The Bible Year
at ESUMC
What if we read through the entire Bible together in 2026?
Join our congregation in reading through Scripture in 365 days. Starting January 1, 2026, we are embarking on The Bible Year—a journey from Genesis to Revelation that will deepen our faith, strengthen our community, and transform how we engage God’s Word. Whether you are a lifelong Bible reader or just beginning, this is your invitation to discover the breadth and beauty of Scripture alongside your church family.
What is the bible year?
The Bible Year is a proven method for reading through the entire Bible in one year using a thoughtfully designed daily reading plan. Each day includes a manageable Scripture passage (typically 15-20 minutes of reading), allowing you to experience the full sweep of God’s story from creation to new creation.
At ESUMC, we are using the reading plan from The Bible Year by Magrey R. deVega, a resource specifically designed for congregational engagement. Our preaching and teaching throughout 2026 will connect with what you are reading, creating a powerful rhythm of personal study and corporate worship.
how to participate
Get your reading plan
Download or pick up your free 2026 Bible Year reading calendar. We have created multiple formats for your convenience:
Enhance your reading with The Bible Year devotional by Magrey R. deVega. This companion guiden offers daily reflections, context, and questions to deepen your understanding. ESUMC is pre-ordering a limited number of devotionals for congregants with a suggested $15 donation. Find them outside of the Sanctuary and Kerr Hall.
Consider a devotional Guide
Use any Bible translation you prefer (CEB, NRSV, NIV, ESV, etc.). The daily readings are the same across all translations. Read at your own pace, and if you fall behind, just jump back in—there is no right way to engage this journey.
start reading january 1!
special offerings to help support your journey
Making Sense of Scripture: 5-Week Study
Ever feel lost reading the Bible? Join our pastoral team for this 5-week study where we will discover that the Bible wasn’t written TO us, but it was written FOR us—and knowing the difference changes everything. We’ll explore passages from The Bible Year while learning multiple ways to engage Scripture deeply: praying the text, reading with all our senses, digging into context and meaning, and letting God’s Word transform how we live.
Details:
• 5 Wednesday sessions starting on January 14th
• Two time options: 5:00-6:15pm OR 6:30-7:45pm
• Perfect for both Bible Year participants and anyone wanting better Bible reading skills
Preaching and Teaching Throughout 2026
Our Sunday preaching and Wednesday Midweek offerings will connect with The Bible Year throughout the year. During Ordinary Time (summer and fall), sermon series will directly engage the books our congregation is reading—from Wisdom Literature to the Prophets to the Gospels and Acts. We are building a year of deep scriptural engagement together.
Magrey deVega, author of our companion devotional recorded a podcast in 2020 called "The Bible Year Podcast." Intro Episode is "Interpreting the Bible" - a 20-minute primer on how to read Scripture well. To subsribe to this weekly podcast, install one of these apps and then search “Bible Project 2020” to subscribe.
Frequently Asked Questions
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While January 1 is the planned start date, you can jump in anytime! If you start late or fall behind, simply pick up with the current day’s reading. The beauty of reading as a congregation is that you’ll always have others on the journey with you.
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Any translation works! The translation read in our worship services is CEB. Other popular options include NRSV (United Methodist standard), NIV, ESV, or The Message. Choose a translation that speaks to you. The daily reading passages are the same across all versions.
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Most daily readings take 15-20 minutes. Some days are shorter, others are longer. The rhythm averages about three chapters per day.
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No, the devotional is optional but recommended. The free reading calendar provides all the Scripture passages. The devotional adds daily reflections, historical context, and reflection questions to deepen your engagement.
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Perfect! This is designed for first time and seasoned readers alike. The January study, Making Sense of Scripture, will give you tools and confidence. Plus, you’ll be reading alongside hundreds of others from ESUMC. We are in this together!
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Absolutely! Some people prefer to read ahead on weekends, others take rest days and double up. The calendar provides the suggested daily rhythm, but grace and flexibility and built in. Read in the way that’s sustainable for you.
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During the liturgical seasons (Advent, Epiphany, Lent, Easter), we will follow the Revised Common Lectionary as we always do. But during Ordinary Time (summer and fall), our preaching will directly engage what the congregation is reading. It’s the best of both worlds!
ready to dive deeper into god’s word?
Join us for The Bible Year beginning January 1, 2026. Download your reading calendar, reserve your devotional, and mark your calendar for the January study. Let’s discover together the breadth, beauty, and transforming power of Scripture.