7 from Kevin - July 2023
Kevin Jeske-Polyak • June 29, 2023
- You may have noticed the "new look" our buildings are sporting as a result of the professional pressure-washing work performed by Top Knox Pressure Washing this month! Trey Gaff and the team at Top Knox demonstrated great care and super efficiency in removing the dark stains that had resulted from years of weathering. The difference in the appearance is truly amazing!
- Making the adjustment from our permanently installed audio visual equipment in the Nave to the completely different portable system being used in the Parish Hall has provided interesting challenges for everyone involved. This includes the A/V team responsible for setting things up every Sunday morning, everyone who steps up to the microphones to share the liturgy, and especially the congregation. Thanks to everyone for demonstrating patience and flexibility during these times of transition
- Every week, St. James generates a significant amount of paper, metal, and plastic recyclable waste. Fortunately, we have a team of committed volunteers who routinely collect and transport sorted recyclables to the local recycle center, including used church bulletins, cardboard boxes, aluminum cans, and plastic bottles.
- The seating arrangement we currently enjoy in the Parish Hall provides a wonderful opportunity for all of us to see and acknowledge one another, even if only from across the room. It is so much more warmer than looking only at the back of the heads of everyone, or trying to catch only a brief glance when walking to or from the communion rail. It really helps to nourish our sense of community and church family.
- The Altar Guild & Flower Guild teams are a busy bunch of folks these days as they are operating out of the kitchen, pantry, and children's chapel to create the same amount of brilliant color and tradition in the Parish Hall we are accustomed to having in the Nave. These committed volunteers enjoy fellowship with one another every time they get together on the weekend to make sure everything is taken care of before and after each service on Sunday mornings.
- Serving on the Kitchen Guild is a great way to meet folks and an easy way to serve our faith community at St. James. We serve up fresh, hot coffee, lemonade, and water to parishioners and guests who have the time to visit during "Coffee Hour" after the 10:30 morning worship service. Kitchen Guild teams serve on a rotating basis. Please contact Carol Yates cyates0222@gmail.com or 865-363-7539 if you are interested in helping!
- St. James is pleased to provide meeting space for
outside community groups, especially those whose mission is to provide support and/or increase a sense of community among our neighbors. Currently, these groups include: Allies of Knoxville's Immigrant Neighbors (AKIN), Alcoholics Anonymous, Episcopal Peace Fellowship, Justice Knox, Narcotics Anonymous, Old North Knoxville Neighborhood Association, Sharing Experiences Together (S.E.T.), and Three Rivers Market.
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.