Friends and Neighbors, We all have a story to tell. I had the blessing of hearing people tell their stories in the recent Inquirers Class. I was delighted to see many of those folks affirm their faith when the Bishop was with us Wednesday night. Several people have reached out lately to ask questions about our parish and to share their ups and downs on the faith journey. Many of you know the power of sharing stories as we walk this life together. Sharing stories makes a difference. Having a safe community to tell our stories is a gift. You make St. James a safe place as we share the story of God's love for all.

CONGRATULATIONS to all these who affirmed their faith on April 17 through Baptism, Confirmation, Reception and Reaffirmation . . .

Friends and Neighbors, We continue to celebrate Easter. The Justice Knox Nehemiah Action was a witness to new life rising. We saw over 1000 people gathered to ask our city and county mayors to make commitments to end homelessness. They said yes to some actions that have made an impact in other cities. We can be a community that educates ourselves and others about the causes and realities of being unhoused. We are also a community that confesses that there is hope. Thanks for showing up.

We are excited to introduce our new Stations of the Cross wooden plaques lovingly created from our old pews and placed on the walls in the Nave by The Rev. RJ Powell. The Stations of the Cross is a traditional Christian devotion that focuses on fourteen specific events during Jesus' final journey to Calvary. Through prayers, meditations, and reflections, neighbors are invited to walk alongside Jesus in the Nave, contemplating his sacrifice and the meaning it holds for their own lives.Through this installation, we aim to create a meaningful and transformative experience for individuals seeking to deepen their faith and connect with the central message of Christianity.

Friends and Neighbors, Happy Easter! We had a solemn Holy Week and a glorious Easter Sunday! Thank you to everyone who helped make all of that happen. We have so many talented folks who give of their time and talents to make things special. I am reminded of how powerful sacred space, beauty, drama, and ritual help bring us together. I am grateful to be part of a community that can bring all those things together to welcome folks with the love of Christ. Thank you.

Dear Friends and Neighbors, It is Holy Week and Easter is coming! Note the schedule of all the opportunities to pray and celebrate together. When you are here, look at the Stations of the Cross crafted by The Rev. R. J. Powell on wood that our own Troy Burns took from our pews. Thank you to them and to all the folks making Holy Week and Easter happen here at St. James. So many people are involved. I am grateful for all who make this a place that welcomes others to know the love of Christ.

Dear Friends and Neighbors, Holy Week is near and I encourage you to take some time to pray and reflect as we move towards the celebration of Easter. I encourage you to attend the Maundy Thursday and Good Friday services as they move us through the journey of betrayal and crucifixion that leads to the resurrection.

Dear Friends, It is delightful to watch things bloom. I am reminded that Lent is a season of renewal. We acknowledge our sins and trust that God forgives us. Psalm 51 puts words to a prayerful way of approaching this. (These verses form the traditional prayer that the presider at the Eucharist prays when washing their hands. Have you seen me up there mumbling?) I particularly resonate with the line "Give me the joy of your saving help again." I have known that help before and trust that I can know that joy again. Even after the cold winter, the flowers bloom again.

Dear Friends, Don't forget to spring forward! Showing up on time does make a difference. You heard that many folks in our justice ministry joined with others to attend the February school board meeting. The school board has since released the data we were asking for! Many of us will return to the school board meeting this Thursday (March 7). Don't forget that the Justice Knox Rally is on March 18 at 7:00 PM at First Presbyterian Church. The Nehemiah Action is April 9. See below to let us know that you are taking the important action of showing up and bringing others.