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.
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.
Friends and Neighbors, I hope you have your calendar marked for the St. James Ministry Marathon this Sunday, February 9. The event has been delayed by snow and ice, but this Sunday, you can learn more about the many opportunities for prayer, study, service, and community at St. James. This past Sunday was exciting as our Justice Ministry gathered to prepare us for a big turnout at our Nehemiah Action on April 8. You can learn more about that ministry and others this Sunday.
Friends and Neighbors, Thank you for celebrating with our folks who were baptized, confirmed, and received on Sunday. We all promised to support them in their faith. Supporting one another in following Christ is what we do. Your time, talent, and money help make that happen through St. James. I am excited about our Ministry Marathon coming up on February 9 where we can all learn about the many ways we serve and support.
Friends and Neighbors, What a week it has been. There was football, an inauguration, and Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. We have also continued to experience very cold temperatures around here. Then we see that the Episcopal Church is in the news as a result of the sermon of The Rt. Rev. Mariann Budde at the Service of Prayer for Our Nation at the National Cathedral in Washington, DC. Bishop Cole commends this sermon to all of us. I encourage you to read it HERE. I have seen many positive and a few negative responses to it. Bishop Budde stood and delivered the type of message that I hope you often hear at St. James. She called for mercy and compassion for vulnerable people. This is what the Gospel of Jesus Christ calls us too.
Friends and Neighbors, Snow and ice caused us to postpone our Ministry Marathon until February 9. On that day you will find folks in different spots sharing about the various ministries here at St. James. This will be a good day to see the church, learn about ways to serve, and connect with friends old and new. You may be surprised at all the various opportunities to serve, pray, and study together.
Friends and Neighbors, Our church calendar has many feasts and fast days. These days remind us of the stories and faithful people they commemorate and encourage us to live our faith today. This Sunday is the first Sunday after the Epiphany and is the day we celebrate the baptism of Jesus. It is fitting that we are having our Ministry Marathon as we remember this event. Baptism is our initiation into the Body of Christ. All members of the body are empowered to serve as ministers. The Ministry Marathon can help us discern ways we can use our gifts in God's service.
Friends and Neighbors, A new year dawns and voices all around call us to make resolutions, be more productive, and to change our bodies. Sure, some good messages are there, but they often get covered with blame, shame, and exhaustion. I appreciate that a call to be a faithful follower of Christ isn't a call to be perfect. Following Christ is a journey. Sometimes we take a wrong turn or need to stop and rest. The metaphors of scripture and tradition speak of being made well, growth, bearing fruit, and death that leads to resurrection. Faith is an ongoing process in which God's grace is working in us.