A recent poll commissioned by the American Bible Society revealed some seemingly conflicting behaviors among Americans. Although 90% professed a belief in God, 88% said they owned a Bible and 80% thought it to be a sacred book, only 26% reported reading the Bible on a regular basis. The Reverend James Martin, a Jesuit priest and author of The Jesuit Guide to Almost Everything, noted that the Bible can be seen as intimidating, especially when attempting to read it from cover to cover. Experts suggest two strategies: 1) read from a more contemporary version of the Bible (such as the English Standard Version or the Living Bible) which paraphrases difficult concepts and presents a more readable text or 2) read scripture passages as they relate to everyday situations and activities as found in publications such as The Upper Room (see menu item Upper Room Devotionals on menu bar above). FUMC members have additional opportunities to be led in the study and understanding of the Bible at activities such as the Wednesday Night Adult Bible Study in the fellowship hall at 6:30 each Wednesday evening.