For years I guided fly fishing float trips on remote rivers in far western Alaska. The country between the Brooks Range into the Berring Sea is among the most wild areas on the planet. For 10 days at a time, we lived in our waders. Floating and fishing by day. Cooking by fire and camping on gravel bars at night. Western Alaska is bear country. Out on the river, if a grizzly chases you, you don’t have to be faster than the bear. You just have to be faster than your friends!

This was just our take on the 16th century English proverb: every person for themselves and the Devil take the hindmost. We were joking about the bears but there’s nothing funny when you’re staring at a 1,000-pound animal with teeth and claws and you don’t have zoo fences between you. Even firearms don’t provide much comfort. The truth is, in the wilderness your survival depends on your ability to work together as a team to take care of one another. As dramatic as the bears are, the weather is your biggest threat.

This is true in modern society, too. Our constitutional democratic republic is built upon the idea that we are one people, united, and working together for the common good. The threats we hear most about should not be our first concern. It’s our polarization that is pulling us apart. So, what can a church full of Jesus followers do to make a positive difference in such a time as this? Here are a few scriptures that I think point the way…

…provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, but encouraging one another…—Hebrews 10:24

…putting away all falsehood, let each of you speak the truth with your neighbor, for we are all part of one big family.—Ephesians 4:25

These are the things that you shall do: speak the truth to one another, render in your gates judgments that are true and make for peace, do not devise evil in your hearts against one another, and love no lies, for all these are things that I hate, says the Lord.—Zechariah 8:16-17

…just as you did to the least of your brothers and sisters, you did it to me… and just as you did not do for the least of your brothers and sisters, you did not do it for me.
—Matthew 25:40 and 45

Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of others; practice hospitality to strangers. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another…
—Romans 12:12-16

Church, this is our time, difficult as it is, to make a positive and Godly difference in the world and to strengthen democracy and the common good of all here at home. No matter what comes our way, let’s follow Jesus and always be our very best selves.

In the words of Steve Smith, Canadian comedian and star of the 1990’s Red Green Show, “Just remember: I’m pulling for you. We’re all in this together.”

Pastor Jim

October 5, 2025
World Communion Sunday
Fall Confirmation Retreat in Seaside, Oregon
Guest Preacher:
Rev. Dione Corsilles
I see you! You are not alone!
Matthew 25:34-40

October 12, 2025
All Church Retreat
Christian Stewardship -
The Secret of Life

Do you ever wonder what your life would be like if you lived completely without fear or need? Is it possible to be entirely caught up in God’s abundant generosity? What would the world be like if you had enough time for the people around you, enough resources to share generously, enough energy to serve joyfully, and enough courage to speak and work for mercy with justice? Is such a life possible? The Bible says it is. Join Pastor Jim this fall to learn the secret of life!

October 19, 2025
Is God Enough?
Genesis 32-33

October 26, 2025
How Much Do I Really Need?
Malachi 3:8-10 and
2 Chronicles 31:4-10 and 21

November 2, 2025
All Saints Sunday
You Prepare a Table
Matthew 5:43-47; Luke 19:1-10;
Luke 6:27-31 and 37-38