7 from Kevin - Dec 2021/Jan 2022
Kevin Jeske-Polyak • December 1, 2021
Did you know Mary M is the person who lovingly mails birthday cards to St. James parishioners every month? Of course, the only way she can be reminded of your birthday is if you enter the month and day of your birth in your Realm Profile. If you need help figuring out how to do that, please reach out to Drew J-P drew@kap10associates.com.
- The Helping Hands Ministry works hard throughout the year distributing bags of groceries and other sundry items to neighbors in need. Our Helping Hands volunteers (including Mike & Elizabeth A, Gail B, Caroline C-Y, Stacy H, Junior H, Charles & Diane L, Karen M, Mark R, Jim R, Jimmie W, and Bill & Ginny C) work especially hard during Thanksgiving & Christmas to help provide an extra special warm and meaningful holiday experience.
- For several years, the A/V Team has produced video recordings of our 10:30 service to air on Community Television. During the COVID pandemic, we started simulcasting our Zoom church services on Facebook. When we returned to in-person church services, we began live streaming on YouTube. Most recently, we have installed a robotic camera at the rear of the church requiring all kinds of hardware & software configurations. With enormous help from Bro Andrew M at the Diocese, we are hopeful we have finally made all the necessary technical adjustments. Thanks to everyone for your patience.
- Among her many volunteer roles, Jane C systematically inserts the announcement sheets and presses the folded creases on our weekly service bulletins with an appropriately sized can of soup. Even as we are still recovering from decreased attendance due to COVID, this amounts to an average of 100 service bulletins every week.
- Working closely with Bob W., members of the St. James Finance Committee, including Carol Y, Drew J-P, Nancy P, Carla L, Lee C, Luke H, Steve S, and Stacy H, work very hard to develop operational budgets and generate the necessary reports to help ministry leaders manage their expenses.
- During your next visit to St. James, be sure to peer through the gate at the memorial garden to view the beautiful original bronze statue of the Madonna created by Mary M and donated to the church by Mary & Damon B. Her quiet and soothing presence will bring comfort to all who visit the memorial garden in the future.
- St. James Doorstep Ministry volunteers greet neighbors at the door and on the phone. They also prepare and distribute bagged lunches to neighbors without food during the week. Patty C, Drew J-P, Mary M, Damon B, Kim Y, Susan A, Pam S, Susan & Boyce D, Carol Y, and Marilyn & Hoyt C work very effectively as a team feeding & tending our neighbors.
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.