Grace and peace to you in the name of Jesus!

Last week, I shared a few words about the importance of daily prayer and scripture reading. As Christians, we need to nurture our spiritual health regularly. Although God will love us whether we tend to our spirits or not, we may not be aware of God’s presence if we don’t take the time to stop and breathe.

Starting on Monday, St. James Lutheran will offer a weekly video-devotion called, “BREATHE.” Each short video will feature a reflection, scripture, and a prayer. They will be posted on our website by noon each week - ready for you to access whenever you need to take a break and BREATHE...

We begin with focusing on the G.R.A.C.E. values that we have been using at St. James Lutheran for the past ten years. As I mention in the first video, G.R.A.C.E. is an acronym for God’s Grace, Respect, Appreciation, Compassion, and Encouragement. These Christ-centered and bible-based values offer guidance on how we relate to one another in the context of Christian community. They can also be used as we relate to others beyond St. James.

I look forward to sharing this additional online resource. It is one more way that St. James Lutheran is providing resources to build and deepen relationships with God, with each other, and with neighbors.

In Christ’s Light,

Pastor Walt

p.s. Last night’s Parking Lot worship was a hit. In spite of the cool/rainy weather, we had thirty-two cars and sixty people in attendance. Special prayers and pins were given out to students, teachers, and all those working in our schools. We continue to pray for them all at the start of what will be a challenging school year.