Church 301-662-1464 School 301-662-6783 office@calvaryumc.org

I recently found myself sitting in one of the pews in the sanctuary. I noticed that the cover on the Bible in the pew rack was a bit torn. I pulled it out and saw that the pages were faded and difficult to read. That particular Bible was printed in 1972, and a little inspection of the surrounding pews showed that the other Bibles in the sanctuary were the same age and condition. I got to thinking.

 

I reached out to Dr. Ray Moreland, the former head of the Maryland Bible Society, to get some advice. I also contacted the Rev. Stephen Ricketts, a recently retired United Methodist pastor who has been worshipping with us here at Calvary UMC, who has a rather extensive collection of Bibles. They both told me that the Revised Standard Version (or RSV) we have in the pews has been updated twice since the RSV first was introduced, taking into consideration changes in English language, and new archeological and scriptural studies. Today we have available the New Revised Standard, Updated Edition (or NRSVUE).

 

I did some looking around and found that we could purchase an edition of this edition that would fit our pew racks. Using some memorial and special project funds, I ordered 250 copies of the NRSVUE  Bibles. They arrived at the church yesterday.

 

Many of the current Pew Bibles were given in memory of church members, family, and friends. This was a witness to the life and faith of people here in the congregation. Over the next few weeks, we will have a table set up in the Fellowship Hall where folks can do the same with copies of the new Bibles. For $15, a dedication or memorial can be added to a new Bible and then placed in the sanctuary.

 

Now, we will have a Bible available in the seats that match what is read in the pulpit and lectern. We will have Bibles that are no longer worn or tattered by age, and we will be able to use the new Bibles for many years to come.

 

Grace and peace,

 

Pastor Steve