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St. James - Westwood's Weekly Epistle - Approaching the 14th Sunday of  Pentecost  Season - Sept. 18
In This Issue
Sunday School
A Thought or Two from the Rector
Thanks
 
Sunday School  
Sunday School classes begin this coming Sunday morning at 9 AM. Adults will gather for a Bible Study in Lu Dunn Hall. Children and teens will begin their activities too. Our Christian Education program is a vineyard that we're just planting. It's an exciting time to Invite a friend to join in. Let's work and play with one another to create an enjoyable, faithful, and vibrant Sunday School program throughout the coming months. 

sunday school
Gospel-gifs - http://www.gospelgifs.com/index.htm

 
Bill and Linda

 

 

This Week at S. James

 

Saturday

7 PM - Episcopal Night at the Cincinnati Reds

 

Sunday -

 

8 AM - Rite I Eucharist

9 AM - Sunday School

10 AM - Rite II Eucharist

11L30 AM - Altar Guild Meeting

 
 

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St. James Episcopal Church

3207 Montana Avenue

Cincinnati, Ohio 45211 

Jim Strader -

Rector

 

513-661-1154

 

Undertime? MIgrant

 

There was a fascinating and emotional story last year on NPR'sWeekend Edition. The commentator shared information about the lives of migrant laborers who work on the East Coast. Joel Rose shared the experiences of workers who travel up and down Interstate 95 to harvest citrus, tomatoes, and other fruits and vegetables in fields from Florida to as far North as New Jersey. 

 

It isn't an easy life. 

 

Many of them are undocumented citizens who fear for their safety and health. Immigration laws in many states have made it very dangerous for undocumented immigrant laborers to work in fields across the United States. The workers aren't protected against injuries or disease. One of the other consequences is that state agriculture revenues have suffered. As Todd Landfried wrote: "We all agree something needs to be done to address the issue. We all agree we need a secure border and access to labor. But what can we do that will work?"
 
Jesus' parable of the vineyard laborers, by contrast, tells a different story. The landowner hires workers throughout the day in order for the harvest to be gathered in.  The landowner freely pays part-time laborers a full-time wage. His curt reply when questioned about this seemingly flawed process is: 'Friend, I am doing you no wrong; did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage? 14Take what belongs to you and go; I choose to give to this last the same as I give to you. (Matthew 20:13-14)  

 

another migrant

I ponder in what other ways does God's Realm (The Kingdom of Heaven) operate differently than secular societies' business practices?   Certainly, God is not concerned with profit margins or immigration law. By its design, God's reign benefits rather than imperils the migrants who work in the vineyards.  Conceivably, we who listen to the parable should receive it with open hearts, hands, and ears. We are responsible for bringing God's reign into being in the acreage of the vineyard Jesus Christ calls us to work in. Jesus' parable serves as an invitation to search for and offer "under-time" graceful opportunities across the entire landscapes of our lives. 

thank you card

Thanks and Thank You

 

I am VERY grateful to everyone who made last Sunday's worship offerings so beautiful and enriching. I received many positive comments and compliments about the music, "sacred space," sermon, prayer vigil, ECW Ice Cream Social, and other offerings. Thanks to everyone who who worked so hard to make Sept. 11, 2011 such a memorable and enjoyable Sunday.  

 

Thanks too for making my birthday so much fun for me. I'm very grateful for the cake, cards, blessing, and other gifts that I received. I am most appreciative, though, for the feeling that you gave me that I was sharing my birthday with new friends and family. That means and meant a great deal to me. Thanks so much!