Blog Layout
7 from Kevin - Mar 2023
Kevin Jeske-Polyak • March 9, 2023
- In addition to composing and publishing our church bulletins and monthly newsletter, Linda Goins welcomes and appropriately refers visitors and parishioners to our rector and other ministry group leaders. Linda also lovingly maintains our member database, ministry task assignment schedule, and church events calendar.
- Daffodils are blooming all around St. James. Said to symbolize friendship and new beginnings, they are one of the first signs of Spring and are also strongly associated with Easter for that reason. The Romans believed that the daffodil sap would heal wounds, but the opposite is true. Daffodil sap contains sharp crystals to deter animals from eating the flower. So, it actually irritates the skin rather than healing it.
- As he tends to his housekeeping and maintenance responsibilities, Rick Brown engages with some of our most destitute, vulnerable, and mentally challenged neighbors on a daily basis. He must balance appropriate compassion and patience with reasonable firmness to protect our church property and the safety of everyone.
- During the first 2 weeks of February, Valentine Cards were hand delivered or emailed to nearly 750 local businesses to encourage their participation in our 2023 Neighbor Day fundraising event. As a result, we have already received a dozen donations of merchandise and gift cards. The next phase will take place in the Spring. Watch for details.
- Frank Laszlo Jr. loves searching for stuff in “nooks, crooks, and books." That is why he has served so long and so well as our St. James Historian. Having completed his stained-glass window database project, he is now planning to create a booklet and related displays describing our history, beginning around 1866 when our predecessor - Church of the Epiphany - was formed.
- Bob Wadley quietly and conscientiously regularly prepares operating budgets for the church, records and deposits tithes and gifts, and processes timely payments to satisfy our church expenses. Bob also provides monthly financial reports comparing actual and budgeted expenses and other reports as needed.
- Theresa Russell provides parents with a much appreciated reprieve and an opportunity to focus on Sunday’s sermon, knowing that their infant or toddler will receive the best care from someone they trust. Theresa and her team combine their skills and natural love of children to bring life-changing value to the “little ones” and their families.
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.
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.