September 1, 2026
The other day, I read an interesting article about the role of the conductor in an orchestra. (The Atlantic, “Music’s Most Mysterious Profession,” September 2026, pp. 100–106). The author, himself a musician, argues that there are two dominant and extreme views of conductors: one is that the conductor is a con artist; the other is that the conductor is God. In other words, people tend to think that the conductor is either useless or essential, or somewhere in between.
From his own experience, the author says that when the conductor is incapable or unhelpful, the orchestra’s unconscious “autopilot system” turns on. The players instinctively react primarily to one another rather than to the person on the podium. On the other hand, a great conductor can build a bridge between the players and unleash a communal musical power that no individual could achieve alone.
“Wow. So true!” I thought.
Then I realized there is a parallel between the role of a conductor and that of a pastor. Since the church is a family, we have family dynamics. When the pastor, like a caring big sister or brother, helps guide and care for the church, the church becomes united, and our collective energy and gifts can be unleashed. But when that leadership is lacking, the autopilot turns on. No matter what the pastor says or does, the church simply continues on its own.
I believe this also applies to the relationship between the church and our community. As H. Richard Niebuhr argues, the church is called to be a pastor to the community, not by exercising authority, but by caring, especially for the lost, the outcast, the needy, and the vulnerable. The church can either be ignored, or it can become a hub that connects people and unleashes collective, positive energy for those who are desperately looking for community.
We are the church. We are conductors, shepherds, and friends to the lost, the sinners, and the brokenhearted.
Keeping all this in mind, what better time could there be to learn more about the church – its purpose and its mission – through our Bible Study? I want to thank you all for sharing your experiences, feedback, and wisdom. It was very helpful as we planned our upcoming Bible Study. Though we may not be able to satisfy everyone’s needs, we will make every effort as a church to help our members watch over one another in love and grow together in love and faith.
Our theme is the church. We will explore 1 Corinthians, using the Bible itself as our main resource, with N. T. Wright’s Bible study book as a supplement. The book fee is $7, and scholarships are available.
We will keep the same meeting day and time, as it seems to work well for the majority. We will meet on Tuesdays at 12:30 p.m. in person in the church parish hall, and at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom. Tentatively, I would like to have our first orientation and introductory gathering on Tuesday, September 15, and begin our study on September 22.
Concerning the format, especially for the in-person group, we plan to meet as one large group at the beginning for check-in from 12:30–1:00 p.m., then break into 2–3 smaller groups for discussion from 1:00–1:45 p.m., followed by prayer and closing from 1:45–2:00 p.m.
Again, thank you for all your input. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me at any time.
By God’s grace, we have had a blessed summer. Now September is here! This Sunday, September 6, will be our final Beach Service of the season. You’re invited! We will meet at 7:15 a.m. at Smuggler’s Beach. Also, Rally Day is September 13. It is an exciting time as our choir resumes, Bible Study begins, and we begin a new season together.
If you were not able to join us in person this Sunday, you can watch our worship service on YouTube at the link below. Our services are also broadcast on Channel 26 on Tuesdays at 1:00 p.m. and Thursdays at 3:30 p.m. You can also read this week’s message, “Making Much of Christ” (John 3:1–16), at the link below.
Sunday Service:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?
Sunday Message:
https://324oldmainstreet.
Many of us have been concerned about Cookie’s health. She is now back home, resting and recovering well. She shared that she has been sleeping a lot and is feeling much better :) Please continue to keep our beloved church family in your prayers: Norma Atwood, Don Loring, Gayle Kerr, Thomas Osborn, Julie Kennie, Jeannette Leupold, and our homebound members. We also offer special prayers for Pete Peabody as he grieves and faces a new season of transition.
Thank you for being part of this beloved community. I give thanks to God for you. Have a blessed week. Love you all!
In Christ’s Love,
Pastor Victor
P.S. Jane Wruk reminds us that the GriefShare group will meet at Osterville Baptist Church, beginning September 8, from 4:30–6:00 p.m. You can register at https://www.griefshare.org/.
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