7 from Kevin - Dec 2022/Jan 2023
November 29, 2022
- THE PORCH – Our porch is the vestibule in front of the main entrance. In early medieval times, porches provided cover to worshipers, but they also had a liturgical use. At baptisms, the priest would receive the sponsors with the infant in the porch where the service began. Our porch features an archangel above the front door (outside) and stained-glass windows of the Archangels St. Gabriel, St. Michael, St. Uriel, and St. Raphael. Votive candles inside the porch are lit as an offering during an act of Christian prayer. They symbolize the prayers the worshiper is offering for themself and/or for other people.
- THE NARTHEX – Our Narthex is the space between the porch and the entrance to the nave. Traditionally a place of penitence, it is customarily at the opposite end of the church from the altar. Today, the St. James Narthex is used for service preparation including the welcoming of members and guests, assembly of the choir and clergy prior to worship services, gathering of bridal parties before wedding ceremonies, and the tasks related to audio & video recording and live streaming. The stained-glass windows on the north wall depict St. Philip and St. James the Less. The stained-glass windows on the rear wall depict Te Deum Lamb of God. The Scallop Shells on the side door represent the symbol of our church.
- THE NAVE - Our nave is the central part of the church stretching from the narthex to the chapel and choir transepts. The stained-glass windows on the north wall depict St. Thomas, St. Barnabas, St. Simon, St. Jude, St. Mathew, St. Bartholomew, St. Mark, & St. Luke. The stained-glass windows on the south wall depict St. Stephen, St. Paul, St. Martha, St. Mary, St. James the Greater, St. John, St. Andrew, & St. Peter.
- THE CHAPEL TRANSEPT – Our Chapel Transept is the space which forms the south “arm” of the cross shape of the church. Dedicated to the name of our mother church, (The Church of the Epiphany, previously located between Fifth Ave. and Magnolia Ave), it is used for early morning worship services, evening prayer, and other smaller special services. The chapel features the original altar, cross & eucharistic candles of the church from 1923. The stained-glass windows depict St. John the Baptist, St. Joseph, Mary the Mother of Our Lord, St. Elizabeth the Mother of St. John the Baptist, Epiphany Star, & Three Wise Kings.
- THE CHOIR TRANSEPT – Our Choir Transept is the space which forms the north “arm” of the cross shape of the church. Seating for the choir is aligned at right-angles to the seating for the congregation in the nave. The pipe organ, (Schantz Organ Company, Opus 1780) was installed in 1984. The horizontal trumpets, (Trompette en Chamade), were installed in the 1990’s. The antiphonal organ was installed at the rear of the nave in 2006.
- THE CHANCEL – Our Chancel is the part of a church near the altar reserved for the clergy, acolytes, and eucharistic ministers. The baptismal font is used for the baptism of infants and adults by pouring a little water on their heads. The term “font” comes from the Latin fons, “spring of water”. The pulpit (on the left side) is where the sermon is delivered, if not from the center. The Lectern (on the right side) is where the Words of the Lord and Prayers of the People are read. This marble lectern was formerly used as the pulpit during St. James’ early history.
- THE ALTAR
– Our Altar is made of Tennessee Marble and was installed in 1962. This prominent table is where the celebration of the Eucharist takes place. The Candle of Perpetual Light continually burns on the reredos behind the altar beneath the cross indicating and honoring the presence of Christ. A pair of 5-branch candelabras on the reredos behind the altar symbolize the light of Christ or the light of the gospel. The two Eucharistic Candles located to the right and left of the altar signify our prayer, which is offered in faith, entering the light of God. They also show reverence and our desire to remain present in prayer even as we continue our day.
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.