7 from Kevin - Mar 2022
Kevin Jeske-Polyak • March 1, 2022
- Some awesome photographs of our 2022 Vestry Members were recently captured by Susan B. Jane C has artfully presented them behind a framed glass in the hallway outside the main conference room in the administration building. This mother & daughter duo has been teaming up to frame our Vestry Members for several years.
- The St. James Medical Response Team is a small group of volunteers with medical training who share responsibility for a coordinated response in the event of a medical emergency during worship services and other events. Current members of our Medical Response Team include: Mary Nelle O, Margaret B, Rick B, SuAnne C, Barb M, and Nancy M.
- Understanding our finances helps us manage our ministries and maintain the future sustainability of our church. Using Realm Accounting software and working with the finance committee, Bob W is generating customized reports that provide just the right amount of relevant information for our clergy, staff, and ministry leaders to manage their budgets.
- A member of our St. James Family since 1998, Reggie H has donated an enormous amount of expertise, craftsmanship, and time around this place. This has included the installation and maintenance of our antiphonal organ, (the enclosed division of our pipe organ situated at the rear of the church that permits answering and antiphonal effects), lending his own pipes as a talented Baritone in our choir, and providing computer technical support of all kinds.
- Funerals and memorial services don't just happen at St. James. A talented team of compassionate parishioners offer their time and skills to make sure every ceremonial detail is addressed and the family is comforted in every way possible. Current members of our Funeral Guild include: Marilyn C, Stacy H, Susan A, Margaret B, Ashley B, Hoyt C, Patty C, SuAnne C, Bea E, Linda G, Patricia H, Victoria H, Carla L, Theresa Ann R, Nick S, Pam S, and Cynthia T.
- Dolly Parton has taken up temporary residence in the basement at St. James as she prepares to participate in the 2022 Big Ears Festival (March 24 - 27). Word is she is having some restorative work done to get her in shape for an appearance in the Big Ears Festival Parade. St. James is pleased to be providing plenty of space for Dolly to enjoy a peaceful restoration.
- A portable LifeVac choking rescue device has been generously donated to St. James by Powell & Susan P. Once trained, anyone can use this easy to operate device by following three simple steps: (a) place the LifeVac on the patient, (b) push down on the suction cup, and (c) pull up on the handle. Hopefully, we will never need to use it, but we are certainly grateful to have it in case we do.
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.
Alleluia. Christ is risen. We celebrated the resurrection with so much joy this past Sunday. The Easter feast continues for 50 days. Thank you to everyone who made Holy Week and Easter Sunday so special. You helped people feel welcomed to this place where we proclaim the welcoming love of Christ in word, deed, song, Easter egg hunts, and something good to eat. We welcome others because we have known the love of Christ and want to share it.
Friends and Neighbors, As we journey through Holy Week, I encourage you to pause and consider those events that lead us to the joyful celebration of Easter. May that also be reflected in our lives. We walk through hard things and know that God is with us. We hold to the hope that nothing can separate us from the love of God.
Friends and Neighbors, As the weather teases us with warm days followed by chilly ones, we enter Holy Week. You have probably heard me encouraging folks to experience the journey to the cross and the grave so we might celebrate the resurrection with that insight. God has shared this human experience and is with us in the darkness and the light. Our liturgies of Holy Week take us on that journey with Jesus and remind us that God is indeed with us on our own journeys.
Friends and Neighbors, The annual Nehemiah Action is this Tuesday, April 8. We gather with over 22 congregations to ask our leaders to commit to taking action on important community matters. This year, we are asking for commitments on housing instability, homelessness, and transportation. Please invite others to attend. Having a large number of people makes a difference. You can find the details in this newsletter. Your presence helps us bring more justice to our city.
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".