Sermon Devotional - September 20, 2026

## A Typewriter Faith for a Touchscreen World Imagine a time when merely owning a typewriter could be an act of defiance, punishable by death. During World War II, in Nazi-occupied Poland, typewriters were outlawed because they enabled the creation of documents beyond official control. Yet, in the shadows of the Warsaw ghettos, brave individuals like Irena Sendler risked everything to operate them. Irena, a social worker with deep faith, found a way to enter the ghetto, initially under the guise of monitoring for tuberculosis. But her true mission, fueled by a compelling love for her neighbors, was to save lives. Working with others, often under blankets to muffle the sound of the keys, she used smuggled typewriters to create forged documents. The most effective of these were baptismal certificates, which could help Jewish children escape certain death by allowing them passage to safety in Christian orphanages. This painstaking, dangerous work, requiring immense intention and effort, was Irena's faith in action. Irena Sendler's story beautifully illustrates what it means to live with what we might call a "typewriter faith" in a "touchscreen world." In our modern lives, we often encounter situations where it is easy to offer a quick word of sympathy or a fleeting thought of prayer, much like a quick tap on a screen. We might say, "Go in peace; keep warm and eat your fill," as the book of James describes, but then fail to supply actual needs. James challenges us, beloved, to recognize that our beliefs about God, about Christ's life, and about God's grace are not meant to remain just thoughts in our heads. Like Irena, our faith calls us to intentional, thoughtful, and sometimes arduous action. It compels us to move beyond convenient sentiments and into tangible expressions of love for our neighbor, even when it requires effort, energy, and courage. This is the essence of a Wesleyan faith, where our love for God and our love for others are woven together, expressed through personal holiness and acts of service in the world. **Next Step:**
Consider one area in your life where you might be tempted to offer only a "touchscreen" response. How can you instead embody a "typewriter faith" by taking an intentional, tangible step to show love, provide support, or advocate for justice this week? **Prayer:**
Creator, help us to live out our faith with intentionality and courage. May our beliefs not remain in our minds alone, but compel us to love our neighbors in tangible ways, leaving an indelible mark of grace and compassion on the world.