Weekly Letter, 05/30/2024
The Rev. John Mark Wiggers • June 5, 2024

Friends and Neighbors, 


Big news! An opportunity presented itself and it was too great to pass up. St. James has joined with the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd to hire a youth coordinator. The Rev. Dorrie Pratt and I interviewed and called Lesley Starck. Yes, that is the Lesley you know from St. James. She will begin planning and getting to know folks in June. We plan to see joint youth group (grade 6-12) activities growing throughout the year. I am excited about this partnership. 


 I hope you know that Theresa Russell does a great job organizing things for our younger kids. We have our nursery and our children's chapel that serve these young ones. Theresa also organizes our Trunk or Treat and other kid's activities. I look forward to seeing those kids grow up into the youth ministry we are building. 


I just spent some time at Grace Point (The Diocese of East TN Camp and Conference Center). It reminded me that we have great resources to help show young people what it means to follow Christ. There are so many messages bombarding these young ones. We can teach them about grace, forgiveness, and hope. We are all learning those things as we seek to love God, neighbor, and ourselves. Ministry to our youth and children is one ministry that your giving supports. Thank you for investing in such important work. 


Things are happening around here, friends. Church does not shut down for summer. Come worship, study, and serve with your friends and neighbors. 


Peace,

Fr. John Mark

By John Mark Wiggers May 15, 2025
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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!
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