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Dear friends, Grace and Peace to you in the name of our risen Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Did you know that when I took my ordination vows, I vowed to be diligent in my study of the Holy  Scriptures? Now, I must admit, my level of diligence has ebbed and flowed over the years. Nonetheless, I have certainly tried to live up to this vow, and all of the other vows I made on that day.

Not only did I vow to be diligent in my study of the Holy Scriptures; this church, and most others, actually provide room in the budget for my continuing education. This can go towards classes,retreats, workshops, books, etc. Thanks to the global pandemic, I didn’t have much opportunityto travel to any in person educational opportunities over the past three years. So, any continuing ed money that I spent went towards purchasing books. However, I don’t find as much time to read as I would like to throughout most of the year, so I didn’t buy many books.

It was bugging me that there were a lot of great books coming out that I wanted to read, but knew I wouldn’t find the time. But suddenly, I had an epiphany. I already listen to podcasts all the time as I drive around town, so I should give audiobooks a try! I subscribed to Audible, and I’m glad I did! Not only has it enabled me to be diligent in my study of the Holy Scriptures through audiobooks, it grants me access to The Great Courses. The Great Courses offers a series of lectures on a wide variety of topics by the top scholars, professors, and authors in their respective fields. I’m currently working my way through a lecture series on The Historical Jesus, and I am captivated.

Now, this is not a paid advertisement for Audible or for the Great Courses. I just wanted to share how I found new ways to learn and grow in my calling through a different and unexpected medium. Not only do I get to be more diligent in my study of the Holy Scriptures, but hopefully it will help me better illuminate the Holy Scriptures for you as well in my sermons and lessons. I also share this to encourage you to continue to seek new things that will help you grow in the work that God has called you to. As we grow in the ways that we carry out the work that God has called us to, we can better work with God and one another to see God's Kingdom come on Earth as it is in Heaven.

Soli Deo Gloria,
Pastor Robert