In worship this weekend we will be reading from the book of James. You may already know that as the early church debated the canon James was one of the difficult choices. There are many figures in church history who have questioned the inclusion of James. These questions arise because it does not explicitly state a doctrine of salvation by grace. Therefore, many persons have thought of it as being "works righteous." Many others have thought of James as a New Testament book similar to the Wisdom literature of the Old Testament.  It is very practical and down to earth; offering wisdom about living the Christian Life and about being the church Christ calls us to be. I believe it is a rich resource for us in our daily living.

 
            In the passage we are sharing James really raises the issue of status. He offers correction to those whom, he believes, defer to the rich and ignore the poor. His is a rather stern reminder that in Christ we are all equal. There are no distinctions in the body of Christ about who is more or less important. That is true and especially true when our estimate of persons is based on criteria learned from the world. If you would like to read this before worship it is found in James 2:1-17. Not only does he speak to the issue of status, he reminds us that we act on those things we truly believe. For James faith always manifests itself in works. I hope you will be in one of the worship services this weekend.

            It is also Labor Day weekend. I know this holiday marks the end of summer and has become a time for recreation and gatherings of family and friends. But, there is another side of the holiday we might consider. When Martin Luther taught and preached his doctrine of the "Priesthood of all Believers". He meant, in part, that all of us are priests to each other and we all have equal access to the presence and grace of God. And, there is more. He taught that all kinds of work, not just religious work, is a means of serving of God. If you bake bread, practice medicine, build buildings, it is all a way of serving God and serving our neighbor. If it is done in the spirit of Christ, all our labors are holy and point to the glory of our Creator. The origin of the holiday was intended to honor American workers. It was meant to lift up the value and nobility of work done well. I think it is appropriate for each of us to look at our work, whatever it may be, and think of it as a way to serve God and our neighbor. Carried out in the proper spirit it is a way of praising God. I hope you find joy and fulfillment in your work. I hope all of your labors are a way of serving others and praising God.

 
            The "Big Day" is drawing near. The invitation will be inserted in the bulletin again this week. This is an attractive and easy way to extend an invitation to a friend, co-worker, or neighbor. There will be lots of good food, and plenty of joyful fellowship! I hope you are coming, and you bring a friend.

 
            Grace and Peace to You, 
            Steve Campbell