Blog Layout
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.
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.