7 from Kevin - Apr 2022
Kevin Jeske-Polyak • April 2, 2022
- Baptismal banners created by the Daughters of the King are part of a rich tradition at St. James. Everything from the selection of the fabric, to stenciling, printing designs, installation of the dowel & cording, and personalization with names is meticulously performed by loving daughters like Jane C and Patricia H.
- For 100 years, St. James has provided outdoor space for peaceful reflection and respite. From time to time, the exceptionally well-manicured appearance of our grounds is compromised by troubled neighbors struggling with all kinds of physical and mental health issues. Rick B, Linda D, Betty B, Becky C, Hoyt C, Frank L, Jennie Sullivan, and others demonstrate enormous compassion and perseverance as they steadily tend to the beauty and maintenance of our grounds.
- “Kitchen upgrades” have begun in the St. James nursery. A wooden play kitchen for kids with a playable oven, refrigerator, microwave oven, faucet, removable sink, toy food & cookware accessories with lots of playable buttons, knobs, and lights & sound function has been donated by Powell P. Coming soon . . . a new “laundry center” and “work bench”!
- During the past few weeks St. James was honored to provide work space for neighbors who participated in several community puppet making workshops sponsored by the Cattywampus Puppet Council (CPC). The CPC utilizes community-based theater, parades, and workshops to build power and creativity in the community and fuel justice and liberation in the Southeast.
- Several “ROC” Stars have emerged at St. James, including Linda C, Scott C, Linda D, Pam S, and John S. Each has participated in an online Realm orientation session facilitated by our Realm Orientation Crew (ROC). Realm is the cloud-based networking platform that helps us promote active engagement in ministry throughout our church family.
- As good stewards of the earth, the staff at St. James is committed to practicing recycling. Paper and other recyclable materials, including used church bulletins, are routinely separated from general trash. With coordination provided by Mark & Susan A and Kim & Bill Y, the recyclables are taken to the local recycling center.
- Thanks to the generosity of our church family, $1,461 was raised during our Christmas Remembrances campaign to help provide finishing touches to Caswell Manor, a 48-unit permanent supportive housing development being built by the Volunteer Ministry Center at the intersection of East Fifth Avenue and Winona Street.
Thanks to everyone for becoming engaged in our mission at St. James at whatever level they are able, including all effort that is noticed and so much more that may be less noticed. Rest assured, nothing is unnoticed by God and St. James is stronger because of everyone's combined effort.
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.