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.
June: The Wilderness A space of unknowns and discovery where God’s presence meets us in the extraordinary and everyday.
Kings Canyon National Park Photo by: Anonymous
Anchorage, Alaska Photo by: Anonymous
"In the middle of nowhere, miles from civilization and surrounded by wilderness, God was there." Anza Borrego Desert State Park Photo and reflection by: Traci Schuck
"Some of God's best artistry is out there." Vermillion Cliffs Photo and reflection by: Traci Schuck
San Bernardino National Forest Photo by: Traci Schuck
"This wilderness was otherworldly and completely fascinating." White Pocket Photo and reflection by: Traci Schuck
Crater Lake National Park Photo by: Traci Schuck
"We found wild horses along a remote stretch here. It was a gift to watch them for a while." San Rafael Swell, Utah Photo and reflection by: Traci Schuck
"Monsoon season on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon is truly something to behold. The power of the storm and the rush of the wind were a reminder of God's might." Kaibab National Forest Photo and reflection by: Traci Schuck
"Stark and volcanic, yet we saw signs of life and flora tucked into crevices everywhere. Bloom where you're planted." Obsidian Dome, Mammoth Lakes Area Photo and reflection by: Traci Schuck
"This west-facing view looks out over the vast desert toward the Laguna Mountains." West Mesa, Anza Borrego Desert State Park Photo and reflection by: Traci Schuck
"Beyond the vastness of this rugged region, the sunset-kissed skies are heavenly and comforting." Arizona Peace Trail Photo and reflection by: Traci Schuck
Location Unknown Photo by: Traci Schuck
"They look fluffy, but they're not. It's definitely wild out there!" Mojave National Preserve Photo and reflection by: Traci Schuck
"Piles of boulders appearing from seemingly nowhere." Blair Valley, Anza Borrego Desert State Park Photo and reflection by: Traci Schuck
Hono O Nā Pali Natural Area Reserve Photo by: Anonymous
Zion National Park, photo by: Sarah
Northern CA forest road, photo by: Traci Schuck
Coastal Hwy Oregon, photo by: Traci Schuck
Coastal Hwy Oregon, photo by: Traci Schuck
Coastal Hwy Oregon, photo by: Traci Schuck
The Lost Coast Road to Usal Beach, photo by: Traci Schuck
Route 163 near Monument Valley UT, photo by: Traci Schuck
"Even through the rain and obscured road, always trusting in the Lord to lead us.", A random highway in the rain with the hint of a rainbow, photo and description by: Traci Schuck
Coachella Valley CA, photo by: Traci Schuck
Random highway, photo by: Traci Schuck
Anza Borrego Montezuma Grade, photo by: Traci Schuck
Bike Road, photo by: Traci Schuck
Naval Base Coronado at sunset, photo by: Traci Schuck
Chula Vista CA, photo by: Traci Schuck
"The road can be rough and steep. God gives strength for the road he puts before us.", stone trail up Arthur's Seat, Edinburgh, Scotland, photo and description by: Jill Van Wormer
Road (anonymous submission)
Road (anonymous submission)
Road (anonymous submission)
Road (anonymous submission)
Road (anonymous submission)
Road (anonymous submission)
Road (anonymous submission)
Road (anonymous submission)
Road (anonymous submission)
Road (anonymous submission)
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