This weeks readings and question of the week:
Take time to mediate on God’s word and prepare for worship this Sunday. And as you meditate on them, consider the Question of the Week:
What religious tradition enriches my personal faith life? How does it prompt me to translate my spiritual devotion into practical love toward my neighbor?
James 1:22-24
But be doers of the word, and not merely hearers who deceive themselves. For if any are hearers of the word and not doers, they are like those who look at themselves in a mirror; for they look at themselves and, on going away, immediately forget what they were like.
It is important to realize that James is addressing church-going people. He is not writing to pagans, but to those who regularly hear the word of God. Probably, they took some comfort in the fact that they often heard the word. That put them a notch above those pagans who never attend church! They had been baptized. They took communion. They attended church. They didn’t steal or murder or commit adultery. But James cuts through the veneer to the heart!
1. To hear the word without doing it leads to self-deception
(1:22-24, 26).
Obedience should always be the bottom line of Bible study or biblical preaching. Correct application must always be built on correct interpretation. But to study the word just to fill your head with knowledge, without applying the word, short-circuits God’s purpose in giving it.
2. HEARERS-ONLY OF THE WORD TAKE A QUICK GLANCE, BUT DON’T DO ANYTHING TO FIX WHAT THEY SEE.
The word of God is like a mirror that reveals to us the very thoughts and intentions of our hearts ( Heb. 4:12). It shows us our ugly, self-centered attitudes. It exposes our pride. It confr
onts our contempt for others and our lack of compassion. It hits our sinful anger and our rotten speech. It uncovers our deception, greed, and lust. But, if we just take a quick glance at the word once in a rare while and rush out the door, with
out doing anything to address the problems that it reveals, it won’t do us any good.
3. HEARERS-ONLY OF THE WORD FORGET WHAT THEY HEARD.
The main point of James’ illustration about the man and th
e mirror is that he quickly forgets what he saw in the mirror. The mirror is not at fault. It tells it like it is. It shows us what we really look like. But the man who takes this quick look quickly forgets what he saw (1:24). He is a “forgetful hearer” (1:25). And so he does nothing about the problems he saw in the mirror.
edited from: Steven J. Cole / Bible.org
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS –
Nominating Committee
Now is the time to start looking ahead to our Annual Meeting in November and looking for new persons to fill the board. Every year, two terms expire – so we have at least two positions to fill, but we can also add more members to the Board of Directors.
We will be seeking new board members before our November Annual meeting – if you are interested in being on the Board of Directors, see Jerry Schearer, Fr. Henry, or any of the other board members for more information or to express your interest. If you want to be part of the Nominating Committee that we are not forming, please see Jerry. This committee will be responsible to find at least two people to serve on the Board and then present these at the Annual Meeting to be voted on.
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DRIVERS NEEDED FOR TRANSPORTATION MINISTRY – help 1 or 2 Sundays a month by driving a family or older member who do not drive or have cars to and from church. Its a great way to make friends, meet new people and become part of the ministry of All Souls. If you can help, please email Jerry – jerryws@outlook.com
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GREETER CLASS – SEPTEMBER 13
We love our greeters! And we could use more! They are the first impression for visitors and a welcoming smile when returners enter the chapel. Its an important part of our ministry!
Kimmie Kalbach is our Greeter Coordinator. She will be having a class after services, on Sunday September 13. This is a mini-greeter class/ refresher class for anyone who currently greets or is interested in greeting. So even if you just want to check it out and see if its something you might want to do – feel free! See Kimmie for more details.
If there is another part of ministry you would like to know more about like setup/clean up; Hospitality; Lay-Assistant; Readers; Prayers; Chalicer; Offering Teller/Counter, etc….please see any board member! We need volunteers – at All Souls – EVERYONE IS A MINISTER – just find your part or parts!
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CHURCH COOK OUT – SEPTEMBER 26
Our first Potluck of the year – will be a “end of summer” cookout!
DATE: Saturday, September 26
TIME: 2 pm – 5 pm
Location: Exeter Community Park
More details and directions to come, but please save the date and start preparing now! Food, games, and lots of fun! Bring your family and friends!
If you want to help lead any children’s activities or adult activities or help with food or other planning, please let any board member know or email allsoulsecc@gmail.com
If you’ve been gone for the summer or even longer or moved away, but want a reason to come see everyone – then come join us!!!! Everyone is welcome!
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UPDATE YOUR INFO!
We always want to be sure your information is up to date. If you have moved, changes phone numbers, or use a new email address – let us know!
We are now ready for phase II and Wendy is starting work on the new directory. If your not sure if your info is correct please email any changes to allsoulsecc@gmail.com.
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