7 from Kevin - August 2022
Kevin Jeske-Polyak • August 16, 2022
- The Insights and sentiments expressed by the participants in the audio project currently being produced to commemorate our 100-year anniversary are truly inspiring and reaffirming. Don’t miss this opportunity to lend your voice to this permanent record to be listened to by many generations to come. Set up an interview by contacting Kevin or Drew at kevin@stjamesknox.org.
- Now is the time of year when the leaders of our funded ministry groups closely examine the expenses related to their work to project what their needs will be in the coming year. It also provides an opportunity to consider planning for some things differently and/or expanding services in some ways.
- On Sunday, July 24th, St. James hosted a group of 30 boy scouts and their leaders for an overnight stay just before the National Order of the Arrow Conference being held at the University of Tennessee. Earlier in the day, they traveled from Newport News, Virginia where St. Stephens Episcopal Church regularly supports them by providing a space for the Local Wahunsenakah Lodge Leadership to meet. Special thanks to Marilyn C. and Rick B. for making sure they were well cared for.
- Have you ever wondered what it costs to prepare a nutritious bagged lunch like the ones distributed through our Doorstep Ministry group Monday - Friday? Well, the cost of 2 slices of bread, 1 slice of cheese, 1 mustard packet, 1 mayonnaise packet, 1 pudding cup, 1 fruit cup, 1 package of crackers, 1 bottle of water, 1 napkin, 1 spoon, 1 sandwich bag, & 1 carry-out bag comes to $1.27.
- So far, 29 centennial pledges plus 4 cathedral chair sponsorships totaling $397,166 have been contributed to our Centennial Capital Campaign, amounting to 19.9% of our goal. Help us make a giant leap forward in reaching our goal during the month of August by visiting stjames100.org and making your pledge TODAY!
- Special thanks to the volunteers who serve the A/V Ministry group. Those of us who routinely attend church in person but for one reason or another cannot attend are not able to aptly express how comforting it is to hear the spoken word, song and the faces, (even when masked) of our neighbors as we commune together on Sunday mornings. Even if from time to time there is a technical glitch in the livestream, Sunday Services at St. James are so good for the soul.
- Thanks to Carol Y and Rick B for the extra effort they have been making to clear clutter from our spaces around St. James - especially in high traffic areas and other corners where clutter distracts from the beauty and organization of our sacred worship space. There is still much clearing of clutter to be done, but we are making great progress.
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.