Tracy Press

A local pastor wants skeptics and believers to know that God is never far away. By Danielle MacMurchy

Glenn Moore/Our Town - book signing:Mike Darretta discusses his new book, “God is Closer Than You Think,” for people seeking God in their lives.

In the midst of daily stresses and life’s tragedy, God is closer than you think.

That’s the message Mike Darretta, associate pastor of Tracy Community Church, hopes to send with the start of a new book series called Biblical Relevancy.

The recently released “God is Closer Than You Think,” is the first of a 40-book series published by Aventine Press.

His commentary leads readers through the book of Leviticus, which Darretta said depicts God as distant. “People often view God as harsh and judgmental. I want people to see that we live in a day where God is no longer distant, but near.”

The Biblical Relevancy series is geared toward readers who don’t necessarily have a church background. The books are meant to speak to people who are skeptical of Christianity and to help them understand the message of the Bible.

“People are looking for something to believe in,” he said. “I want them to find Christ in this book.”

The idea for the book series came to Darretta 10 years ago on a long flight across the country. He said he wanted to write relevant, thought-provoking books that are short enough to read in a few sittings.

It took years for Darretta’s vision to take shape and for the first book to be published. He expects the next book on 2 Peter and Jude, “What in Hell is Going On,” to be on shelves within a year.

Darretta has traveled internationally as a conference speaker and pastor. He also works as an engineer in Monterey.

He and his wife of 19 years, Kim, live in Tracy with their two children, Joshua, 15, and Anastasia, 12.

To contact reporter Danielle MacMurchy, call 830-4221 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

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