Miqra is the name given to a youth event that originated in the Diocese of Kansas, where young people from across the nation gather to collectively read through the Bible from Genesis 1:1 to Revelations 22:21. But it is more than that; there are games such as Nave Olympics and Church Commandos and music, worship and workshops on various biblical topics and speakers. Plus, those who attend meet in small groups to make friends and talk about what they’re discovering about the Bible through the event.
This year, two dioceses (Kansas and Chicago) held Miqra events recently.
From Bishop Dean Wolfe’s opening remarks
The Bible is full of stories. They all have a purpose. They answer questions like, What is truth? What is important? What are our values? How should we act? The Bible is an introduction to a different way of life. It tells us of a spiritual world that is different than the material reality of our lives, but just as real even though we can’t see it or even explain it. The Bible doesn’t give up it’s secrets easily, sometimes you have to read it and re-read it. Think about: What did the passage mean to the person who wrote it? Who were they writing it for? What does it mean to us in the present? What does it mean to me, personally?
April Brown, one of the participants from the Diocese of East Carolina had this to say;
I was so happy to have had the opportunity to attend Miqra. I had never even heard of an event like this. When I first learned of Miqra’s intention to read the entire Bible in just a weekend I found myself thinking, “What? Is that even possible? Reading through the night? Who would even want to do that?” But then at the event, I myself participated in one of those late night readings and was blown away by just how amazingly important it felt. The people I met in Kansas were so welcoming and kind, and it was a great to meet even more of the Episcopal Church. I am so excited that we’re bringing this event back to East Carolina and can’t wait to share it with my own diocese
You can also find out more from this 2009 Topeka Capital-Journal article