Good Thursday morning. Wasn’t yesterday a beautiful day? I celebrated God’s gift of sunshine and fun with a nice ride in my old convertible, a burger from the Roadhouse, and a relaxing visit by the lake. I finished off the day with listening to Hawaiian music and birds on my porch until dark. Very fulfilling. Of course, I watched Shawna preach another one of her great sermons. She is a blessing to our congregation.


Unfortunately, as I was engaged in fun, a whole segment of our Minnesota neighbors were not having fun. They were demonstrating their dissatisfaction with another death through police force. Their demonstration took a horrible turn toward destruction of property last night.


James addressed the issue of social class in this next section as we plow through his writing.

James 2:1-8 (NRSV)


My brothers and sisters, do you with your acts of favoritism really believe in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ? 2 For if a person with gold rings and in fine clothes comes into your assembly, and if a poor person in dirty clothes also comes in, 3 and if you take notice of the one wearing the fine clothes and say, “Have a seat here, please,” while to the one who is poor you say, “Stand there,” or, “Sit at my feet,” 4 have you not made distinctions among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts? 5 Listen, my beloved brothers and sisters. Has not God chosen the poor in the world to be rich in faith and to be heirs of the kingdom that he has promised to those who love him? 6 But you have dishonored the poor. Is it not the rich who oppress you? Is it not they who drag you into court? 7 Is it not they who blaspheme the excellent name that was invoked over you?

8 You do well if you really fulfill the royal law according to the scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”


This is very poignant today as Minneapolis has called for the National Guard to help with the demonstration taking place over the tragic death of George Floyd. A peaceful protest has turned in to a dangerous riot. Now there has been a shooting in that same area. There have been fires and looting in the area of Hiawatha and Lake Street.


Pray for peace and healing, calm and order. Pray for the family and friends of George Floyd. Love your neighbor as yourself. We can do better.


Blessings on your day,

Pastor Sue