Spiritual Practice for May & June:
Hand Copying Scripture
(Italicized portions taken from https://nebraskacoronabible.com/. Check out the website for even more information):
People have copied holy texts for centuries as a spiritual discipline. Copying sacred scripture can be a form of meditation. In monasteries, monks spent large parts of their days copying sacred scripture, lettering the text, illuminating it with illustrations, and commenting on its meaning. Writers share that writing has had a healing, liberating, centering effect. It connects us across time, and allows us to become part of a community.
For Asbury, during this time, this particular endeavor can be both an individual and communal* process. Select a chapter of scripture to hand copy from your preferred translation. Decorate the text, add a border, embellish certain letters, write over a sketch, use color, add your questions and commentary at the bottom of each page. Or, simply copy the words. It’s up to you.
Here is your invitation to participate in sending in scripture in your own handwriting to compile a “CoronaBible” to be joined with others from the community of faith. This idea (adapted for our context) is borrowed from a community in Nebraska, who borrowed it from a community in Switzerland. Please see the above website for more details and ideas.
*If you would like to participate in contributing to Asbury’s “CoronaBible” keep reading!
Copying sacred scripture can be a form of meditation. You may discover that the act of handwriting gives rise to a response. Whatever bubbles up in the process of writing your chapter: your thoughts, questions, or insights, are welcome to be included in this project. Contributors are also welcome to add a personal commentary and illustrations or artistic interpretations to their passage. Thus, the Bible is re-created in light of our questions and fears, but also our hope and trust as a testimony to this time of crisis.
We are starting with the gospels and hope to expand the project as time goes on. Sign up for a chapter of the gospels here: Sign Up to Copy the Gospels, or call the church office and we will let you know what is available.
~PLEASE PASS THIS INFORMATION ALONG TO ANYONE YOU THINK MIGHT BE INTERESTED—especially those who are low/no technology folks. This is a wonderful way for these friends to participate in a project.
Please follow these guidelines if submitting a chapter:
- Write on regular white copy (multipurpose) paper, letter size (8 1/2” x 11”), 20-24 lb.
- Use both sides, writing single spaced, so that the Bible won’t become too thick.
- Choose your favorite writing utensil. Ballpoint, gel, marker and fountain pens are all good options. Whatever you choose, make sure it doesn’t bleed through the pages.
- Write in portrait orientation, leaving a margin of at least 1″ left and right, and 1/2” on top/bottom. Pencil in your margins (and lines) and erase them later.
- Please write the name of the biblical book and your chapter large and visible at the beginning of your text (this is a great place to get artistic/creative!). You do not need to copy the little numbers (verses). *Also, please don’t copy the titles of the paragraphs, as they do not belong to the original text.
- You are welcome to comment on the text. Please write your personal (and BRIEF) commentary at the bottom of the page.
- You can also illustrate the written text in any way you like, or use calligraphy to highlight individual letters. Please avoid colors that apply thickly on the paper.
- Please sign your finished chapter with your name and the date.
- Make sure you actually mail in your finished chapter so we can compile everyone’s work!
Submissions
- Please submit the finished chapter by June 30, 2020.
- Mail in a 9”x12” manila envelope or in an appropriate sheet protector. DO NOT FOLD OR BEND!
- On the back of your envelope, note the biblical book and chapter.
- Address: – please send your contribution to:
Asbury UMC
1401 Camden Ave
Salisbury MD 21801
Of course feel free to contact us if you have questions:
410-749-2131
May God bless and inspire us all in this endeavor!