2026 Devotional Book
Discover
God’s presence
in every place.
Faith is found not only in quiet moments or Sunday worship, but also in rivers and gardens, mountaintops and valleys, deserts and roads. Our 2026 devotional book, Where Faith is Found, invites us to encounter God through Scripture and reflection, month by month, place by place.
Each month features a biblical location and theme, supported by scripture readings, reflections, community voices, and engaging family-friendly content. Together, we'll explore what it means to walk with God in every season and setting.
Monthly Themes at a Glance
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A symbol of life, renewal, and God’s sustaining provision: our starting place for the journey.
Photo Ideas: A local river, stream, creek, reservoir, or even a water feature or fountain -
A place of closeness to God, perspective, and transformation where many biblical heroes met the divine.
Photo Ideas: A mountain trail, overlook point, hiking summit, scenic lookout, or any elevated view -
A harsh, quiet place of testing and dependence where we learn to trust God in life’s difficult seasons.
Photo Ideas: A desert park, cactus garden, arid hiking trail, dry open space, or sandy area -
A sign of new beginnings and resurrection where life, hope, and joy are planted and bloom again.
Photo Ideas: A community garden, backyard flowerbed, botanical garden, blooming plant, or Easter floral display -
A reminder that faith is a journey marked by movement, decisions, and the way of Jesus.
Photo Ideas: A long road, trail, path, sidewalk, boardwalk, or even a symbolic journey (like packing for a trip) -
A space of unknowns and discovery where God’s presence meets us in the extraordinary and everyday.
Photo Ideas: A forest, national/state park, untamed field, rocky hillside, or unpaved path
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A reflection on life’s disruptions where even in displacement, God is shaping us for what’s next.
Photo Ideas: A quiet place of solitude, hospital waiting room, border wall, bus stop, or symbol of displacement -
Beautiful, vast, and powerful: the sea reminds us of God’s presence in awe-filled and unpredictable places.
Photo Ideas: The beach, ocean, harbor, boat dock, coastal cliff, tide pools, or any large body of water -
Where Jesus often walked alongside the overlooked and the hurting, calling us to do the same.
Photo Ideas: A street corner, alleyway, community outreach site, marginalized neighborhood, or mission work setting -
A symbol of struggle and shadow, yet God walks with us there, offering comfort and courage.
Photo Ideas: A literal valley, lowland area, shadowy path, or a symbolic photo of a “valley moment” in life -
A celebration of abundance and gratitude where we remember God’s generosity and give thanks.
Photo Ideas: A farm, vineyard, wheat field, pumpkin patch, cornfield, or anything showing harvest or abundance -
A return to where we belong where love is born, the ordinary becomes sacred, and Christ draws near.
Photo Ideas: Your home, a holiday table, nativity set, a cozy corner, front porch, or a symbol of belonging
Digging Deeper Book Discussion
Want to explore this year’s devotional themes more deeply? Each month, we’ll read a book connected to the theme and gather on Zoom for a 50-minute discussion. You’ll also find monthly blog posts, guided reading suggestions, and an online space to share reflections. Click to see the full reading list and join the conversation.
Faith Found Here:
Community Photo Gallery
This year, we’re inviting our entire church community to go beyond the page. Each month, take time to visit a place inspired by that month’s theme. Whether it’s a nearby river, a quiet garden, or a familiar road, snap a photo of where you find faith—and share it with us!
Selected submissions will appear below in our live photo gallery, showing the many ways our congregation is engaging with this journey.
“Faith is found not just in the reading, but in the going.”
Real Places. Real Reflections. Real Faith.
Location: Truckee River Photo by Rev. Brian Parcel
Location: Atlanta, Georgia Photo by Rev. Brian Parcel
Location: Truckee River Photo by Rev. Brian Parcel
Location: Kings Canyon Photo by Rev. Brian Parcel
Location: Ketchikan, Alaska Photo by Anonymous
Location: McKenzie River flowing past St Benedicts Retreat Center, McKenzie Bridge, Oregon About the Photo: My brother's ashes are interred at this location. It is such a wonderfully peaceful place with the river flowing by. I definitely feel God's love and peace next to the river. Photo and Description by Glenda McKibben
Location: Sangamon River, Illinois, site of Abraham Lincoln family cabin About the Photo: The peaceful waters of the Sangamon River flow to the Illinois River, then to the Mississippi River, and then to the ocean. Their influence is worldwide, as was the influence of Abraham Lincoln who lived on this bank. Our actions and words also have broad influence. Let us use them to spread God’s love to all. Photo and description by Jill Van Wormer
Location: The Mississippi River at Hannibal, Missouri About the photo: The wonder of so many rivulets and streams coming together to create a mighty force. This is how God can use his people. Photo and description by Jill Van Wormer
Location: East Fork of the Kaweah River, Mineral King Valley, Sequoia National Park About the photo: My heart’s home where God is experienced with every breath. Photo and description by Jill Van Wormer
Location: Colorado River below Whitmore Canyon Overlook at Grand Canyon NP About the Photo: After driving more than eighty miles through rough desert roads, we finally reached the Colorado River, and the moment just stopped me in my tracks. I couldn’t help but think about how amazing God’s power and creativity are. The desert was so stark and quiet, and then suddenly there was this deep emerald river, surrounded by green life bursting from the banks. It reminded me that God’s presence shows up everywhere, even in the driest, most unexpected places. Photo and description by Traci Shuck
Location: Kaweah River Photo by Anonymous
Location: Kaweah River Photo by Anonymous
Location: A popular baptism site on the Jordan River. About the Photo: In 2013, Reina and I traveled to the Holy Land in a small group led by one of our church's pastors. This stop at the Jordan River was especially memorable as a lady in our group was baptized by our pastor. She was a member of our church, but had been raised as a jew. We were privileged to witness quite a significant moment in her life! Photo and description by: Ron Bolles
Location: Porto de Moz, Amazon, Brazil
About the photo: It reminds me of the children's book and song, "God Loves to Talk to Boys When They're Fishin'." Location: South Platte River, Colorado Photo and description by: Carrie Buchan
Submit Your Photo
Want to be part of the gallery? Submit your photo and optional reflection using the form below
You'll be asked to:
Upload your image
Select the monthly theme
Describe the place
Optionally share a short reflection
Give permission for sharing on our website
Submit Your Photos Now!
What’s Inside?
Monthly Themes & Reflections
Journey through 12 symbolic biblical locations, from The River to Home, each with daily readings and thoughtful reflections to guide your faith throughout the year.
Community Voices
Prayers, stories, and wisdom from Pastor Brian and fellow members of our FUMCCV family bring the devotional to life in relatable and personal ways.
Family Devotionals & Creative Resources
Engage your whole household with devotionals for kids and families, monthly Spotify playlists, video reflections, and hands-on creative prompts.
Reflect & Respond
Use journaling prompts, morning and evening prayer spaces, and space for your own reflections to make this devotional a personal journey of faith.
Interactive Community Journey
Each month, you’re invited to visit a real-world location that mirrors the monthly theme, like a river, garden, or mountaintop, and submit a photo of where you find faith. Your reflections may be featured in our Faith Found Here gallery below, celebrating how God is at work in our community.
Digging Deeper Book Discussion
Each month, you’re invited to read a book as a community, which connects to that month's theme. There will be an opportunity once a month to meet via Zoom and discuss the book's meaning and its connection to your life. This book community will also include monthly blog posts from our Book Discussion Coordinator, Jo Birdsell, where you can get book cheat sheets if you’re running on crunch time or have a virtual discussion about the book in an online forum. Want to join? Click the button on the right to learn more!
Interested in the Digging Deeper Book Discussion? Click the button below!
Meant to be Part of Your Daily Routine
We hope this devotional becomes a trusted companion throughout 2026: something you keep close by your Bible, take with you on walks, or open during quiet moments of reflection. Imagine the strength we’ll share as a church family if each of us commits to seeking God in new places and deeper ways this year. Let’s discover together where faith is found.
How to Get Your Copy
Available for Purchase: Available through the church office.
Limited Free Copies: A limited number of complimentary books will be available at the church while supplies last.
Let’s Journey Together in Faith
Whether you keep your devotional by your Bible, take it to the river, or open it as a family after dinner, our hope is that it draws you closer to God and to each other. Wherever you go this year, may you discover Where Faith is Found.
Thanks & Acknowledgements
There were far more than two people who undertook this monumental task of putting together this devotional book. Some of those people have already been named with their names printed next to the prayers they submitted. Dozens of people have worked hard to create this resource for you. When you see them, thank them. Even better, honor their work by using the resources well. Others to also thank:
FUMCCV Staff Persons
Mildred Razon and Lizzete Puentes-Espinoza
The FUMCCV Prayer Ministry Team
David Hall, Pam Hay, Karen Hidgon, Marilyn Henry