Children & Youth Ministries Weekly Update

Guess I Better Read It, Too: A New Year’s Resolution Testimony


Three years ago I started reading the Bible daily. I had always wanted to. I had studied different books in the New Testament. I knew the Gospels. I had favorite scripture verses. But I had never read the entire book, or really understood that it was a complete story. 


I didn’t know it, but my journey into the Word started about seven years ago, when a friend introduced us to an app one of his pastors was working on. I downloaded it and kind of forgot about it. A year later, Max, who was in sixth grade at the time, was on my phone and rediscovered it. It drew him in instantly and he asked for it to be downloaded on his iPad. Soon he had committed to reading the bible in a year. And while it took him a month or two longer than he’d planned, he did it. My 12-year-old son had read the entire bible and I still had not. I felt both inspired and a bit ashamed, if I’m being honest. So that January, I made a resolution. I was finally going to read the whole thing from cover to cover. Knowing a phone app might be too distracting for me, I set out to find something different.


I did a lot of research, and found a chronological reading plan. This plan organizes readings as they happened on a timeline, which for me was life-changing. I began to see the Bible as one, continuous story, and not simply a compilation of separate books. This was especially helpful while attempting to understand the Old Testament. 


I also purchased a new Bible. In college I purchased a New King James study Bible. This time I opted for a version that was easier to understand, that didn’t have commentary, but instead had lined margins on the sides for note taking. On my second time through the Bible, I began reading it inductively. This is an intentional way of studying scripture, that enriches knowledge through thought, research and prayer. I continue with this practice today.


I have been a Christian for my entire life, but had not actually read the whole bible until I was 41 years old. Here I am, three years later, and I can honestly say that making that choice in January changed my life. It is also important to add, I recently found a prayer journal from seven years ago. I thought it was full of prayers for friends and family. I had forgotten that all throughout the journal was a continuous prayer that I had written for myself in various forms. Help me to read Your Word. Bring me to Scripture. Help me find time. Help me.  And He did.


Even when we can’t see it, He’s working. If you are wanting to start a daily practice of spending time in the Word, I am truly praying for you. There is nothing better. 


HELPFUL LINKS/INFO:

Below are suggestions and some places you might want to start. I encourage you to do your own research as well and see what God has prepared for you and your journey through the Word.


Bible Study at CPC! Tim’s Bible Club 2023:


Tim’s Bible Club is a virtual group that commits to read through the Bible in one year using a reading list for each day provided by Tim. There are no meetings or committees - just an occasional email of encouragement throughout the year to keep you motivated. The reading list this year will be a traditional Old Testament to New Testament sequence with a narrative feel. You will be provided with a list of daily reading references, which will also be available on the church app and website. A paper printout of the reading list will be available in the Gathering Area.

If you are interested in joining, please send an email to Tim or sign-up in the Gathering Area. Reading begins on January 1. Your participation will be a blessing to you and to all the others who join. You may download the reading plan here.


Max’s App- THE BIBLE PROJECT   

You may recognize the name. Lydia has used the Bible Project frequently in Youth Ministries for years!

My favorite website for purchasing bibles, devotionals, prayer journals and other things…


Chronological Reading Plan


Inductive Bible Study

For Your Calendar


January


January 1 - One service only, 10:30am No Sunday school or childcare

January 8 - Sunday School Resumes - All Ages

January 8 - High School Youth Group Resumes (9th - 12th Grades) 6:00 - 8:00pm

January 11 - Children's Choir (2nd - 5th Grades) 5:00 - 5:30pm

K2 Live (3rd - 5th Grades) 6:00 - 8:00pm

Middle School Youth Group (6th - 8th Grades) 6:00 - 8:00pm

January 20 - Middle School Night of Unending Games, 6:00-9:00pm



February


February 17-20 - High School Ski Retreat @ Mt. Bachelor

February 22 - Ash Wednesday Service, 6pm

Contact Us

Tifny Mathena, Children and Intergenerational Ministry Director

tifny@columbiapresbyterian.org


Anna Haagenson, Director of K2 Live and Children's Music

anna@columbiapresbyterian.org


Lydia Tombarelli, Youth Director

lydia@columbiapresbyterian.org


Raquel DeWitt, Youth Ministries

raquel@columbiapresbyterian.org


Viva Dennis, Children's Ministry Administrative Assistant

viva@columbiapresbyterian.org


Katie Mrochko, Youth Ministry Administrative Assistant

katie@columbiapresbyterian.org

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