Volunteers needed for Bible reading marathon; Cowboy Church planned at First Christian

Volunteers needed for Bible reading marathon

The historical Iowa 99 County Bible Reading Marathon will place June 30 through July 3 in front of all 99 courthouses, including the Jefferson County Courthouse in Fairfield.

The public is invited to participate in a continuous reading of the whole Bible, beginning with Genesis at 8 a.m. June 30, reading day and night until the concluding of Revelation at about 5 p.m. July 3 leading up to the nation?s 240th Independence Day celebration July 4.

A white tent on the southwest corner of the Jefferson County Courthouse lawn will have one podium and no microphone. Readers can come individually or with family and friends to read a portion.

Organizers say this is not about speed, nor are they worried about the accuracy of pronouncing all the Biblical names, but it is about the willingness of heart that will open up this living word and give it voice.

People from every town and outlying lands of the county are invited to participate in the historical event. All ages and all professions are needed to fill the 320 15-minutes time slots during the marathon ? adults, children, senior adults, high school and college students, businessmen, government and state officials. Readers can fill more than one time period.

To reserve a time to read, contact Judy Ham at 319-217-8393 or jkg@jkgathome.com.

Sign-up sheets also will be available at the Jefferson County Fair.

Contact information also is available for those who work or live in surrounding counties.

?In Jefferson County, we are anticipating an exciting time as we gather together across denominational lines and with different ethnic groups to read this living word,? said Ham. ?Together we will lay a foundation beyond 2016 to honor God?s holy word; celebrate our First Amendment freedoms; unify the body of Christ around the reading of the word in every home so that we may hear his word, know his word, and be doers of his word.?

April 26, Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad signed an executive proclamation encouraging all Iowans to join in the historical Bible reading marathon June 30 through July 3 in front of all 99 courthouses in Iowa, and furthermore, encouraged all individuals and families in Iowa to read through the Bible on a daily basis each year.

Cowboy Church planned June 24 at First Christian

First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is inviting everyone to Cowboy Church at 7 p.m. June 24 at the church.

The music and service starts at 7 p.m. A guest speaker is planned, and refreshments will be served.

Those attending are asked to dress casually.