Two of our Patrons have written their verses from Genesis - Archbishop John Neill came into Bible House on St Columba's Day (9 June) and Pastor Robert Dunlop wrote during the Genstal Ecumenical Conference.
Trevor Sargent, Leader of the Green Party, wrote from the book of James in Bible House.
Individuals from Japan, the Philippines, Nigeria, the United Kingdom and the United States of America have participated.
The
last Writing Packs have gone out to schools and churches. Most of
the completed sheets have been returned and will be carefully collated.
President Mary McAleese wrote verses from the first chapter of the
Gospel of John. Representatives from the Bible Society in Northern
Ireland and the National Bible Society of Ireland were entertained
in Aras an Uachtarain in September 2006 when the President copied
her verses.
Councillor Vincent Jackson, Lord Mayor of Dublin, and Veronica Jackson
the Lady Mayoress wrote from Genesis.
Many
have sent us their comments:
"It
was amazing how random verses spoke specifically to the writers”
“People
felt they were making a positive contribution to the copying of the
best selling book in the world”
“It
was wonderful to be part of such a project”
“We all came in together when it was the usual Bible class time.
Some were a bit impatient waiting for their turn – I would probably
do it differently next time”
“What
a pity the national media wouldn't pick up on a story like this!”
“It was a great opportunity to get some young people involved
who don’t come to Bible class – I’m hoping that next
term they will come as they have met the others in the group”
“Thank
you for allowing us to be part of this project”
“The
children, by copying the verses, could identify with people who have
copied the
Bible in the past”
“It
took longer than I anticipated”
“We
had excellent assistants who managed two writing stations each – they
were exhausted at the end of it!”
“Don’t try to rush it – we
averaged about 5-6 writers in every 35 minutes”
“The posters and a display of Bibles in different languages occupied
people while they were waiting. Don’t allow peripheral activities
to distract from the main purpose of handwriting the Bible”
“It
was a very good experience but we should have spent more time in preparation”
“The
response to the various languages was particularly strong and those
whose first language was outside the curriculum were particularly
affirmed by the experience”
“As
school chaplain it provided a worthwhile point of contact with students
and
was a very positive boost to my own pastoral role in
the school. Thank you”
“It
created great interest. The students enjoyed doing it but did not feel
that
anything was being pushed at them”
“We
plan on making an event of presenting the certificates”
“One
person came to the church event as a result of her son taking part
in the school”
“Some mistakes were made – we
started on the back of the page instead of the front!”
“It
was quite difficult to organise in a class situation”
“The students were very interested, especially excited about the
fact that they would see ‘their’ Bible some time in the future”
“Local publicity is very important – use local media, libraries,
shops etc. Also try to involve a local ‘celebrity’ and
take photographs!”
“Enjoyed it – found
it tiring!”
“Generated
lively discussion”
“It took longer than expected – my
fault!”
“Very straightforward. The Bible Society sent all the necessary
items – all the students had to do was clear their desks!”
“Very
enjoyable experience”
“The students took great care in their writing. Our class are
all male and were delighted when allocated ‘David and Goliath’!”
“Encouraged
an interest in the Bible. We intend studying more stories from the
Bible as a result”
“Students
like the pens!”
“It has helped explain practically how to use the Bible – book,
chapter, verse. The students like the challenge of finding a story
when you give them the numbers”
“Very slow with young children – allow
plenty of time and supervision!”
“I
found it helpful to enlarge the text”
“We
left the manuscript paper on the table which was a mistake”
“One
participant came back again saying ‘I love Proverbs – can
I do more’”
"These
verses were just what I needed today"
“Delighted
we took part”
The start
of the project
For further information on the Handwritten Bible Project, for updates
and more photographs go to http://www.bsni.co.uk/hwb/
