Study of the Book of James

Throughout the month of September we will be reading in the Book of James. I encourage you to read a chapter each week. I will use sections of this letter in my sermons.

September 3 James 1: 7-27
September 10 James 2: 1-10
September 17 James 3: 1-12
September 24 James 3: 13-43

The Book of James has a lot of teaching about living your faith. It is much like Jesus Sermon on the Mount (matthew 5). It deals with the dangers of an uncontrolled tongue, snobbery, conduct unbecoming of a Christian, and trusting in things. The emphasis in this letter is about behavior. Do how you act and speak fit with what you believe? Many scholars think that James runs counter to Paul. Paul says that a person is "justified" before God not by what they do but what they believe. James says that the test of real faith is whether our behavior fits with what we say we believe. What do you think?

Chapter 1 Christians do not live in heaven or a bubble. we are not protected from the unpleasant experiences of life. We are asked to live confident that God will help us through the valleys of life and help us celebrate the high points. Why is it hard to have hope when times get tough?

Chapter 2 Playing favorites is counter to God's will. So who are you comfortable around? Uncomfortable around? Why? We are asked to be as welcoming as Jesus was? How can we use Christian hospitality in our lives? Homes? In church?

Chapter 3 The tongue is the strongest muscle in our bodies, why? How have you sought to control your tongue? How do you words reflect your faith? A wise person listens more than he speaks, has time for everything, and has little fear. Are you considered wise?

Chapter 4 What is the cause of war and conflict? Is it wrong to want things? What does it mean to be humble? For many of us modern people the devil is not real, is that true for James? What is the difference between criticism and judging? How do you know what will happen tomorrow?

First Annual Praise in the Park

Well, okay, so the First Annual Praise in the Park wasn't held in the park (due to yesterday's terrible heavy rain and high wind storms). We do pray that everyone survived the weather. We instead held it at the First Presbyterian Church. Thanks to them for allowing us use the building. Everyone had a good time, should have taken a break from yard cleanup and came over and seen our Z Team perform !! They did an excellent job (did you expect less !! ) .

people showing up (not only listening but clapping and having a good time !!! )


We even lent a hand ( Sax) to one of the Presbyterian Groups song, as always a crowd pleaser (he he he).

Our Great !!! Zion Singers !!!


group from the First Presbyterian Church
The Z team
At the end, all the groups together singing
Oh Oh, looks who's at the mic !!!

YOU should have been there !!! See YOU next year !!!

New outside pics of church

Took some pics of the church, now that the road along side is done and the parking lot behind the church has a new coating on it. You are all welcome inside too !! :)

We worked & had fun at the Boone Co Fair

thanks to all the chair helpers
everybody helped !!
taking tickets
lots of chairs to go
Jeff trying NOT to get hit by the "mud" balls
even "John" stood still long enough
lonely job
lots of chairs
yup, there is a yellow Z shirt out there !!

Well, its over, its been a long week but we all did our part and we even managed to smile through all of it. Thanks to all those that signed up and showed up. Lots of chairs to set up, lots of tickets to take and lots of people to deal with. See you all next year at the fair and of course,, next sunday at church. Again thanks for being part of the "Z" team !!!