Pastor’s Corner 10-19-2025

Hello church friends!

As our Earth shifts toward fall, I reflect on those seeking justice in our world. The cooler weather seems to highlight the disparities around us—the hungry, the homeless, the lonely. In this week’s gospel reading (Luke 18:1–8), Jesus shares the story of a widow who persistently pleads with an unjust judge for justice (Luke 18:3). Although the judge cares nothing for God or people (Luke 18:2,4), he finally gives in because she refuses to give up. Jesus uses this story to teach about always praying and not losing heart (Luke 18:1). If even an unjust judge eventually listens, how much more will God—who is loving—hear the cries of the people (Luke 18:7)?

This story beautifully connects to the message of a book I’ve studied called *Workplace Spirituality: Making a Difference*, which explores how faith and spirit can guide us in our daily work. The authors explain that many people today spend most of their waking hours at work, often in environments that don’t prioritize faith. Still, people yearn to find meaning, purpose, and compassion in what they do. Workplace spirituality involves bringing those values—kindness, honesty, forgiveness, and love—into our everyday lives. It also means viewing our work, volunteering, and caregiving as acts of service, each one a prayer in motion.

Like the widow in the parable, people of faith are called to keep showing up—to pray, care, serve, and act with love even when it feels like no one is listening. Our persistence becomes a kind of spiritual practice—one that roots us in hope. When we serve meals, visit the sick, or care for creation, we are co-creating the community God dreams of. Even our giving—whether through time, prayer, or financial gifts to the church—is part of this spiritual practice. When we give, we invest in the ministries that keep God’s work alive among us, helping to sustain worship, outreach, and the shared life that binds our community together.

As Workplace Spirituality: Making a Difference reminds us, “The bottom line is that increasing numbers of people who work in this workplace spirituality domain are more interested in making a difference than in getting published, getting promoted, or having more power.” This reflects the widow’s faithful persistence—acting not for recognition, but because it is right in God’s eyes.

Another voice in the book, Judi Neal, reminds us why this perseverance matters: “The world needs leaders who are capable of thinking and acting with global awareness and a commitment to the greater good.” (Judi Neal, “The Past, Present, and Future of Workplace Spirituality,” in Workplace Spirituality: Making a Difference, 2022.) When we act together for the greater good—whether in worship, service, giving, or shared prayer—we become co-creators with God, building the beloved community here on earth.

Jesus concludes the parable by asking, “When the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:8). Our faith is demonstrated not only through words but through consistent, hopeful actions. The widow’s persistence, our acts of service, our generosity, and our daily spiritual practices are all signs of that living faith. Whether we are retired, volunteering, or still working, each act of integrity, care, and giving is a small prayer that brings God’s justice and peace a little closer to earth.

You all inspire me!

Faithfully,

Pr. Josh