St. James Sentinel 22:40

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Vol. 22, No. 40 NOV 17, 2022

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The Last Sunday after Pentecost

Christ the King

Nov 20, 2022
8 am - Holy Eucharist – Rite I
9:15 am - Adult Christian Formation
10:30 am - Holy Eucharist – Rite II
10:45 am - Youth Christian Formation

10:30 am service is streamed live at Youtube.com/c/stjamesknox

10:30 Service Booklet.pdf Prayers & Gatherings.pdf Prayer List.docx November Newsletter

The Rev. John Mark Wiggers, Rector
jwiggers@stjamesknox.org

865-523-5687

Dear Friends,

We live in time and know God working through time. Even those of us who aren't on time are always in time. This coming Sunday is often called the Feast of Christ the King. It is the last Sunday of the church year. We sing and speak of Christ as the ruler over all on this day. It signifies our belief that God is bringing things to fullness in time. While we are encouraged in the hope that God reigns over all, we are also challenged by God showing that power by way of the cross. We can try to explain it but the mystery draws us deeper.

In much of life, we can't always predict the outcome. With our Centennial building project, we have plans, and yet I know that we will be surprised by the challenges we meet along the way. I am also sure that we will be delighted by the changes when we experience them. Thank you to everyone who has made a pledge and started giving. Every gift makes a difference. Please consider how you can invest in this project that will support our continued ministry.

Next is Thanksgiving. Remember that we have a brief Holy Eucharist on Thanksgiving day at 10:00 AM. November 27 is the first Sunday of Advent. Time is moving on. Advent is a wonderful season to consider how we make use of our time. In the midst of increasing busy-ness and consumption, pause to breathe deeply and be still.

Thank you for the gift of your time that you bring to the ministry of St. James.

Peace,
Fr. John Mark

OUR HISTORY . . .

WHY 70% OF EPISCOPALIANS WERE NOT BORN THAT WAY - Yes, we're a church of refugees. It's no secret that the clear majority of those in Episcopal Church pews on Sunday mornings were not born Episcopalians. Most of us came from other Christian denominations or from no church background at all. So, what's the draw? Since many converts come as adults, chances are logic and reason play a role in a person's decision to become an Episcopalian. The Episcopal Church has consistently been labeled a "middle road" - a "via media" - between Roman Catholicism and Protestantism. We bring the reverence and rootedness of an ancient tradition alongside a clear devotion to the Bible and priesthood of all believers. In years past, in fact, some people suggested that if America was to unite under one central religion, it just might be the Episcopal Church. It's worth noting that the National Cathedral in Washington, DC, host to some of the nation's most important religious events, is an Episcopal church. Source: The Episcopal Handbook.

WHY ALL THE STAINED GLASS - Formed by two of the world's most basic elements, sand and fire, it is no wonder that Christians have long seen glass in churches as a window to more than just the outside. No one knows who invented stained glass (it may have started with jewelry) but its popularity began spreading in the Middle Ages during the European church and cathedral building boom. Advances in architecture allowed for large, sweeping windows and many church designers used them to say something big about God. Medieval craftsmen believed they were building sacred dwelling places for an all-powerful God. They were interested in creating an atmosphere of grandeur where people could really sense God's presence. Thus, early stained glass windows were to be experienced more than read. Because stained glass in churches usually depicts a biblical scene, a sacrament, or the life of a famous saint, another big reason for its popularity is its effectiveness as a teaching tool. Think of stained glass windows as the medieval church's PowerPoint. They helped new Christians learn Bible stories and reminded older members of their sacred story. The idea behind stained glass, and many furnishings in Episcopal churches, is that the presence of beautiful objects can lift our souls closer to God. Like nature, stained glass windows open our eyes to the wonders of God. They remind us of our past and point us to the future. Source: The Episcopal Handbook.

THE PRESENT . . .

Malachi 2:14b-15 The Lord was a witness between you and the wife of your youth, to whom you have been faithless, though she is your companion and your wife by covenant. Did not one God make her? Both flesh and spirit are his. And what does the one God desire? Godly offspring. So look to yourselves, and do not let anyone be faithless to the wife of his youth.

The readings this week are all about the dangers of faithlessness. Faithlessness in marriage is a principle sin because it is to the ones whom we know, and conversely know us, better than anyone else, that we have the greatest obligation. But when we as parents, teachers, clerics, or civic leaders fail in our roles, we are also being faithless. We are faithless when we put any desires higher than our obligations to God and to others. When we are individually unfaithful in these, we corrupt our homes, churches, and communities. Our actions don’t take place in isolation. If we really want to impact our world for Christ, we must begin with faithfulness to our most basic but significant relationships. Source Forward Day by Day

FLOWERS NEEDED - It is a St. James tradition to place altar flowers/greenery in honor of or in thanksgiving for loved ones. Altar flowers/greenery are needed for Nov 27 & Dec 18. Please contact Linda in the church office lgoins@stjamesknox.org or 865-523-5687 for information.

ONE CUP AT A TIME . . . Amidst the construction activity currently taking place in the parish hall and the kitchen, Coffee Hour will continue at St. James following our regular 10:30 Sunday morning worship services. The serving area has moved from the kitchen to Conference Room A, but feel free to meet up with friends & neighbors in other open areas of the administration building. If you would like to lend a hand as a host, there will be a sign up sheet available during each coffee hour event. Duties are minimal and include setting things up, preparing coffee and light cleanup activities afterwards. For more information, or to sign up to help, contact Carol Yates at cyates0222@gmail.com. Click the images below for a CLOSER INSPECTION of the some of the construction currently underway.

FREE CHAIRS - As you may know, St. James is getting new chairs for the Parish Hall. So, approximately 30 of the RED stackable chairs we formerly used in the Parish Hall are being given away to the first person(s) to haul them off. Please remember, this opportunity is for the RED chairs only. Ideally, it would be great to have them hauled away this week as available storage space has become exceedingly scarce with the construction that is underway.

TOUR GUIDES NEEDED - St. James is honored to once again be included in the Old North Knoxville Neighborhood Tour of Homes! We need folks to serve as tour guides. Can you sign up for a shift on Saturday, December 3 between 4 pm - 9 pm, and Sunday, December 4 between 1 pm - 5 pm? Although access to the restrooms in the administration building will be permitted, the actual tours will be restricted to the nave. Email Fr. John Mark to sign up. jwiggers@stjamesknox.org

REALM PHOTO DIRECTORY - Do you miss the printed St. James Photo Directory? The pictures were worth a thousand words. It made it easy to associate faces with names. Realm eliminated the need for a printed directory by creating an online community where we can securely share information about St. James and information we choose to share about ourselves, including our photos. Margaret Bickley is reviving the photo directory concept but incorporating it with the new Realm online community. If you have not posted a photograph of yourself to your Realm account, or have not even created a Realm Account yet, Margaret will be attending all ECW meetings, DOK meetings, and Coffee Hour to help you with that. Make sure you see Margaret or contact her at mbick7@gmail.com. She'll even take your picture for you!

INQUIRER'S CLASS - Are you considering officially becoming Episcopalian? You can do that by being baptized, confirmed, or received. We will have classes beginning Sunday, November 20 from 5 - 6:15 pm. We will meet in person and have the option to join online. The suggested text for the class is Walk in Love by Gunn and Shobe. Contact Fr. John Mark to sign up or if you have any questions. jwiggers@stjamesknox.org

ECW MARKETPLACE & BAKE SALE - Get ready for Thanksgiving and Christmas and shop early. The Episcopal Church Women are re-introducing the annual ECW Marketplace & Bake Sale, Sunday, November 20, 12 - 2 pm, in Conference Room A. Find art, hand-crafted jewelry, imported treasures, vintage jewelry, and more, all presented by St. James artists and artisans. There will also be items available from the women's co-op in Columbia and Thailand. The Bake sale is just in time for Thanksgiving. Get all your desserts and be done with it. Everyone is invited to bring items for the bake sale! Please bring baked items to the Conference Room A, Saturday, November 19, 11:30 am - 12:30 pm, or Sunday, November 20, 9:30 am. Make sure you have tagged the item with your desired price. View and print the flyer by clicking HERE.

DIOCESAN CONVENTION DELEGATES NEEDED: The diocese will hold its annual convention in Johnson City on February 3-4, 2023. St. James needs 3 delegates and 3 alternates. Delegates would be expected to attend virtual meetings prior to the convention and to be informed of matters presented to the convention for a vote. Delegates must be confirmed members of St. James Episcopal Church. Please let Fr. John Mark know if you would like to be considered jwiggers@stjamesknox.org

ACOLYTES NEEDED - Would you like to be close to the action in Sunday worship? You can join in the joy of assisting with worship by being an acolyte. We need crucifers who can carry the cross, and youth (boys & girls) 9 and up can join in to be torch bearers. Yes, adults can be acolytes too! Contact Fr. John Mark at jwiggers@stjamesknox.org .

YOUTH MINISTRY - Classes have begun again, two classes are available. Both classes are offered during the 10:30 am Service for youth ages 5-8 and pre-teens age 9-13. Contact our Children's Formation Coordinator, Theresa Russell for additional information, tde444@yahoo.com.

ANNUAL PLEDGE INGATHERING: It's that time of year again. The busy summer months have ended, the weather is getting colder and St. James is full swing into our fall stewardship drive. Many of our members make increased contributions during this time, and we appreciate your gifts. Please indicate what you intend to give for the year by downloading a Pledge Card from THIS LINK, entering the information on the card, and submitting it to the church. You can also give using our website.

OUR FUTURE . . .

INVEST IN ST. JAMES - To date, we have secured $486,366 in pledged gifts to our Centennial Capital Campaign, 24% of our $2 million fundraising goal. That's a great start, but we need to raise much more to do the necessary things we must do to upgrade our facilities. Construction has already begun in the kitchen and parish hall. So, if you have been prayerfully thinking about making a pledge, now would be a great time to help us keep up with the expenses we will incur and accelerate our progress toward reaching our goal. Please join the folks listed below who have already pledged to the campaign. Obtain a downloadable Capital Campaign Pledge Form by clicking THIS LINK.

Thank You . . . Mark & Susan Abell, Mike & Elizabeth Armstrong, Asset Realty Management, Caroline Ballinger, Marty Begalla, Blackburn Development Group, Betty Bowling, Rick & Lynda Brown, Bessie Burell, Ashley Burell & Kyla Keck, Hoyt & Marilyn Canady, Marie Cantrell, Harry & Parry Chase, Scott Childs, Jane Clift, SuAnne Cobb & Margaret Bickley, Brian Cole, Bill & Ginny Combs, Thomas & Rebecca Cox, Lee Creech & Beth Meyer, Katharine Criss, Janet Dees, Linda Denton, Duane & Linda Dunlap, Bea Emory, Financial Marketplace, Inc., Linda Goins, Margaret Goodman, Joseph Gouffon, Stacy Hall, Patricia Hammer, Victoria Hawkins, Kevin & Drew Jeske-Polyak, John Kerwin, Sheila C & Donn Kurtz, Charles & Diane Livermore, Charles & Frieda Marsh, Mary McGavock & Damon Beard, Rodney & Mary Moore, Pam Morris & Renee Smith, Mary Muir, Phyllis Muth, Timothy & Jessie Nichols, Mary Nelle Osborne, Powell & Susan Partridge, LouAnn Robinson, Jim Rowland, Gerald Segroves, Kenneth & Kathleen Sherfick, Jennie Sullivan, Cynthia Thornburg & Tom Dunne, Jimmie & Carolyn Wheeler, John Mark & Liz Wiggers, Dean Wiggers, Butch & Carol Yates, Bill & Kim Yearman, and Elizabeth Young.

SPONSOR A CHAIR - Soon, our old pews will be replaced with new cathedral chairs which are being built especially for St. James. Family, friends, and organizations are invited to "sponsor" individual cathedral chairs by making a $500 cash contribution to St. James Episcopal Church specifically designated for this purpose. In exchange for your cash contribution, the backside of each chair you sponsor will be fitted with an engraved brass plate, (approximately 5" W x 2.5" H), commemorating your gift. The engraved message may memorialize a loved one, or recognize someone else of your choosing. The flexible arrangement of our chairs in the Nave will ensure your thoughtfulness and the person(s) you memorialize will be noticed by a much wider audience than brass plates affixed to the ends of traditional stationary pews.

Here is how to sponsor a St. James Cathedral Chair:

Complete a Cathedral Chair Sponsorship Request Form available at THIS LINK. Neatly PRINT the requested information to be included on the engraved brass plate. Please adhere as close to the suggested format as possible. (max 5 lines) Submit a SEPARATE form and full payment for EACH sponsored chair to St. James. All sponsorship contributions will be credited to appropriate St. James giving accounts. If you have additional questions about sponsoring one or more cathedral chairs, please contact kevin@stjamesknox.org or jwiggers@stjamesknox.org.

OUR CENTENNIAL PRAYER
Lord Christ, the shepherd of the sheep, we give thanks for those
who have built up the work of St. James over the past 100 years.

Give us grace to continue in their faithfulness
by doing justice and mercy in this community.

Grant us generous hearts to support and build the resources
that will strengthen and continue our work of feeding and tending your sheep.

May we do all these things to your glory, you who reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

HAPPENINGS . . .

Fr. John Mark's Blog https://stjamesknox.org/rector/
featuring insights and comment on various topics.

SUN: Sunday Morning Christian Formation. (Conf Room A). 9:15 am - 10:15. "Episcopal Basics" - Some of the basic distinctives about being Episcopalian. We'll start by taking a look at the Book of Common Prayer, then look at our liturgy and let the conversation be guided by your questions. If you have been around for a while or just looking to learn more about the Episcopal way, join us.

SUN: Sunday Morning Youth Formation. 10:30 am. Two classes offered, Youth Group ages 5-8 and Pre-Teens ages 9-13. Contact: T heresa Russell for additional information.

SUN: Inquirer's Class. 5:00 pm. Consider becoming an Episcopalian by learning what it means to be Episcopalian. The book "Walk in Love" by Gunn and Shobe will be the guide for this class. Contact Fr. John Mark Wiggers.

SUN: Bible Study. The Acts of the Apostles (Zoom) 6:00 pm (Nov 20 & Dec 4). The book of Acts tells the story of the followers of Jesus after his ascension as they live in the power of the Holy Spirit. Narrow escapes, jailbreaks, a shipwreck, and more. Contact: Marie Cantrell for Zoom link.

MON: Centering Prayer. (Zoom or Library, on 2nd & 4th Monday). 6 pm - 7 pm. Studying Radical Wisdom: A Feminist Mystical Theology by Beverly J. Lanzetta. Zoom Link Meeting ID: 813 3584 8679 | Pray.

TUE: Tuesday Morning Discussion Group. (Zoom). 11 am - noon. Exploring current events in the light of our faith. Interested individuals are invited to join us via Zoom. Meeting ID 816 8271 5668 and Passcode 481655. Contact: Margaret Bickley, or call 865-384-7422 for assistance.

TUE: Tuesday Evening Prayer. (Zoom). 5:30 pm - 6:00 pm. Zoom Link Meeting ID: 884 2912 1929 Password: Pray.

TUE: The Soul of the Indian. (Zoom). 6 pm - 7 pm. "Black Elk Speaks" by John G. Neihardt. The story of Black Elk, an Oglala Lakota medicine man. Contact: Ron Morton for the link.

THU: Thursday Study Group. (Parish Hall and Zoom). 10:00 am - 11:15 am. The First week of October we will finish our discussion of Dr. Zweig’s book. Contact: nepullen@gmail.com or call 415-722-0139 for the link. Beginning October 13 and for the rest of the month we will be discussing Stephanie Spellers’ book The Church Cracked Open - Disruption, Decline, and New Hope for Beloved Community.

THU: Praying the Anglican Rosary. (Zoom). 7 pm - 8 pm. Cynthia Thornburg hosts 1 hour of praying the anglican rosary. All are welcome! Meeting ID: 836 8961 2206 | rosary Contact Cynthia Thornburg or Margaret Bickley.

Copyright © 2022 St. James Episcopal Church All rights reserved.

We apologize for any errors or omissions that may have occurred in this publication at press time.
For questions related to any content, please contact referenced ministry leaders or email: kevin@stjamesknox.org.

St. James Episcopal Church 1101 N. Broadway St. Knoxville, TN 37917

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