Dear Friends,

We come to this Sunday with Jesus’ words telling us that if anyone is not against us, than they are with us! Moses says the same thing in the first reading. What better inspiration and challenge do we need to go out and invite all, listen to all and find how we are alike?!  The ways that we differ will then tend to diminish.  In fact; we need the stimulation of new ways of doing what we do!

Come; pray with us and ponder these thoughts this week.

Peace and love,

Pastor Kathy

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Readings:

•  Numbers 11: 25-29
• James 5:1-6
• Mark 9: 38-43, 45, 47-48

 

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Dear Friends,

This week we are called to see the bigger picture in our walk with our brother Jesus, as his followers.  It will always be about doing the right thing even if we have to do it alone. It will always be about looking beyond our own needs to include the needs of others. It will never be about power and control, but about being servants. We are being called to wisdom in making the right choices for the kin-dom.

Come; ponder these mysteries with us this week. Peace and love,

Pastor Kathy

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Readings: 

• Wisdom 2:12, 17-20
• James 3:16—4:3
• Mark 9: 30-37

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Dear Friends,

We continue this week with similar themes from last—trying to live in the present, being aware of our call to be people of faith—followed by people of action, or in other words, living out our faith as James challenges us this week. The prophet Isaiah basically tells us that following our brother Jesus won’t always be easy, but together, as a community of faith, we can do it!  Jesus asks his first followers and us, by extension, who we believe him to be?  The way we answer that question makes all the difference going forward in our lives.  Come; let us ponder this question together!

Peace and love,

Pastor Kathy

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Readings:

• Isaiah 50:4-9
• James 2: 14-18
• Mark 8: 27-35

 

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Dear Friends,

This next week calls for openness in each of us. The prophet, Isaiah instructs us to, “fear not,” because our God is with us. It would seem that all the good things promised us through the prophet will come, if they come, through us showing no partiality toward the rich or poor, as James teaches, but welcoming all equally. Our brother Jesus, as always, shows us the way—he opened the ears and mouth of a deaf mute—we too are called upon to help others hear and speak their truth.  May we be encouraged and blessed in these tasks.

A special note: We will be returning this Sunday, from our trek to Alaska and across parts of Canada—we are most grateful to Pastor Dick Dahl for pastoring the parish, offering Mass and being a sustaining presence in our absence. We have felt your prayers of support and care and are most appreciative. We have missed you all and look forward to connecting again!

Peace and love,

Pastor Kathy

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Readings:

• James 2: 1-5
• Mark 7: 31-37
• Isaiah 35: 4-7A

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Dear Friends,

Again this week, we will be asked to contemplate upon ordinary, but yet very important concepts for our life in Christ. A theme might be, “to listen”, first to the Word of God, as instructed by Deuteronomy, but followed very closely by, “our acting upon” what has been planted in our hearts as taught by James.  Our brother Jesus teaches us to be true to our hearts for that is all that makes us unclean or unworthy, not the keeping or breaking of laws that lack love.   Jesus is basically telling us to, “Listen up” and act upon what we have heard. Blessings on each of you as you listen to and act upon what you have heard in your hearts.

A special note: We will be away for this next Sunday, returning on the following Sunday, September 6^th—Pastor Dick Dahl will be with you—thanks so much for the prayers; we have been having a marvelous time! And we are missing you all!

Peace and love,

Pastor Kathy

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Readings:

• Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-8
• James 1: 17-18, 21-22, 27
• Mark 7: 1-8, 14-16, 21-23

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