OUR HISTORY . . .

BEHIND THE WINDOWS - Most of you probably know the Charles J. Connick and Associates window company was selected as our stained glass window contractor. They were selected to design and install the chancel window above the altar. But, did you know two window companies had actually submitted design and cost estimates? As early as May 1927, the Payne & Spiers Studios were contacted. Due to a dispute in design between the Payne Studios and Charles Barber (our architect) the contract was cancelled. Then, in 1948, Charles J. Connick and Associates was selected based on their reputation and history in providing premier stained glass windows since the late 1910’s. It would become our first chancel window designed specifically for our nave. Well, it was actually not our first. The original chancel windows (as there were three) came from Church of the Epiphany in 1923 and were stored in the Haynes House until 1927 when our church building was completed. It was not until 1950 that the three panel window was installed. Note that the window is in honor of Mrs. Louise Hopper, wife of our long-time rector, the Rev. Eugene Hopper. - Frank Laszlo, Church Historian

WHY HOLY WEEK? After a 40 day journey through Lent, we come to the celebration of Holy Week. What are all these services and where did they come from? We rely greatly on the travel diaries of a Western European woman who lived in the late 4th century. Egeria traveled to the Holy Land and sent letters home telling of the rituals observed during the week leading up to Easter. Her postcards home gave the larger church a picture of these liturgies and shape our own Holy Week observances. 

Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday. At St. James we start the service with a parade that commemorates Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem (Luke 19:28-40) just days before his arrest and crucifixion. This was often called the “triumphal entry” but riding into town on a donkey wouldn’t have seemed all that triumphant. This is especially true when you consider that on the other side of town, the Roman governor was holding a parade with horses and armed soldiers to remind all the folks gathered for Passover that the Romans were in charge. We re-enact that parade that declares Jesus King and end our worship with the Passion reading (Luke 22:14-23:56.). Find out about the other services by accessing John Mark's full length Easter blog at THIS LINK.


CENTENNIAL SENTIMENTS - Please call 865-357-0703 to share a story about some of the wonderful ways you have seen St. James perform God's work and some of the many challenges we have faced through the years. 

A recorded greeting will invite you to tell your story over the phone. Each recorded story will be saved and added to a special collection at our website at THIS LINK.  Selected stories will also be featured in upcoming editions of the St. James Sentinel Celebrating 100 years of feeding and tending God’s sheep in 2023. 

THE PRESENT . . .

RUMMAGE SCRUMMAGE - Thanks to your wonderful and bountiful donations, the scrummage to capture bargains at the ECW Rummage Sale was a huge success last Saturday! Special thanks to the women and men who labored diligently to ensure our success and to all the folks from our parish and the community who made purchases. To date, the event has netted over $5,250 with some additional outstanding funds expected. The Episcopal Church Women sincerely appreciate your support, which makes scholarships possible for kids to attend camp, and many other projects as well. Now, start gathering your gently used stuff for the rummage sale in 2023!


HOT DOGS FOR JUSTICE - Free smoked hot dogs and cold beverages will be offered on Monday, May 2nd from 5 pm - 6 pm to the first 175 St. James Justice Knox network members and their guests who drive through the St. James parking lot on their way to the Nehemiah Action at World’s Fair Park. "Hot Dogs for Justice" will be smoked onsite at St. James by volunteers to assist in meeting our goal of bringing at least 175 people to the Nehemiah Action. Curbside delivery of the smoked hot dogs will end promptly at 6 pm. Seating for the Nehemiah Action at World’s Fair park is at 6 pm so everyone will be settled by 6:40 pm. The Nehemiah Action program will begin at 7 pm. If you are not already part of Justice Knox at St. James, reach out to John Mark or Margaret B to find out more.


BE "PRESENT" - No matter how busy life can be, there are several different ways you can use technology to be "present" at 10:30 morning St. James worship services, even when you cannot attend in person. You can watch the live stream at Youtube.com/c/stjamesknox from wherever you may be in the world! If you reside in Knox Co. and you have a cable TV subscription, you can watch on Community Television of Knoxville on Tuesdays at noon.  Alternatively, you and your furry friends can access our archived video collection at the St. James website by clicking THIS LINK at ANY time that is convenient for you.

 

MICRO TRANSIT - Justice Knox wants Knoxville Area Transit (KAT) to adopt on-demand micro transit so that our public transportation will be more efficient and usable for Knoxville residents who need to get to work, to school, or to other appointments on time and without undue delays. In our House Meetings each fall we have heard stories from our community about folks who have been unable to get work or have lost their jobs because our bus system is not user-friendly. Bus riders frequently have to walk long distances through unsafe walking conditions just to get to a bus stop.

On-demand micro transit is frequently described as providing "first mile, last mile" transport between work or home and a bus stop. Justice Knox seeks to have KAT contract with a vendor that will offer bus riders the ability to call for a ride - much like Uber or Lyft - by using a phone app and getting a ride from their home to the bus stop. This will make it much easier for folks who need to get around Knoxville using public transportation and to arrive for work, school, and appointments on time. It will reduce the chances of pedestrians being struck or killed while walking to or from a bus stop because many roads in Knoxville do not have adequate shoulders and sidewalks.

PALM SUNDAY PARADE - Bring your own noise maker and join the parade when we celebrate Palm Sunday on April 10th at 10:30 am.  After we gather in the courtyard for the blessing of palms, we will take a raucous walk and then process into church to continue our worship as we begin Holy Week. Our tradition will continue on Easter Sunday, (Apr 17), when we observe the custom of ringing bells when we say "Alleluia."  Bring your own bell or ring one of the small bells that will be provided.

 

COVID BOOSTER UPDATE - For the latest info on the availability of of COVID-19 Booster Shots in Knox Co., visit THIS LINK. St. James will continue to follow CDC guidelines regarding COVID-19 protocols. As long as Knox Co. remains in the low risk range, masks shall be considered optional when attending worship services or other events at St James. Please respect the decisions of others who may choose to continue wearing masks during this transition. Should the risk level increase, we will make appropriate adjustments.

OUR FUTURE . . .

GO VOLS!  So far, 9 parishioners, including Beverly W, Bill S., Carol Y, Kevin & Drew J-P, Margaret B, Mark A, Rick Be, and Rick Br have volunteered to be on our St. James Concessions Team at Neyland Stadium during the upcoming football season.  To make this even more fun, we could use a few more.  The efforts of our team will result in a significant donation to St. James equal to 10% of ALL SALES generated through our concession stand! PLUS, we will have a cash donation vessel to collect for our centennial capital campaign! Payout will be provided immediately at the end of each game!  If you are interested in volunteering this year, please contact kevin@stjamesknox.org immediately. St. James will raise money during 7 home games, including: Sep 3 (Ball State), Sep 17 (Akron), Sep 24 (Florida), Oct 15 (Alabama), Oct 22 (UT Martin), Oct 29 (Kentucky), and Nov 12 (Missouri).


SUGAR TYME - Casual inspection of our newly transplanted Sugar Tyme Crabapple tree, (in the heart-shaped garden near the entrance to the church), reveals the wonder of all God's creations. This tree demonstrates our ability to adapt to changed circumstances and blossom even after we have endured trauma - including when we have been uprooted from soil and surroundings that were familiar to us.  Note the gentle flower petals that are already bursting from the woody branches of the young tree during this, its first year at St. James. We can all look forward to admiring the beauty and strength of our Sugar Tyme Crabapple tree throughout the year for many years to come.


SEEKING REFERENCES - If you know anyone who can offer any of these kinds of unique Neighbor Day auction items or experiences, please refer them to neighbor@stjamesknox.org.

Use of a local venue - e.g. a museum after hours, library space for a luncheon, a brewery for retirement party or birthday.

Day in the life - e.g. local TV news anchor or radio station personality, the mayor, a zookeeper, a firefighter, or other local celebrity.

Private lessons - e.g. art, craft, sports, musical instrument, singing, dancing, cooking, photography, painting, fishing, etc.

Exclusive tickets - e.g. access to theatre rehearsals, backstage theatre passes, live television productions, opening night parties.

Acting extra - e.g. a one-time non-speaking role in a play or recorded video.

Celebrity meal - e.g. lunch or dinner with a Rector, Bishop, community leader, public figure, or other local celebrity.

Virtual meetup - e.g. a private Zoom session with a community leader, public figure, or other local celebrity.

Sky miles - actual sky miles transferred from someone who has miles saved up with no use for them.

Facility tour - e.g. brewery, bakery, fire station, sports facility, manufacturing plant, production facility, art gallery after hours, etc. 

Child care - qualified childcare for a set period of time. Do a good deed and let the parents have a day or night off!

Pet pampering - qualified pet sitting, pet walking, bath, haircut, and/or nail trim.

Car detailing - a complete inside and outside cleaning and wax.

CHECK THE STATS - Not everything we do in life or in our ministries can be monitored or measured. Still, there are many things that can.  When we take the time to collect and examine the data, it can cause us to think about what we are doing and inspire us to consider doing some things differently.  In this and future Sentinel articles, statistical information and trends related to population growth, age groups, cultures, economic indicators, education levels, family structure, and housing types, within a 3 mile radius of St. James will be presented for consideration by the entire congregation.

Age Groups





The total population in our 3 mile radius is 105,702. Click the images below to enlarge them.

        Age        Population

       0 to 4:      5,481      (5.2%)
       5 to 9:      5,671      (5.4%)
   10 to 14:      4,300      (4.1%)
   15 to 17:      3,164      (3.0%)
   18 to 20:    11,808    (11.2%)
   21 to 24:    13,836    (13.1%)
   25 to 34:    16,375    (15.5%)
   35 to 44:    11,049    (10.5%)
   45 to 54:    11,567    (10.9%)
   55 to 64:    10,400      (9.8%)
   65 to 74:      7,161      (6.8%)
75 and up:      4,890      (4.6%)

In most of the United States, the largest adult population was between 35 and 54. There is also a smaller number of young adults than of children or teenagers. If the community differs substantially from this, (as in our case), look for explanations in household structure or housing types, or the presence of age specific institutions. Retirement homes, universities, and military bases often change the age structure of a community.

Specific age-group ministries may be warranted if there are large numbers of children, young adults, or senior adults. Research seems to indicate that adults in their 30s are more receptive to standard evangelistic approaches than other adults, though all groups are reached. What conclusions can we draw about the age groups in our 3 mile radius?
 

REAL MINISTRY - Realm is our cloud-based "members only" church networking platform that helps us perform real ministry by working as a catalyst for engagement - 24/7.  Realm helps our ministry leaders organize their communications, share content, and distribute task assignments within their groups.  It also helps new members by providing the resources they need to be put on pathways to achieve spiritual fulfillment.  If you have only heard about Realm, but you have not activated your free Realm account, reach out to the Realm Orientation Crew at realm@stjamesknox.org

OUR FUTURE . . .

GO ST. JAMES VOLS!  So far, 9 parishioners, including Beverly W, Bill S., Carol Y, Kevin & Drew J-P, Margaret B, Mark A, Rick Be, and Rick Br have volunteered to be on our St. James concessions team at Neyland Stadium during the upcoming football season.  To make this even more fun, we could use a few more.  The efforts of our team will result in a significant donation to St. James equal to 10% of ALL SALES generated through our concession stand! PLUS, we will have a cash donation vessel to collect for our centennial capital campaign! Payout will be provided immediately at the end of each game!  If you are interested in volunteering this year, please contact kevin@stjamesknox.org immediately. St. James will raise money during 7 home games, including: Sep 3 (Ball State), Sep 17 (Akron), Sep 24 (Florida), Oct 15 (Alabama), Oct 22 (UT Martin), Oct 29 (Kentucky), and Nov 12 (Missouri).


SUGAR TYME - Casual inspection of our newly transplanted Sugar Tyme Crabapple tree, (in the heart-shaped garden near the entrance to the church), reveals the wonder of all God's creations. This tree demonstrates our ability to adapt to changed circumstances and blossom even after we have endured trauma - including when we have been uprooted from soil and surroundings that were familiar to us.  Note the gentle flower petals that are already bursting from the woody branches of the young tree during this, its first year at St. James. We can all look forward to admiring the beauty and strength of our Sugar Tyme Crabapple tree throughout the year for many years to come.


SEEKING REFERENCES - If you know anyone who can offer any of these kinds of unique Neighbor Day auction items or experiences, please refer them to neighbor@stjamesknox.org.

Use of a local venue - e.g. a museum after hours, library space for a luncheon, a brewery for retirement party or birthday.

Day in the life - e.g. local TV news anchor or radio station personality, the mayor, a zookeeper, a firefighter, or other local celebrity.

Private lessons - e.g. art, craft, sports, musical instrument, singing, dancing, cooking, photography, painting, fishing, etc.

Exclusive tickets - e.g. access to theatre rehearsals, backstage theatre passes, live television productions, opening night parties.

Acting extra - e.g. a one-time non-speaking role in a play or recorded video.

Celebrity meal - e.g. lunch or dinner with a Rector, Bishop, community leader, public figure, or other local celebrity.

Virtual meetup - e.g. a private Zoom session with a community leader, public figure, or other local celebrity.

Sky miles - actual sky miles transferred from someone who has miles saved up with no use for them.

Facility tour - e.g. brewery, bakery, fire station, sports facility, manufacturing plant, production facility, art gallery after hours, etc. 

Child care - qualified childcare for a set period of time. Do a good deed and let the parents have a day or night off!

Pet pampering - qualified pet sitting, pet walking, bath, haircut, and/or nail trim.

Car detailing - a complete inside and outside cleaning and wax.

CHECK THE STATS - Not everything we do in life or in our ministries can be monitored or measured. Still, there are many things that can.  When we take the time to collect and examine the data, it can cause us to think about what we are doing and inspire us to consider doing some things differently.  In this and future Sentinel articles, statistical information and trends related to population growth, age groups, cultures, economic indicators, education levels, family structure, and housing types, within a 3 mile radius of St. James will be presented for consideration by the entire congregation.

Age Groups





The total population in our 3 mile radius is 105,702. Click the images below to enlarge them.

        Age        Population

       0 to 4:      5,481      (5.2%)
       5 to 9:      5,671      (5.4%)
   10 to 14:      4,300      (4.1%)
   15 to 17:      3,164      (3.0%)
   18 to 20:    11,808    (11.2%)
   21 to 24:    13,836    (13.1%)
   25 to 34:    16,375    (15.5%)
   35 to 44:    11,049    (10.5%)
   45 to 54:    11,567    (10.9%)
   55 to 64:    10,400      (9.8%)
   65 to 74:      7,161      (6.8%)
75 and up:      4,890      (4.6%)

In most of the United States, the largest adult population was between 35 and 54. There is also a smaller number of young adults than of children or teenagers. If the community differs substantially from this, (as in our case), look for explanations in household structure or housing types, or the presence of age specific institutions. Retirement homes, universities, and military bases often change the age structure of a community.

Specific age-group ministries may be warranted if there are large numbers of children, young adults, or senior adults. Research seems to indicate that adults in their 30s are more receptive to standard evangelistic approaches than other adults, though all groups are reached. What conclusions can we draw about the age groups in our 3 mile radius?
 

REAL MINISTRY - Realm is our cloud-based "members only" church networking platform that helps us perform real ministry by working as a catalyst for engagement - 24/7.  Realm helps our ministry leaders organize their communications, share content, and distribute task assignments within their groups.  It also helps new members by providing the resources they need to be put on pathways to achieve spiritual fulfillment.  If you have only heard about Realm, but you have not activated your free Realm account, reach out to the Realm Orientation Crew at realm@stjamesknox.org