The Pastor's Pen

The Pastor's Pen is a weekly devotional space where our pastor, as well as staff members on occasion, offer reflections, spiritual insights, and words of encouragement rooted in Scripture and everyday life. These writings are intended to challenge, inspire, and draw us closer to God and to one another as we strive to live out our faith with boldness and compassion. Whether offering comfort, conviction, or a call to action, each column invites us into deeper discipleship and shared community. When The Columns does not run, there is not a new entry for The Pastor's Pen.

From the Pastor | Feb. 26, 2026

Settling In


Kindly, many of you have asked, “Are you getting settled in?” This past Wednesday evening, I taught a Pastor’s Bible Study for the first time in weeks and weeks. It was a boatload of fun. And it was good for my soul. It moved me another step closer to being “settled.”


I take the kids to school in the mornings, and Kristy picks them up in the afternoons. One morning earlier this week, Eleanor said from the back seat, “Dad, this doesn’t feel like home. It still feels like we are just visiting.”


“I hear you, Eleanor. It feels like that to me, too. It’ll take some time, but it’ll start to feel like home one of these days.” “Maybe when we’re in our new house,” she replied. “I think that will help us a lot, buddy.” She and Elliot both are very excited about their new rooms.


Kristy and I have deeply appreciated your kindness in helping with meals, moving, and our new home. We are grateful for the ways in which you continue to welcome us with open arms and big smiles. “Settling in” is happening, bit by bit, day by day. And it’s going to take a while yet.


For me, the rekindling of the pastoral rhythm of Sundays and Wednesdays is a gift. Laughing and learning with you in the fellowship hall moved me a step closer to “settling in.” Already, I look forward to next Wednesday evening.


I’ve been told that Allen Reasons did something like what I’ve been doing for years. Allen preached on Sunday and then offered a Bible study on the following Wednesday on the same Bible passage. I’ve done it in reverse order: I’ve offered the Bible study on the Wednesday before I preach the sermon. My beloved folks back in Middlesboro loved this. Whenever I gave options for Wednesday evenings, this “lectionary Bible study” would nearly always get the most votes.


I’ll do it again next week. Wednesday evening following dinner, I’ll offer the Pastor’s Bible Study in the fellowship hall. It’ll be on the same text that will guide us in worship the following Sunday. It’s been my experience for many years now that this rhythm gets my church folks—and me, too—“settled in” for Sunday’s sermon.


You’re invited. Y’all come.


~ Rev. Zach Bay