S is for Study.
Did you like to study when you were in school?
I did, most of the time. Even when it was a subject that defeated me, like pre-calculus, I found something satisfying in sitting down at the table and scribbling notes, or walking around my room repeating little formulas under my breath.
At this time of year, we are sending our kids or grandkids off on the bus to second grade, dropping them off at college, or welcoming them back home as they save money for grad school. We wish them well in their studies, as the saying goes.
These days, I find great comfort in the way we put learning at the center of our children’s lives – not for the sake of competition, but in the hope that what they learn is helping them grow.
Our current climate of distrust towards institutions and experts might make it easy to discount all the effort that being a student requires. Our inundation with AI might make it seem antiquated to spend two hours sitting down (try it!) alone with a book.
But we still prioritize the act of being a student. One reason why we come to church for a Sunday service, or a weekday group, is because it feels dynamic to learn. It also feels discomfiting, sometimes.
The word disciple is a Greek word that means learner or student. It’s the word that’s used in the New Testament to describe Jesus’ followers, no matter their age.
This year at First Parish, I want to encourage you to adopt the same enthusiasm and curiosity towards your spiritual life and your church that the students all around us are taking in their studies. Read our list of upcoming events carefully. Make time to show up and help build our growing community. Ask deep questions.
Your co-ministers have missed you all so much! We can’t wait to see you at Welcome Back Sunday on September 7th, or later this month.
With love,
Nate and Kit
