Dear Friends,
Over the past months, many in our church family have been walking together through the BIAY Bible program — beginning with CREATE, reflecting on God as the source of life and purpose, and continuing through PREPARE, where Scripture invited us to be shaped, formed, and readied for what God is doing among His people. Now, as we move into the heart of the Lenten season, we are approaching the third season of Bible In A Year-ish: RENEW.
This timing is no accident. Lent calls us to repentance, restoration, and deeper trust in God’s renewing work. In this next season, we will turn our attention to the biblical account of Elisha—a prophet whose ministry is marked by healing, restoration, persistence, and God’s power at work in ordinary and broken places. Through Elisha’s story, Scripture reminds us that God is not finished with His people, even when the journey feels long or uneven.
For those who have been part of BIAY from the beginning, RENEW is an encouragement to keep going. Scripture is not something we rush through, but something that forms us over time. This season invites you to press on, trusting that God continues to work through steady faithfulness and attentive reading.
For those who have not yet participated (or who stepped away earlier), this season is an open door. RENEW is a natural place to begin again. You do not need to “catch up” to join in. God’s Word meets us where we are, and this season is especially suited for those longing for restoration, clarity, or a fresh start.
Bible In A Year-ish is not about checking boxes or completing a program. It is about immersing ourselves in the whole story of Scripture and allowing God to shape us through it — together, as a community. As Lent invites us to slow down and listen more closely, we invite you to join us in this season of RENEWAL — whether by continuing faithfully or by stepping in for the first time.
Grace and peace to you as we walk this journey together,
Pastor Scott Hawkins
During Lent, we invite you and your family to take part in a meditative practice of handwriting Scripture. This is a simple, intentional way to slow down, engage your body in worship, and dwell in God’s Word — much like the scribes of old who carefully wrote and preserved Scripture for future generations.
How it works:
- Each envelope contains an assignment of five chapters from the New Testament. Your chapters are listed on the envelope.
- Using the NIV translation, handwrite each chapter. Begin each chapter on a new page. If a chapter does not fit on a single page, continue onto a second page.
- When finished, place all pages back into the original envelope you received, and then return it to the Social Hall (on the credenza with Bibles) by Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026.
A few helpful notes:
- We’ve included a black pen in each envelope, but any black pen can be used.
- Do not write beyond the lines on paper, as the binding may cover this area.
- If you run out of paper or misplace a page, extra pages are available in the Social Hall, on the credenza with Bibles.
- You are welcome to complete more than one envelope, but please finish one before starting another.
If handwriting isn’t your preference, you may instead create a hand-drawn cover page for one (or more) books of the New Testament. Please ask for one in the Social Hall on Sundays or in the office midweek.
This practice is meant to be unhurried and reflective. It is an opportunity to engage our hearts, minds, and bodies as we journey through Lent together. May the act of writing, drawing, and dwelling in Scripture open space for prayer, attention, and renewal.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS
What should I expect over the next Year-ish?
We’ve divided the journey into five distinct seasons, each with its own theme and focus. With each season, we’ll also meditate on a portion of Psalm 32, allowing this single psalm to shape our thoughts as we engage the whole of Scripture.
- Season 1: “Create” begins September 2, 2025.
- Season 2: “Prepare” begins December 2, 2025.
- Season 3: “Renew” begins March 3, 2026.
- Season 4: “Rest” begins June 2, 2026.
- Season 5: “Harvest” begins September 1, 2026.
What are Restoration Days?
At the end of each season, we’ll gather for a one-day retreat that offers time to pause, reflect, and prepare for the next leg of the journey through Scripture. Each retreat will include guided reflection, a summary of the season’s teaching, time for prayer and rest, group discussion and connection, and a beautiful setting to breathe and listen. The cost for each retreat is $55, but scholarships are available. Restoration days will be held at Serra Retreat Center in Malibu on the following Mondays:
- December 1, 2025
- March 2, 2026
- June 1, 2026
- September 14, 2026
Won’t it be hard to read the whole Bible?
In one word: Yes. We know that life happens, and it may be difficult to read some days. That’s why we have intentionally not assigned any readings on Sundays or major holidays. You can also choose to skip the supplemental features that explain context and culture.
What do I do if I read things I don't understand?
We encourage you to use online resources like BlueLetterBible.org, which have commentaries, devotionals, and word studies that are valuable assets in your exploration of Scripture. You can also submit your questions to Pastor Scott HERE. Questions will be answered live on the second and fourth Sundays of each month in our 8:30am worship service.
What Bible are we using?
We’ll be reading from the NIV Chronological Study Bible, which arranges Scripture in historical order to help make sense of the story as it unfolds. It’s great for new readers and offers a fresh perspective for longtime Bible students. Copies are available at church for a suggested donation of $30, or feel free to purchase your own copy from online booksellers (Amazon, ChristianBook).
How will I know what to read?
The NIV Chronological Study Bible already has a daily reading plan that assumes the reader will begin their journey on January 1, so we have adapted this calendar for our purposes. Each month, we will provide you with a calendar that tells you which “reading day” corresponds to each calendar day. Most readings begin with a brief historical background.
Besides Sunday services, how can I participate in this journey?
You can follow along on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram. We encourage you to like, follow, and check back frequently. All three of our adult Bible studies are also focusing on our readings, as well as our midweek youth Bible study:
- 1st + 3rd Monday 6:30pm: Joy Sisters Bible Study, for women of all ages
- Tuesday 10am: Faith Round Table Bible Study, for all ages
- Tuesday 6:15pm: TNT Adult Bible Study
- Tuesday: 6:15pm: TNT Youth Bible Study, for high school and middle school students
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