Does the story of Job every end?

We have finished our 3 part sermon series on the book of Job. What a fascinating journey! On the surface, it's certainly not a book we will want to read for a quick pick-me-up. But, if we truly want to learn how to get honest with ourselves and God - you know - that gut-wrenching honesty that brings healing and refreshment of mind and spirit... Job is our guy.

For some of us, religion has taught us that to question God, doubt our faith, or complain is a lack of trust and respect. But that is not the message of Job and it is certainly not the Good News of Jesus Christ! Jesus invites us to come as we are - doubts, questions, anger, complaints, grief, uncertainty... nothing is off-limits when it comes to the grace God is inviting us to live into.

So, yes - the story of Job has an ending. Every story has an ending. Or does it? If we really stop and think about it - as human beings, as children of God - our stories intersect with other stories. Our lives are influenced by other lives and other lives are influenced by our lives - even beyond our lives.

Personal suffering will come and go as our situations change but one thing never changes - God's love, mercy, and grace. Even when God seems silent, God is always present... and God has a way of "picking-us-up" and inviting us into a life of peace, comfort, forgiveness, and grace. And that is a story worth repeating!

Please click the links below to join us on our journey with Job:

https://youtu.be/IlXfdakfNXU

https://youtu.be/qOls8YkxdGU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pnXljS-1WmA&t=1s

For the Children's Sermon with Nann:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l4lNBPfyA-E

https://youtu.be/EXC6u88l2Gs

"The Best Sermon You've Preached So Far"

With a pandemic that won't go away, storm after storm, blue tarp after blue tarp, school starting, workloads increasing because of being short-staffed - I was more than a tad apprehensive about preaching from Job. He certainly isn't a story we turn to for a quick "pick me up!"

Yet, there was something about his story that resonates with us - especially those of us who are struggling to make sense of this thing called life. I admit, I was a bit taken back by the "best sermon" comments. I heard them from those present, those who worshipped online, those who listened to the sermon during the week.

If something in the sermon resonates with you in a powerful way, if God spoke a word of hope through this ancient text I would love to hear from you so that I may join you in praising God for the mountains you are climbing, the paths you are clearing, the relationships you are strengthening.

Here is a link to that sermon.

We will continue Job's story on Sunday, October 10 at 10 AM.

May your sunsets always bring you comfort,

Pastor Jo

From James to Job

I admit to you know that there is so much in James 5 that gives me pause. Because, like you, I have seen people with great faith have their prayers go unanswered, I’ve seen great faith and complete trust in God seem to go unnoticed by the Divine.

Don’t let anyone tell you that it was a lack of faith or something in your past that caused your prayer for healing to go unanswered. But, neither let anyone tell you that your prayers don’t matter.

Still, if you’re like me sometimes a situation seems hopeless - there’s just too much. We feel as though we aren't doing enough because nothing changes. Instead of bring guilt and exhaustion, I truly believe James is reminding us that evening though our good works cannot always neutralize pain and discomfort - which is not our purpose - our actions can remind us and others that there is more to our circumstance than pain and discomfort - there’s community - we are all brothers and sisters in Christ. And that should be worth something. This video clip is a beautiful reminder of what prayer and community is all about.

The story of Job also reminds us of what a true friend can mean in times of trouble. Beginning in October we will journey through this ancient story, which holds so much more than tragedy! It is rich with meaning - as is your life! I hope you'll join us as we explore this ancient text.