Blog Layout
7 from Kevin - Apr 2023
Kevin Jeske-Polyak • March 31, 2023
- Over the last couple of months, attendance at our monthly Friendship Circle Dinners has grown to nearly 30 people. A giant step toward restoring “normalcy following our hibernation due to COVID, these dinner events provide an interesting, delicious, and relaxed way to get to know each other better. Join us for the NEXT Friendship Circle Dinner on May 1 at 6 pm. We will meet in the courtyard and have a potluck while we get an update on capital renovations.
- At this year's annual Justice Knox Rally held on March 27th, St. James was well- represented by 54 parishioners committed to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly. Justice Knox seeks to understand problems facing the Knoxville community through person-to-person conversation, and to grow those conversations into prioritized, research-based action items. These action items are targeted and have a real impact on the lives of underserved—or not before heard—community members.
- In person attendance at St. James Sunday morning worship services have averaged 122 persons since January 1, 2023. Church is a community where we can socialize and support one another, make friends, feel a sense of belonging, and build reliable support networks. The church community helps us to “mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort” (Mosiah 18:9).
- The number of names that will be embroidered on the St. James Centennial Quilt has now grown to more than 200! Thanks to all of you who have chosen to lend your hand or signature in creating this lasting piece of St. James history. We hope that you will prayerfully consider further supporting our Centennial Capital Campaign through a major financial gift, pledged gift, or other planned giving option. For more information, contact Fr. John Mark Wiggers.
- Some of the latest improvements to our parish house include the installation of a new ceiling and LED light fixtures in the parish hall and the replacement of all HVAC units throughout the building. Preparation for the installation of an elevator to the second floor has also begun.
- Some of the latest improvements to our expanded kitchen include the installation of floor tiles and LED light fixtures. Reinstallation of the back door and painting of the new walls have also been completed. Soon, St. James will finally have a commercial automatic dishwasher installed.
- St. James currently has 43 full length
pews in the nave
that will disappear sometime in early May. If you or someone you know would like to purchase one or more of them, the time to do so is now. Most are 11 - 13 feet long and because of the way they are constructed cannot be shortened. Only 10 can be shortened and 4 of them have already been purchased. The cost for each pew, regardless of length, is $300. For more information, contact
Kevin Jeske-Polyak.
Lent is a season when we are particularly called to consider our sins and to amend our ways. Many of the messages we hear in our culture tend to focus on the sins of an individual. The witness of scripture places as much emphasis on corporate sins. In the story of Jonah, the whole city is called to repent. Prophets like Amos deliver the call for all those in power to stop mistreating the poor. In Nehemiah 5, we hear the story of Nehemiah gathering a great assembly to call for the leaders to stop the unfair lending practices harming their community. As faithful people, we are called to consider the ways that our life together touches the lives of others.
I am writing this on the Feast of St. Joseph (March 19). This character in God's salvation story has an intriguing supporting role. He chooses to protect Mary and the expectant child despite the possible scandal. Joseph finds himself fleeing for Egypt to protect the newborn Jesus. We don't otherwise hear much from or about Joseph in scripture. He is a faithful person who sought to follow God in tough situations.
Get ready to jingle all the way to the "Smoky Mountain Ring" - a sensational showcase of talent and community spirit! Join us on Saturday, April 5 @ 4:30 pm at Grace Lutheran Church, (9076 Middlebrook Pike), where The Bells of St. James will be ringing in harmony with several other talented handbell choirs under the expert guidance of clinician Brenda Austin. This vibrant concert is more than just a musical event; it's a heartwarming celebration of connection, inclusivity, and the joy of coming together as a community. We can't wait to see you there!
Friends and Neighbors, We enter the season of Lent. Lent can seem very focused on the individual. For sure, we are called to consider our sinfulness and mortality. We do not stay there, but turn our hearts to God's forgiveness and grace.
Get ready to flip for joy because Shrove Tuesday is THIS TUESDAY (Mar 4)! Join us in the Parish Hall at 6 pm to 8 pm for a delightful evening filled with fluffy buttermilk pancakes and a smorgasbord of toppings that'll make your taste buds dance! Were even bringing out some classic, time-honored shrove pancake recipes that are sure to warm your heart. But wait, theres more! Come hungry and bring your family and friends for a night of fun, laughter, and the chance to snag some awesome door prizes! Trust us, you won't want to miss out on this delicious community gathering. Tickets are flying fast, so grab yours now for just $5 (adults) and $2 (children). And hey, if you're feeling the call to help out, we'd love to have you volunteer! Arrive at 5 pm to help with setup and prep so we can make this event a huge success together! RSVP at THIS LINK today! Remember, this isn't just about pancakes; it's about coming together as a community, sharing joy, and supporting our outreach initiatives.
Friends and Neighbors, I don't want to get too far ahead, but Lent is approaching. The tradition of the Church calls for a time of fasting and repentance. That often involves giving something up or taking something on. I recommend that folks keep it simple and be kind to themselves. We aren't doing these things to earn God's favor. We take up these practices to turn our hearts towards God. This turning of our hearts could be called "devotion".
Friends and Neighbors, We live in a world that bombards us with information. Here I am adding to the mix of ideas and thoughts coming your way. I am reminded of how Jesus often took time to go away to pray. Even without cell phones and constant news, Jesus and those around him were well aware of their world's contentious politics and problems. Jesus spoke to those problems and acted to meet the needs of people. He also empowered his followers to do the same things he did. Jesus took time to pray, teach, and be with folks at meals. Connecting with God and our community nurtures and feed us in the midst of all the demands on our attention.
Friends and Neighbors, We had a busy weekend at St. James. The weather finally allowed us to have our Ministry Marathon. It was a delight to see new and longtime parishioners meeting and sharing to learn about the many opportunities for ministry at St. James. Thank you to everyone who helped make this event happen. A special hat tip goes to Sharon Teets who gathered folks to plan and implement this event. I know that I learned more about our ministries and the people who make them a reality.
As ambassadors to the communities where they’ll perform, members of the Maryville College Concert Choir have a timely message for the 2025 Spring Choir Tour: “Times, They Are A-Changing,” but through music, connections can be made and unity can be achieved. The Concert Choir will begin its spring performance season with a 4 pm concert on Sunday, Feb 23, here at St. James.
One-to-One StorySharing is an intentional conversation between two people who share and receive each other’s stories of what matters most. It is a potent tool for forming community, deepening relationships, identifying gifts, healing brokenness and overcoming resistance; and building a relational culture. It is the basis for Episcopal Evangelism.