Southern Wesleyan University celebrates Year of the Bible
The Wesleyan Church has declared 2005-2006 to be the Year of the Bible for its churches, institutions and its members worldwide.
This special emphasis is based upon an affirmation throughout the church that the Bible, as God’s Word, provides the foundation for faith and living, according to Southern Wesleyan University President David Spittal.
“This year, Southern Wesleyan University will celebrate its 100th anniversary and, as an institution, we have adopted ‘How Firm a Foundation’ for our theme as an affirmation of our faith in Jesus Christ as the source of all truth and the substance of our mission that gives us purpose as a university,” Spittal said.
In cooperation with The Wesleyan Church and in conjunction with our Centennial Celebration, Southern Wesleyan has also declared 2005-2006 to be the Year of the Bible for the Southern Wesleyan University community.
“I will be challenging our administrators, faculty, staff and students (both traditional and adult) in all regions to participate in this special year by agreeing to read through the Bible during the next 12 months beginning on Sept. 1,” Spittal said. “This is not a group project or public relations effort but a challenge to our entire university community to dedicate themselves to focusing on God’s Word, the transforming power of Christ, while gaining fresh insight into his desire for our lives and for this institution.”
Through a gift from the estate of a Southern Wesleyan University friend, Jean Neff, the university has purchased 3,000 copies of the One Year Bible, which is specifically designed for daily readings over a 12-month period. These daily readings will include Old and New Testament passages and, if read on a daily basis, will complete the reading of the entire Bible in one year.
“We are delighted to be able to provide a copy of this Bible to every faculty member, staff member and student throughout our university system. We will begin our year on Sept. 1 and be challenged to read through the Bible together,” Spittal said.
“As the university faces new and challenging times, our community must affirm our true foundation and our faith in the Word of God. As individuals, families, parents and colleagues, we also need to seek God’s direction for our own lives as we interact, encourage and support each other.”