Roaming with the Rector

I give thanks for you! You have been gracious, patient, and caring toward me as I have been ill these past few weeks. I cannot begin to express my appreciation for all the ways you have supported me. Thank you for your prayers.

In this edition of our newsletter, I want to make a public service announcement for and invitation to the Monday morning book/Bible study.

This is a group of people from St. James’ and Pewee Valley Presbyterian (PVP) who gather at 10:15 to learn from one another. We read from books that focus on Scripture as well as reading from Scripture. We have discussions about how God impacts our lives. We sometimes talk about how our churches are alike and how they are different. (Rev. Aysia from PVP and I sometimes get a little nerdy with our enthusiasm for scripture and spirituality, and this group seems to soak it all in.)

In this group, we have people with a variety of backgrounds and experiences who want to explore God’s activity in the world. We strive to understand more about biblical history, to look at maps when we need physical context, to pay attention to scholarly resources that put some of the most familiar stories into perspectives we may not have recognized or understood before.

It is a lively group, where some are more vocal, and some more quiet, but the thoughtfulness and curiosity are what I appreciate. We have opinions—sometimes based on our own experiences, sometimes based on what we have been taught, some that need to be challenged, transformed, or even more solidly held.

This is a holy and life-giving time for me, and for many who attend. 

When we return from an Easter break on April 13, we will finish the last chapter of Amy-Jill Levine’s book (on Holy Week) and then start something new. We don’t know what that is, yet. We work together to make those decisions. Is there something you would like to spend time exploring with a group?

If you are looking for a place to learn more about God’s work in us, I invite you to join us on Mondays at 10:15. We will meet in Gleason Hall in April. We always have coffee or tea and something to eat. Please join us!

Trusting in God’s goodness,

Rev. Debbie+