Uphill idealist

For the old streets, for the many feet that walk them, for the hands clasped in prayer yesterday and  the hands that join in prayer with and for them now... Gather together, hold each other close, for today is a day where  words fall short... but in support and love we pray and hope for justice. In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.  Romans 8:26 Charleston - we stand with you.

Over the last week there have been news reports, online commentary, and what seems to be a never-ending display of chaos, anger, grief, ignorance, and disbelief over the terrible loss because of the shooting in Santa Barbara , California as well as the feedback over Elliot Roger's actions. While I rarely post responses to current events, this event is one I can't allow to pass. Sides are being drawn in the aftermath of this tragedy from every perspective imaginable. This account has lit a fire for so many people. The sheer tragedy of this story is beyond comprehension; but the root of its cause is something that people live and struggle with every day. Prejudice. Maya Angelou, a brilliant poet, speaker and human being; who sadly passed away earlier today has this to say concerning the effect of prejudice: " Prejudice is a burden that confuses the past, threatens the future and renders the present inaccessible. " At this very moment  confusion, threat and...

On Thursday June 11th, my church (First Lutheran Church of Jamestown) hosted an end of the school year tail gate party for the high school students and neighbors that surround our church. We were able to give away 120 gift cup favors and provided lots of hot dogs and sno cones too. Here is the video footage from our local news channel, Time Warner Cable 8 , that came out to do a story on the event. Thanks to James at Cable 8 for helping to get this story some local notice. PS> By the way, check out our newly updated website at firstlutheranjamestown.com!