Miqra Weekend

St. John’s “Year of the Bible” will begin with Miqra weekend!

August 24 – August 27, 2023

Did you know you can read the entire Bible aloud from start to finish in just three days? Miqra (pronounced MEEK•rah) is a Hebrew word meaning “public reading of Scripture.” A Miqra weekend is an event where a group of people commits to reading the entire Bible aloud, turn by turn, over the course of 72 hours. As our sanctuary is bathed in the words of scripture, the space becomes sanctified in a whole new way … and so do we.

Why do it?

Miqra is an act of worship, and it transforms us. That’s why the Old Testament is full of stories of prophets and kings gathering God’s people to hear the entire Torah aloud. (See the story of King Josiah in 2 Kings 22:3-6, 8-11; 23:2-3). As the kickoff to our Year of the Bible, Miqra allows us to enter that ancient tradition and experience it anew. Whether you volunteer to read or just listen along, you will hear things you’ve never heard before and see the Bible in new ways. Miqra also has a way of bringing the parish together, uniting us to accomplish this great undertaking while hearing God’s Word from the lips of the people we love.

How does it work?

It takes an entire parish community to make a Miqra weekend work. Individuals will volunteer for one-hour turns, each person picking up where the previous one left off so that the reading never stops. Those who sign up will be given clear instructions on when to arrive and what to expect. At times, parishioners will be invited to come and support our readers by sitting in and listening, but we also plan to live-stream this event for those who would like to participate from home.

Who can do it?

All members of St. John’s are welcome to sign up for one-hour reading blocks. It helps to have a steady reading voice, but don’t worry about pronouncing difficult biblical names perfectly. Faithfulness and community are the point of Miqra; not perfection.

Where will it take place?

Miqra will take place on the Compass Rose in St. John’s sanctuary, and it will also be live-streamed. A comfortable chair will be in place, along with a microphone, an adjustable music stand, a large Bible, and a “comfort” table for water. Readers may sit or stand to read, according to their preference.

What is the culminating event?

All day and all night, people will sit in the church reading the Bible aloud until 72 hours later, on Sunday morning, we reach the final chapter of the Bible: Revelation 22. It will happen during our Sunday morning worship, and when it does, we will stop what we’re doing and allow everyone at church that day to be part of reading the final chapter together.

What is the origin of Miqra?

Fr. Lonnie is excited to bring Miqra to St. John’s, having shared this powerful experience in other parishes he has served. However, Miqra originated out of and is trademarked by the Episcopal Diocese of Kansas. Wherever it has been shared, participants have found Miqra to be profoundly moving, especially hearing the Bible read by people you love, whose stories you know. It’s a brand-new way to experience these sacred stories. You really don’t want to miss this. Join us!

Visit our CHURCH CALENDAR for information on the hours when you will be invited to visit and listen in, supporting your fellow parishioners during our Bible reading marathon. We will also LIVESTREAM THE ENTIRE EVENT for those who wish to participate from home!

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