This is the first of a two-week sermon series on the letter of James. In the depths of all the theology that’s been written in antiquity, through the centuries, and recently, there are some ways to understand the roots of faith simply, and the writer of James does just that: “Be doers of the word and not merely hearers.” The letter puts it in clear and direct terms, giving examples. We are often overwhelmed by needs, so we must pray to find what we as individuals should do and pursue that, trusting that God will direct others to do the rest. One guide to ministry is for us to listen to those who have needs and then to respond.