They are like trees planted by streams of water, which yield their fruit in its season, and their leaves do not wither. In all that they do, they prosper.
—Psalm 1:3
What Is the Big Read?
The Big Read is a 90-day, all-church reading of the Bible—a chance for our community to reorient after the disruptions of the past year, to consider what we’re paying attention to, and to focus on matters of eternal significance. While most of us are familiar with individual stories from Scripture, the Big Read seeks to move us beyond that, to develop a sense of the Bible’s overarching narrative—a single story of salvation, from Old Testament to New, held together by a faithful God and pointing to Jesus Christ. This is an intentional effort, one that will require us to relinquish time that we would normally spend doing something else. Yet the benefits are manifold. Reading Scripture wakes us up, gets our attention, and sets the stage for what’s next in our lives. Join us for the journey this fall!
Reading Tracks
Sign up for a track here or fill out a card at Sunday worship services. On signing up for a track, you will receive a plan to guide you through the daily readings. Find an overview of the reading timeline here.
- Audio: Listen to three to five chapters each day using a Bible app. Suggested apps are Dwell or Bible.
- Chapter: Read 90 chapters of the Bible, committing to one chapter per day.
- Comprehensive: Read the entire Bible, committing to about 30 minutes per day.
- Family: Read daily passages, predominantly from the Read and Learn Bible, appropriate for children of all ages.
Get Connected
Preface to the Big Read: Pastor Panel
On August 22, our pastors gathered together for a panel discussion. They spoke about the importance of Scripture and their love for it, as well as answered questions about the Bible and the Big Read. Watch the recording of this discussion here.
The Big Read Forum
Each week, there is a presentation on the week’s Big Read focus text. Watch the showcase of videos on Vimeo here.
Sunday Worship
8:30 and 11:00 a.m. | Sanctuary
Sermons each Sunday will focus on a highlighted passage from the Big Read, tracing the Bible’s entire narrative arc over a three-month period—a fitting way to inaugurate the newly renovated Sanctuary.
Communities of Belonging
Communities of Belonging will begin the week of September 19 and continue through the week of December 12. Discussion will be focused on the previous Sunday’s sermon. It is not necessary to commit to reading the entire Bible to join a COB, but all participants are encouraged to pick a reading track and spend time in the Word each day. Access the COB resources here.
Adult Education
Most Sunday School classes this fall will be informed by the Big Read, including a Big Read Forum in Courtenay Hall. Often led by Dr. Stuart Gordon, this class will also feature other pastors and lay leaders. A detailed list of all classes and their areas of focus is available here.
Youth Ministry
Youth Ministry will connect to the Big Read through weekly Sunday School in the Gathering Place, open to grades 7–12, and through small-group Bible studies. Find more information of opportunities for youth at linktr.ee/fpcnashyouth.
Children and Their Families
The Sunday education hour will be home to Bible Time, based on the Big Read, for ages 1–6 in the main Children’s Ministry wing. Ages 7 and older will join the Sunday Breakfast Club (SBC), a cross-generational educational gathering in the Enrichment Center. SBC offers a chance for relationship-building and time and space to rebuild our community, all while engaging with a powerful study informed by the Big Read. And delectable breakfast treats are part of the morning! Nursery care will be available for children ages 6 weeks–3 years.
