Pure Religion

There is a “religion” that is pleasing to God, according to The Letter of James. It is characterized by caring for (“visiting”) the orphan and widow in their affliction and second, to “keep ourselves unspotted from the world.

He describes both an outward activity (not religious ritual or even faithful attendance at worship), but caring for those marginalized by society.

Then, inwardly, we are to guard ourselves from worldly pollution.  Both are necessary to be accepted by God.

STAND Sunday is an opportunity for us to demonstrate the integrity of our religion through our commitment to caring for children in foster care or in need of adoption.

You will meet many families in our church who have done that.   You will be given opportunity to move in that direction yourself if God so leads.

But above all else, we will be about STANDING with those who have moved to embrace children without families who can care for them.  And on this day we will be called to STAND together with those who are of special concern to the Father.

I look forward to seeing you on this special day!

“Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.”  James 1:27 ESV