wfn.org | Reading the Bible in a Year

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"UNITED METHODIST DAILY NEWS 97" by SUSAN PEEK on April 15, 1997 at 14:24
Eastern, about DAILY NEWS RELEASES FROM UNITED METHODIST NEWS SERVICE (197
notes).

Note 196 by UMNS on July 2, 1997 at 15:37 Eastern (2499 characters).

Produced by United Methodist News Service, official news agency of
the United Methodist Church, with offices in Nashville, Tenn., New
York, and Washington.

CONTACT: Linda Green                              384(10-71B){196}
         Nashville, Tenn. (615) 742-5470              July 2, 1997

United Methodist pastor develops 
year-long Bible study curriculum

     NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) -- A United Methodist pastor and
seminary professor has developed a new curriculum series that will
enable a person to read and study the Bible in 365 days
     The Rev. J. Ellsworth Kalas, professor of preaching at Asbury
Theological Seminary, is the author of  "The Grand Sweep," a five-
component United Methodist curriculum series to take participants
from Genesis to Revelations in a year. 
     Produced by the United Methodist Publishing House here, the
series "is the result of a continuing love affair with the Bible,"
Kalas said. 
     At the age of 11, he wanted to become a minister and to
encourage him on his journey, a Presbyterian evangelist gave him a
formula that allowed him to read the Bible from beginning to end.
"He gave me his formula," Kalas said. "If I would read three
chapters every weekday and five chapters on Sunday, I would finish
in a year."
     Kalas has revised the formula to enable individuals to read
three chapters daily, except for certain days, when they will read
four. Psalms and Proverbs are scattered throughout the readings.
     "The basic structure ... moves through the Bible in the
biblical sequence," Kalas said, and "gives you a chance to catch
'the grand sweep' of the Scriptures --  something we miss in most
Bible studies."
     Along with a pattern of study that includes reading, writing,
reflection and prayer, the series also incudes companion pieces.
These additions include a daily response book, a guide for group
study, a sermon idea book and a reading book. A set of audio-
cassettes will be available in September.
     A book with two sermon ideas for each week is offered to
preachers who want to lead their congregations through the Bible
in 365 days. One sermon idea is narrative and the other is linear.
     Kalas encourages the use of the reading book. "This will
bring a warm sense of recognition and participation to those in
the congregation," he said. 
     For more information about "The Grand Sweep" contact Curric-
U-Phone at (800) 251-8591.
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