Fermata Sept 3, 2021: Persevering in "Worthwhile Religion"

Fermata is the weekly newsletter describing some of the past week’s highlights from Notes of Rest, which is my spiritual retreat ministry that interweaves text, music, and questions for the sake of cultivating stillness, introspection, and creativity in communities so that all may rest. I'd love to host a Notes of Rest for your church, seminary, or affinity group. Feel free to reply to this email to start the conversation!

James 1: 17-27

This week's Fermata is on Notes of Rest for First United Methodist Church in Oak Park, Illinois, held in August. As a form of preaching, the congregation (led by mother, Rev. Adonna Reid) and I worked through some of the practical wisdom of the letter of James that was addressed to Christian communities scattered throughout the ancient Mediterranean world and beyond. Though their separation from one another made these early Christians vulnerable, they could persevere in the faith by pursuing unity within their local faith community, justice for the oppressed, and holiness throughout it all. Taken together, this is what James called "worthwhile religion," the kind of religion that holds in equal regard social justice and personal piety.

What do you need from your church community to help you pursue the life-giving faith Jesus started? How is God calling you to hold together the physical and spiritual needs of yourself and of others?

May the Lord who sustains all creation sustain you and your faith community as you persevere in your pursuit of justice and piety. To that end, here is a song for the journey: Wade in the Water.

abundantly,
Julian