and doubts. • Creates an informed dialogue about the Bible and faith. • Increase our trust of each other as we find forums for open and honest dialogue around issues of faith.

11. Why “The Bible Trail”? • The creative idea for The Bible Trail: A Trek Through the Christian Scriptures comes from hiking. • All the imagery for the supporting material and other spin-offs will come from hiking.

12. Hiking? “In hiking the journey is more important than the destination.” It is the notion of a journey together with God’s Word as our guide that informs this program.

13. Trail Guide • Daily Reading Plan • Calendar with “Rest Stops” (opportunities to catch up) along the way • Suggestions for reading (when, where, with who, rituals) • How to choose a Bible • Recommended further reading or resources • Questions for personal reflection or discussion

14. Small Accountability Groups called Trail Parties Group of 8 – 10 with leader Led by “Trail Blazer” Not necessarily experts, but fellow travelers Make a commitment to regular meetings Offer groups at different levels – Experienced to Beginner Trail Blazers meet with ministers monthly Trail Parties

15. Summit • Monthly meetings open to congregation following worship service (e.g. 12:30pm) • Last Sunday of the Month when possible • Simple Lunch provided • Co-Led by the ministers • Q&A on Daily Readings, Trail Parties, Sermons

16. The Bible Trail Blog • Create a web log or ‘blog’ of The Bible Trail experience • Weekly journal/contributions by the ministers with comments from participants • Could be expansion on sermon material or just thoughts for the journey • Offer Trail Guide on-line either through Blog or with a link to our website

17. The Bible Trail Hiking Club • Establish a Hiking Club • Regular excursions for fun, fellowship, and fitness • Service opportunity in participating in trail maintenance • Encourage Trail Parties to participate as a group • Possibly host one very large event either once a year or as a part of the two and a half years

18. St. Andrew’s Trail Mix • The Trail Guide would include a number of recipes for ‘Trail Mix’ • We would encourage members of the congregation to submit their favourites. • Trail Parties would be encouraged to serve St. Andrew’s Trail Mix at their gatherings

19. Presentation of the Vision (Spring 2006) Recruitment of “Trail Blazers” – small group leaders (May – Aug. 2006) Production of Trail Guide (Mar. – Sept. 2006) Advertising within congregation and to local community (September 2006) Organize “Trail Parties” – small groups (early Sept. 2006) Orientation Session on Sept. 10th in conjunction with the Open House Embark on the Trek on Sept. 17th, 2006 Timeline for The Bible Trail

20. “Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path” Psalm 119: 105

21. “In hiking the journey is more important than the destination.”

22. “The journey of one thousand miles begins with one step.”

23. “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith…” Hebrews 12: 1-2