James 5:13-20

september-27-2009

As James brings his letter to a close, he calls upon us to undergird everything we do by trusting in God’s strength and power as we pray.  We are to pray when things are rough and when things are wonderful.  We are to pray alone and we are to allow our brothers and sisters to pray with us, especially for healing, whether it is physical, emotional, or spiritual healing we seek. 

In bringing the letter to a close, though, James brings us back to where we started.  To read this letter and walk away unchanged is to miss the point.  We are to be deeply and wholeheartedly concerned that we, and our brothers and sisters, are ”doers” of the Word.

The topic of this Class is the Offertory and the beginning of the Eucharistic Prayer.  This recording begins a few minutes into class as we were discussing the Offertory and why we give our gifts to the Lord.

understanding-our-service-of-worship-class-4

Sermon preached at the 8 am & 10 am services.

(Due to a technical problem, this sermon is not available for listening as an MP3 but can be read in PDF form here.)

James 3:13-4:3, 7-8a

James cuts to the heart of that which prevents a bumper crop of righteousness in our lives: desire! He helps us to connect wealth with violence, impatience in prayer with impertinence in relationship. We are called us to submit in meekness to the wisdom from above, following Jesus in refusing to grasp and cling to our things, our desires, our aspirations, but rather to have our desire fulfilled in God and his good gifts.

Class 3 Topic: The Word of God

understanding-our-service-of-worship-class-3

september-13-2009

James 3:1-12

James calls upon us to be those who control our tongues, and in today’s world, our fingers as well, as we seek to build greater harmony and unity in our personal relationships as well as in the Church Family.  As we use our tongues to bless rather than tear down, we not only have better relationships, but further the spread of the gospel.

Due to a technical difficulty, there is no recording of Class 1.  Handouts to accompany the presentations are available through the Church Office as well as in the Forum on Sunday and Thursday mornings.

Class 2 Topic:  The Entrance Rite

understanding-our-service-of-worship-class-2

 september-6-2009

James 2:1-17

James instructs us to show our faith as we love all equally and with a generosity that makes a difference in the lives of those in need.  Listen as we explore practical ways to show that kind of faith in our lives!