It has inspired similar groups in Petawawa, Renfrew, and as far away as Owen Sound

Elizabeth Kranz
Special to Spur Ottawa

Late this spring, a group of about 40 people gathered at the Pembroke Marina. The weather report predicted thunder storms all afternoon, but that did not deter these people. This was a motivated and determined group.

The group of believers were continuing a 16-year-old tradition, started by Pastor Anna Beck. Beck rallied the congregation of Resurrection Lutheran Church to go to the marina park and read the Bible aloud. The group took turns over 24 hours and read the entire Bible. The tradition continues, usually taking place on a Sunday in May or June.

Over the years, the group expanded, encompassing members of a variety of churches. It also inspired similar groups in Petawawa, Renfrew, and as far away as Owen Sound to gather annually and read the Bible aloud in a public park.

Despite the threats of thunderstorms, drifting clouds merely kept participants from getting sunburned, while a beautiful breeze kept the bugs away. Photo by Liz Kranz.

The format has also changed, so that no one needs to read through the night and some people now go to nursing homes to read aloud to the residents. In Pembroke, however, most still gather at the marina. Perhaps it has something to do with the draw of creation. The marina has a lovely park, with a boardwalk along the river, grassy areas, pretty maple trees, benches, picnic tables, a playground, a bike path, and historical displays.

This year’s gathering rallied at the park’s amphitheatre at 1 p.m. on a Sunday. Doug Kranz, the current pastor of Resurrection Lutheran Church, led a short worship service and congregant Ruth Kirk-Davidson started the afternoon reading with the first chapter of Genesis.

The reading moved Kirk-Davidson and others to tears, as it demonstrates the power that God’s word alone created the world, all the beautiful creatures, and countless stars.

After this initial reading, the group dispersed throughout the lovely park to sit and read. Some sat on cozy camp chairs near the playground, others sat on benches along the river.

Despite the threats of a thunderstorm, drifting clouds merely kept participants from getting sunburned, while a beautiful breeze kept the bugs away. The warm temperatures also brought many visitors to the park. Surely some caught passages of God’s Word.

“So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11

The group gathered again at 3 p.m. for another song, a reading from Revelations, and prayer. In the end, they had packed up and headed for home, safely in their cars when dark clouds moved in, thunder rumbled, and the storm began.

Perhaps some fellow believers in Ottawa will be inspired to begin reading the Bible aloud in the beautiful Ottawa parks.