Dear Saints, 

The halls of St. James stay busy. Our regular parish ministries and daily work keep us occupied while neighbors also use our space. Many of us don't even see all the work and ministry that happens in these walls. As we celebrate 100 years of ministry, I think of all those who have prayed and served here over the years. Their faithfulness has brought us to this time and place. 

All Saint's Day is November 1. That is a time that we recall all those faithful, known and unknown, who have passed on the Good News of Christ. A more recent theological slant on All Saint's Day reminds us that we are all made saints in Christ. We are seen and loved by God not because we have done something special to earn that love. God loves us because God is good, and that love moves us to live in that goodness. Come celebrate All Saint's on November 1 at 5:30 PM and stick around for a potluck supper. 

We will gather on Sunday, October 29 at noon in the parish hall for our annual meeting. We will discuss where we have been and where we hope to go. We will also select new vestry members. During our worship services, we will collect pledge cards and bless those intentions to give.

Over the past month, we have enjoyed our Neighbor Day celebration and the ECW Rummage Sale. Many thanks to everyone who made those events a success. I continue to encourage you to check out the pancake breakfasts every other Saturday. There are so many ways to connect with each other. I pray that we can all see the saints around us and know God's love through them. 

Peace, 

Fr. John Mark