Editor’s Note: Sunday, October 9 was Clergy Appreciation Day. The Reverend Doctor Donald Edwards, longtime columnist for THE LUMINARY, with his writings entitled “Renewed in the Word,” is a pastor to subscribers.

MUNCY – Beginning in the April 23, 1997 issue, “Renewed in The Word” became a weekly column in The Luminary. It has been consecutively submitted by the Reverend Dr. Donald Edwards,

Prior to that time, then editor Vivian Daily printed ‘The “WORD” for the week’ taken from a source available to newspapers called ‘Mini Message of the Week.’

Rev. Edwards, at the time was pastor of St. Andrew Lutheran Church a block and a half south of the Luminary office in downtown Muncy, and he would stop often at the office.

Earlier that month in April, St. Andrew had installed a handicap ramp and as The Luminary is a home-town newspaper, its dedication was pictured in the paper. Seen with Rev. Edwards were Dean Barto, chairperson of the project, and Stan Bower, council vice president.

According to Rev. Edwards, “I came into the office one day with an article and said to Vivian that I thought this would be a good thing for the paper, and she agreed.” And so for nineteen and a half years, the column has been a weekly submission. Even when out of town, Rev. Edwards forwards the text so not a week is missed.

In choosing a title for his column, “Renewed in the Word,” Rev. Edwards said in his first installment, “I want to make it clear that it is my intention to help each of us realize that God loves us, sustains us, and his work can renew us in our daily walk.”

It may have been intentional for the first column to be taken from the first book and first chapter of the Bible. From Genesis I, the week’s word was called “God Doesn’t Make Junk!”

Expounding on the mysterious title, the budding columnist wrote, “I once had a secretary who had a sign on her desk, “God Doesn’t Make Junk.” When I asked what that meant, she replied that it is God who gives me significance, and when I feel bad, I remember that God made me.”

Rev. Edwards referred to Genesis 1:27 and quoted, “So God created people in his own image; God patterned them after himself; male and female, he created them.” From the beginning the Bible places both man and woman at the pinnacle of God’s creation. Neither sex is exalted, and neither is depreciated.

“Genesis 1 emphasizes the awesome power of our Creator, and yet reminds us that human beings are the clear focus of God’s loving concern. From the very first chapter and all through the Bible we are reminded that God made each of us and loves us. We are each special and it is true, God doesn’t make any junk.”

The renewing word for this day is that “you are made in the image of God and have worth. Remember that the next time you are down and out – you are indeed a special person because of God’s love for you.”

A native of Brooklyn, New York, Rev. Edwards graduated from college then advanced to seminary at Gettysburg. “My first pastorate was at McAllisterville in Juanita County.” The church grew and after 16 years he then went on the road. But after two years he realized he missed parish life. That is when he came to Muncy retiring in 2016 after 23 years, he said.

Continuing as a pastor to Luminary subscribers, he invites readers to write in any questions. Rev. Edwards wishes readers to know that he is currently available as a supply minister and a teacher.