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When I write our weekly Joys and Concerns, I try to include a scripture to meditate upon, along with a note. Here is a selection of recent offerings:

September 12: 14When they came back to the disciples, they saw a large crowd around them, and some scribes arguing with them. 15Immediately, when the entire crowd saw Him, they were amazed and began running up to greet Him. 16And He asked them, "What are you discussing with them?" 17And one of the crowd answered Him, "Teacher, I brought You my son, possessed with a spirit which makes him mute; 18and whenever it seizes him, it slams him to the ground and he foams at the mouth, and grinds his teeth and stiffens out. I told Your disciples to cast it out, and they could not do it." 19And He answered them and said, "O unbelieving generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring him to Me!" 20They brought the boy to Him. When he saw Him, immediately the spirit threw him into a convulsion, and falling to the ground, he began rolling around and foaming at the mouth. 21And He asked his father, "How long has this been happening to him?" And he said, "From childhood. 22"It has often thrown him both into the fire and into the water to destroy him. But if You can do anything, take pity on us and help us!" 23And Jesus said to him, " 'If You can?' All things are possible to him who believes." 24Immediately the boy's father cried out and said, "I do believe; help my unbelief." Matt 9:14-24

This scripture reminds us of (at least) two key principles. First, we learn that nothing is impossible for God. With faith, we have everything we need to serve him. Second, we learn that faith is not something we can attain without help. Faith is a gift, and without that gift, we are never self-sufficient. Faith is not like money that we put into a bank. In order to make our faith grow, we must use it and constantly renew it in our daily living.

September 5: 14What use is it, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but he has no works? Can that faith save him? 15If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, 16and one of you says to them, "Go in peace, be warmed and be filled," and yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that? 17Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself. 18But someone may well say, "You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works." 19You believe that God is one You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder. 20But are you willing to recognize, you foolish fellow, that faith without works is useless? 26For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead. James 2:14-20, 26.

This is one of the scriptures that speaks most directly to me. In care ministries, I think James directs us to continue our efforts to help the needy, but he also helps us see the link between all of our activities and the continued development of our faith.
Diana Frey has been paying visits to Doris Wilkowske as a care minister for a number of years. Their relationship grew into a loving friendship that nurtured both persons. Diana’s love showed beautifully as she was present during Doris’ last few moments of life. We join Diana in sadness and in celebration as Doris has now departed this life for a life in heaven. I thank God for Diana and for all of our volunteers who give their love so freely. These works, difficult as they are at times, are the expression of our faith. These works, difficult as they are at times, are also what nourishes our faith.

August 22: 1"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. 2In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. 3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4You know the way to the place where I am going."

25"All this I have spoken while still with you. 26But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 27Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14:1-4, 25-27)

This is a comforting scripture as I sit here and think of our friend Topsy Krohn, who died on Monday, August 16. The last few lines of Bruce Springsteen’s hit song Bobby Jean come to mind as I think of my final visit with Topsy on Monday morning.

And I’m just calling one last time,
not to change your mind
But just to say I miss you baby, good luck goodbye, Bobby Jean.

Let’s take this week to remember all of our dear friends who have left us to go to a better place.