The Bibles in our pews, the lectern, and the pulpit are the New Revised Standard Version, a translation prepared by the National Council of Churches (their insignia is emblazoned in the lower middle portion of the stained glass window above our altar, a symbol of our commitment to Jesus' prayer "that they may all be one" (John 17:21).  Here's what the NCC website says about this contemporary translation of the Bible:

 The NRSV first appeared in 1989 and has received the widest acclaim and broadest support from academics and church leaders of any modern English translation. It is the only Bible translation that is as widely ecumenical:

• The ecumenical NRSV Bible Translation Committee consists of thirty men and women who are among the top scholars in America today. They come from Protestant denominations, the Roman Catholic church, and the Greek Orthodox Church. The committee also includes a Jewish scholar.
• The RSV was the only major translation in English that included both the standard Protestant canon and the books that are traditionally used by Roman Catholic and Orthodox Christians (the so-called "Apocryphal" or "Deuterocanonical" books). Standing in this tradition, the NRSV is available in three ecumenical formats: a standard edition with or without the Apocrypha, a Roman Catholic Edition, which has the so-called "Apocryphal" or "Deuterocanonical" books in the Roman Catholic canonical order, and The Common Bible, which includes all books that belong to the Protestant, Roman Catholic, and Orthodox canons.
• The NRSV stands out among the many translations available today as the Bible translation that is the most widely "authorized" by the churches. It received the endorsement of thirty-three Protestant churches. It received the imprimatur of the American and Canadian Conferences of Catholic bishops. And it received the blessing of a leader of the Greek Orthodox Church.

The NRSV is truly a Bible for all Christians!

Rooted in the past, but right for today, the NRSV continues the tradition of William Tyndale, the King James Version, the American Standard Version, and the Revised Standard Version. Equally important, it sets a new standard for the 21st Century. The NRSV stands out among the many translations because it is "as literal as possible" in adhering to the ancient texts and only "as free as necessary" to make the meaning clear in graceful, understandable English. It draws on newly available sources that increase our understanding of many previously obscure biblical passages. These sources include new-found manuscripts, the Dead Sea Scrolls, other texts, inscriptions, and archaeological finds from the ancient Near East, and new understandings of Greek and Hebrew grammar.

Some of you have asked for our recommendations about Bibles you can buy for your own or your children's use.  These are suggestions only, and the links are simply for your convenience based on our desire to provide you with helpful reviews, information, etc.  -- you may very well be able to find lower prices, better bindings, etc. from other sources.

SUGGESTIONS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

Our youngest children learn from Bible story books that share God's Word in ways that they can comprehend.  Among the books we suggest are:  The Children's Bible in 365 Stories and The Picture Bible (many of the beloved stories of Scripture are told in comic book form).  If your kids are into Manga cartoons, try the Manga Bible.

The children in our middler class (grades 3-6) are using the latest edition of The Adventure Bible NIV (reading grade level 7.0, but the study helps are targeted to help younger readers), which was published in July 2008. 

There's also an Adventure Bible for Early Readers, which was also published in 2008, that uses the New International Reader's Version (reading grade level: 2.9).

SUGGESTIONS FOR YOUTH

Our Confirmation class (grades 7-10) is using the NIV Student Bible, Revised Edition, published in 2002.  Although the publishers targeted this at college students, the study notes are excellent for middle school and high school age youth who have more than a passing interest in God's Word. 

SUGGESTIONS FOR ADULTS

For adult Bible study, our pastor has several recommendations.  The Bible he received from at his installation is the NIV Spirit of the Reformation Study Bible.  It looks at our faith through the lens of the Reformed faith, and includes the Heidelberg Catechism in the back.

The NIV Study Bible is probably the bestselling study Bible on the market, and it just underwent an extensive update, so you're sure to have the most current research and analysis at your fingertips.

For sermon preparation and Bible study, our pastor uses the Harper Collins Study Bible.  This uses the New Revised Standard Version (reading grade level: 8.0).  Our pastor's wife (also an ordained minister) prefers to use the New Interpreter's Study Bible (which is also NRSV) for her sermon and Bible study preparation.

In our pews, we're using the NRSV Pew Bible from Zondervan.

BIBLE SOFTWARE

Finally, the pastor and church secretary use QuickVerse Bible software.  Be aware that you need to buy the New International Version separately, and to get the New Revised Standard Version, you'll need the Deluxe edition of this.  (Pastor Williamson still has version 3.0h from 1994!)

The good news is that, unless you're really into Bible study, a FREE alternative would be to visit http://Bible.Crosswalk.com.  It can be a pain to cut and paste multiple verses, but it's a quick and easy way to search the New International Version, the New Revised Standard Version, and even the Revised Standard Version we used to have in our pews.