Live Reading Launches READ Initiative 2014
January 6, 2014–Cleveland, TN—For the second consecutive year, a live Bible reading is taking place at the Church of God International Offices in Cleveland, Tennessee. The multi-day event began at 6:00 a.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST) this morning and marks the kick-off to the 2014 READ Initiative, a program to encourage reading the Bible from Genesis to Revelation in 2014.
READ is part of Church of God General Overseer Mark Williams’ 2012-2014 theme of “Living the Word.” READ stands for Reflect, Engage, Apply and Disciple and serves as a four-word guideline for fully experiencing the scriptures.
First Assistant General Overseer David Griffis takes a turn at reading scripture during the READ Initiative event.
Last year more than 128,000 people from several countries signed an online pledge to join the effort which was completed last week on December 31. For the kick-off scripture reading event, shifts will run consistently throughout this week and be broadcast via live stream on the Church of God website, www.churchofgod.org. Times of the reading will take place between 6:00 am and 9:00 pm EST through the weekend or until everyone who has signed up to read completes his/her shift. The groups reading from the studios of the Leadership and Communications Center consist of local churches, volunteers, International Offices employees and other groups.
Anyone who wishes to participate in the yearlong READ initiative and has yet to sign up, it is not too late. Complete information is available at www.churchofgod.org. The program is free and daily scripture readings are emailed to every participant. The daily readings are broken down into four separate scripture sections, including the Old Testament, New Testament, and selections from Psalms and Proverbs. When combined, the readings will take the reader through the Bible in 365 days.
The program includes materials through a partnership with Tyndale House. Resources include a mobile app, as well as materials to publicize the initiative, such as local church bulletin inserts and posters. To learn more, visit www.readinitiative.com.
