Pastor's Corner

A deep breath passed through my lips as I sat back on the couch. I needed to pause a moment. The book I had just finished for the third time rested still in my hands, but its dynamic characters continued to circle through my thoughts. Their conversations replayed, and the wonder of what unwritten adventures might come kept my mind racing.

I reread only a few great books. I know of others who read, reread, and get a little giddy if you ask them about their favorite book. Or maybe, for you, it is movies. In the definitely rewatchable romcom You’ve Got Mail, Kathleen Kelly, a purveyor of books herself, enthusiastically describes how a familiar story can continually capture our attention.

I am currently preparing a study on Colossians, which contains our 2026-2027 theme verse. I have read, reread, and I might get a little giddy talking about Paul’s little book. I often sit back and wonder if I will ever fully understand the Word of God. If I can still be so surprised by just a handful of verses, then I know I have so much more to learn.

I want to learn and relearn. Therefore, I try to sit in on Bible studies as often as possible. However, the 6:30 am Thursday morning Men’s study is one I regret missing. If only it was offered at a more reasonable hour, like the Women’s at 9:00 am on Tuesdays, then I might make it. But alas then all of our day school boys who are part of the Men’s class would miss out. 

I wish we had more freedom in our schedules to delve deeply into God’s Word, but I am thankful for the ways our church makes room for reading and learning it. Our Parish Education Team keeps this in their prayers as we discuss ways to open the Bible to your eyes, ears, and ultimately your heart. If we could ask a favor from you? Please keep the team and the congregation in your prayers as we develop a Sunday School program for next Fall. We believe there is so much to gain by sharing Scripture to our children.

Speaking of children, I think back to last year, when I read a note left by a sixth grader who wanted to learn more about the Bible stories they had already been taught. That makes me think about my son’s favorite book and how he is comforted by reading and rereading the same book. Over and over. Again, and again. That book must be very comforting for him. 

In the same way, the stories of the Bible are peace giving, even for that 6th grader. The Word of God is like that for His children, you and me: it is peace giving and comforting. 

Read, learn, reread, relearn and be a little giddy to share your favorite parts of the Bible. But also take a moment to pause, let out a slow breath, and consider all that God has done, all that He has said, and all that He has prepared for us.

Called in One,

Pastor Mac