Weekly Letter, 09/26/2024
The Rev. John Mark Wiggers • September 26, 2024

Friends and Neighbors, 


I returned from a men's retreat in the Virginia woods this past Sunday night. It was a deeply experiential retreat that I know will continue working in me for some time. St. James came to mind as many men on the retreat shared how their experience of the church had hurt them. I was thankful to be part of a community that welcomes the hurting and offers a healing balm. I am under no illusion that we are a perfect community. We are a bunch of sinners seeking and celebrating God's grace and sharing that with others. We are also people with various gifts that the Spirit empowers us with to share love and grace. 


Sharing love and grace can be done in many ways. We have many opportunities to share with others in October. I hope that you will be checking out this newsletter and inviting some folks to some of the events coming up. If you have any social media chops, let people know about the pumpkin patch, concert, online auction, and so much more. Don't forget that we continue having house meetings for our justice ministry. Your connection with one person makes a difference. Sometimes our friends might be hesitant to come to a church service. Bluegrass, pumpkins, and serving the community are also ways to connect and know the love of Christ. 


Some of the activities will help fund the work of St. James. On October 27, we will collect pledge cards for our 2025 budget and have our Annual Meeting after the 10:30 service. I love a good time of worship or the unpredictability of the blessing of the animals. I also know that we need to plan, have meetings, and take care of our buildings. Those things support us in doing the ministry of feeding and tending God's sheep. Consider what you can give of time, talent, and money for the work of St. James. 


Thank you again for all the warm wishes as we celebrated 15 years of ministry together. Thank you also in supporting me in doing things like retreats, community work, and serving in the diocese. All of those things nurture me so that I can continue to serve faithfully right here. Thank you also for being a community that welcomes all who seek to know God's love and healing. 


Peace,

Fr. John Mark 

Weekly Letter, 04/24/2025

By John Mark Wiggers • April 24, 2025

Weekly Letter, 04/17/2025

By John Mark Wiggers • April 17, 2025

Weekly Letter, 04/10/2025

By John Mark Wiggers • April 17, 2025

Weekly Letter, 04/03/2025

By John Mark Wiggers • April 17, 2025

Weekly Letter, 03/27/2025

By John Mark Wiggers • March 27, 2025
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.

Weekly Letter, 03/20/2025

By John Mark Wiggers • March 20, 2025
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.

Free Bell Concert

By Tim Lett • March 7, 2025
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!

Weekly Letter, 03/06/2025

By The Rev. John Mark Wiggers • March 7, 2025
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.

Shrove Tuesday

By Jeremy Meyers • February 27, 2025
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.

Weekly Letter, 02/27/2025

By The Rev. John Mark Wiggers • February 27, 2025
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".
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