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.