Friends and Neighbors, 

While we experience the tension of close football games, there is also a heaviness as political divisions are highlighted in the wake of several shootings in the past week. The shooting of the internet provocateur, Charlie Kirk has especially created fear and stirred up discussion about what it means to be a Christian, the power of words, and ways we separate ourselves in society. In the midst of that, all the various media forms bombard us with information about the rising tensions in our nation and around the world. Breathe deeply, you don't have to respond to it all. 

We can take a pause to pray for wisdom and peace. While so many issues loom large and seem far away, there are ways to connect locally to causes that seek to meet the needs of the most vulnerable in our community. St. James continues to feed the hungry who come to us. We host groups working with immigrants. Engaging in even these small efforts brings us together in community. We share the work of bringing some help and hope in a climate where hate threatens to outshout the voices of mercy and love. We add our voices to the song of hope and healing because we are called to love God with our heart, mind, and soul, and to love our neighbors as ourselves. There are no others. There is only us. 

Many of us have found grace and healing at St. James. We find it in all kinds of places. This week, you can find some community and perhaps a new fishing rod at our ECW Rummage Sale. I strongly encourage you to sign up to work at the pumpkin patch in October. House meetings are getting started for our Justice Ministry. Do join us at church this Sunday as Fr. R.J.Powell celebrates 10 years of ordination as a priest. I do believe that these things also guide and shape us in facing the challenges of our world. 

I am grateful to have a community that supports and challenges me to live my faith. The pancakes and the prayers are both a part of that support. Don't give up the joy because the world is so heavy. I would also encourage us all not to give in to a spiritual stance that ignores action. We pray and we act with love. May all our actions be guided by loving God and neighbor. 

Peace, 

Fr. John Mark