Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost                                                25 September 2016 (Amos 6:1, 4-7   Psalm 146   1 Timothy 6:6-19   Luke 16:19-31)   “Noticing the Invisible!” At our Church Council meeting in August, as it was winding down we were finishing a conversation about ministry here at St. James, and the question was asked:  “Is it difficult being a pastor … More “Noticing the Invisible!”

Eighteen Sunday after Pentecost                                        18 September 2016 (Isaiah 6:1-8   Psalm 147   Ephesians 4:7, 11-16   Luke 4:14-21) “Caring for Each Other!” This past Friday I received an email from a staff person at SpiriTrust wondering if I might have a Stephen Minister for an older woman whose son just died and whose husband is not … More “Caring for each Other!”

Luke 15:1-10 But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” It’s with this criticism against Jesus, that our Gospel reading for today is set into motion. For the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, under their interpretation of Torah, those who live in accordance … More To be sorry

Luke 14:25-33 One of my favorite faith images comes from within the Jewish tradition, and is called the Tefillin. It’s an object rooted in Old Testament literature, but maybe more so than any other place, from Deuteronomy 11:18 where God gives us the commandment; “You shall put these words of mine in your heart and … More Active Discipleship