A Note From Father Rob

Thirteen-and-a-half years ago, I moved into my office in Blackford Hall across the parking lot from the church. The office was very small, just enough room for a desk and a couple of chairs, really; however, the storage room behind my office was bigger than the office itself. So, our vestry generously allowed me to take down the wall between the two rooms and make it one big office. Sounds great, right?

Well, it was. The larger office allowed me room for more things, more books, more stuff. Now, the church office is moving into a newer building, the white house next door to Blackford Hall. This building is in much better condition. It has better HVAC, better insulation, a kitchen and – best of all – no moldy smell. In the course of the move, it has become all too obvious to me that I have accumulated way too many books.

I have found books on liturgy, history, church doctrine, death, birth, marriage and Alabama football. I found a Spanish language prayer book, Bible and dictionary. I also found books in Hebrew and Greek. There are books on yoga, self-help, spiritual and mental wellness and centering prayer. There are books on Advent, Christmas, Lent and Easter. Oh, and did I mention liturgy? I have books on liturgy, liturgy and more liturgy. I have children’s books, young adult books, mid-life books and books on old age. Like I said, way too many books!

So, in the parish hall, you will find two tables covered with piles of books. Some are old, some are new; some are by famous authors, some are by people you never heard of; some smell nice, some smell musty. But the Good News this week is, they are all free. Please, please, please, help yourself to the books. Look them over and take home as many as you like. I have hoarded them way to long; they need new homes.

Peace my friends, Rob+