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Vol. 23, No. 7                                                    FEB 16, 2023

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The Last Sunday after The Epiphany
February 19, 2023
8:00 am - Holy Eucharist – Rite I
10:30 am - Holy Eucharist – Rite II
All services are streamed live at Youtube.com/c/stjamesknox

10:30 Service Booklet.pdf    Prayers & Gatherings.pdf    Prayer List.docx   Feb Newsletter
    
The Rev. John Mark Wiggers, Rector 
jwiggers@stjamesknox.org
        865-523-5687     
Dear Friends,

We are in the last few days before Lent starts on Ash Wednesday, February 22. You may know that this season is when the faithful typically take on a fast, or spiritual discipline. We are invited to a time of self-examination and repentance in the prayer book. It is a solemn season as we prepare for Holy Week and Easter. I pray that you can find ways to be faithful on your Lenten journey. 

You can find support by checking out the classes and gatherings listed below. We have study groups and prayer groups in person and online. There are also some great prayer resources on the Forward Movement website. I always enjoy chatting with people about their faith journey. Lent is a great time to do that. Give me a call. 

It is typical to have a little celebration before Ash Wednesday. This year we hope to celebrate with St. Luke's Episcopal Church on Shrove Tuesday. See the info below and come join the celebration. Of course, I encourage you to come worship on Sundays as well. The liturgy looks a little different some Sundays as we highlight different aspects of this time of Lent. 

We have been experiencing a fast from the use of some spaces. We imagine, wonder, and ask how long it will take. That sounds like my spiritual life! We have more tangible ideas about our renovation. We do know that we will be having Easter in the nave. Over the summer we will worship in the parish hall. Just like spiritual disciplines during Lent, we can learn from the changes and the waiting. Thank you to everyone who has made a gift to help make this a reality. We need everyone to join in giving to this project. 

Lent reminds me to let go of some things. It often has me thinking about how I use my time. When I step back, I see that I do have time to pray, connect with others, and just take a look around. May we all pause, breathe, and know God with us in all we do. 

Peace, 
Fr. John Mark
OUR TRADITION . . .

THE HOLY SPIRIT - a brief Q&A summary of the Church's teaching for an inquiring mind regarding The Holy
Spirit.

Q.    What is the Holy Spirit?
A.   The Holy Spirit is the Third Person of the Trinity, God at work in the world and in the Church even now.
      
Q.    How is the Holy Spirit revealed in the Old Covenant?
A.   The Holy Spirit is revealed in the Old Covenant as the giver of life, the One who spoke through the prophets.
      
Q.    How is the Holy Spirit revealed in the New Covenant?
A.  The Holy Spirit is revealed as the Lord who leads us into all truth and enables us to grow in the likeness of Christ.
      
Q.    How do we recognize the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives?
A.    We recognize the presence of the Holy Spirit when we confess Jesus Christ as Lord and are brought into love and harmony with God, with ourselves, with our neighbors, and with all creation.

Q.    How do we recognize the truths taught by the Holy Spirit?
A.    We recognize truths to be taught by the Holy Spirit when they are in accord with the Scriptures.


                                                                                             Source: The Book of Common Prayer, p 852

THE HOLY SCRIPTURES - a brief Q&A summary of the Church's teaching for an inquiring mind regarding The Holy Scriptures.

Q.    What are the Holy Scriptures?
A.    The Holy Scriptures, commonly called the Bible, are the books of the Old and New Testaments; other books, called the Apocrypha, are often included in the Bible.
      
Q.    What is the Old Testament?
A.    The Old Testament consists of books written by the people of the Old Covenant, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, to show God at work in nature and history.
      
Q.    What is the New Testament?
A.  The New Testament consists of books written by the people of the New Covenant, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, to set forth the life and teachings of Jesus and to proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom for all people.
      
Q.    What is the Apocrypha?
A.    The Apocrypha is a collection of additional books written by people of the Old Covenant, and used in the Christian Church.
      
Q.    Why do we call the Holy Scriptures the Word of God?
A.   We call them the Word of God because God inspired their human authors and because God still speaks to us through the Bible.
      
Q.    How do we understand the meaning of the Bible?
A.    We understand the meaning of the Bible by the help of the Holy Spirit, who guides the Church in the true interpretation of the Scriptures.


                                                                                             Source: The Book of Common Prayer, p 853
THE PRESENT . . .
 
FORWARD MOVEMENT - 1 Timothy 4:14 Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you through prophecy with the laying on of hands by the council of elders.


Every time I tried to quit teaching, another opportunity came up. I had decided to be a stay-at-home mom with my daughter. I called her learning center to tell them she wasn’t coming, and the assistant director said, “We would love a Spanish program. Would you like to teach here?” I had a new job the same day I resigned from my old one.

By no fault of my own, I was laid off from another position. As I lost that job, I received an email that a local high school wanted to interview me. I prayed and cried and prepared. In the end, I was laid off on Monday, interviewed on Tuesday, taught a sample class on Wednesday, and hired on Friday. Teaching languages is a gift the Lord expects me to use. I even use it in the summer when I lead a Bible school in the Dominican Republic. When it’s a gift, you don’t have a choice.   Source Forward Day by Day
 
ALTAR FLOWERS - It is a St. James tradition to place altar flowers or greenery in honor of or in thanksgiving for loved ones. Altar flowers are needed for March 26, April 16, 23, 30, & May 21. Please contact Linda Goins in the church office for information, contact lgoins@stjamesknox.org or 865-523-5687.




TONIGHT'S DINNER (THURSDAY) - We have all had different faith journeys that brought us to St. James, and we all have different circumstances, backgrounds, and experiences. What our speakers say during tonight's dinner will be important, but sharing thoughts related to our hopes and fears, what we want to do, and what we feel we are able to do will be even more important as we go forward. Buildings, maintenance, and giving are all very important. Perhaps the best way to plan for our future together is not actually in the plans, but in gathering to talk with each other. If you have not already RSVP'd to reserve your seat, but would like to attend the dinner, call the church office before NOON today 865-523-5687.  The dinner will be held at 6 pm Tonight at The Central Collective, (923 N Central). 


"BIGS" & "LITTLES" - Our fellow community servers at Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Tennessee (BBBS-ETN) are calling on us to join them in defending the potential of our youth today. BBBS-ETN has faithfully served the Knox, Sevier, Anderson, Blount, and Tri-City communities since 1970, by fostering one-to-one mentoring relationships intentionally established to ignite the power and promise of our future. And in 2019, due to their successes in cultivating and maintaining these relationships, they were recognized as the BBBSA Agency of the Year, something they could not have done without people like us. But there is still more work to be done. Currently, they have 85 waiting Littles across the East-TN region, some of whom have been waiting years for a Big to answer the call. They are asking us to help answer that call. If you are interested in learning more about their programs and how you can get involved, please email Kevin kevin@stjamesknox.org so we can organize an information session at St. James to personally address any questions you may have.


SHROVE TUESDAY - St. Luke's Episcopal Church (600 S Chestnut St) hopes to invite everyone at St. James to join them in celebrating Shrove Tuesday with a pancake supper in their parish hall on Tuesday, February 21, from 6 pm - 7:30 pm.  A few logistical considerations are being worked out before a final decision is made. Details will follow. Celebrated the day before Ash Wednesday, Shrove Tuesday is the final day before the 40-day period of Lent begins. Its name comes from the Germanic-Old English word “shrive,” meaning absolve, and it is the last day of the liturgical season historically known as Shrovetide. Because it comes directly before Lent, a season of fasting and penitence, this was the day that Christians would go to be “shriven” by their confessor. Shrove Tuesday also became a day for pre-fasting indulgence. In particular, the need to use up rich ingredients such as butter, milk, sugar and eggs before Lent gave rise to the tradition of eating pancakes on this day.


ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICES  February 22, 2023
Holy Eucharist and Imposition of Ashes
  • 7:30 am (Chapel)
  • 12 pm (Nave)
  • 7 pm (Nave)
Child-Friendly Service
  • 5:30 pm (Nave)
 

CALLING ALL ST. JAMES FAMILIES! The Daughters of the King have prepared "Lent in a Bag" for families with young children to encourage a kid-friendly celebration during the season of Lent. Each bag includes a book with daily readings, two small flower pots, some soil and some seeds. These bags will be available for free to families with young children on Sunday, Feb 19 & 26. For additional details, please contact Patricia pchammerwv@gmail.com or Theresa tde444@yahoo.com.


PURCHASING OLD PEWS - As we prepare for the renovation of the Nave, all existing pews must be removed by early May. To ensure this is done in a timely fashion and help defray capital improvement costs, they will be sold below market value, (just $300 per pew). We are offering them first to family & friends of the church who wish to own a piece of St. James history. Full length pews may be reserved by submitting a reservation request form at THIS LINK, along with your payment. Details pertaining to purchasing a pew are included on the form.  In a couple of weeks, St. James will expand this offering to churches or other organizations that may be interested in purchasing them. For certain, all pews must be removed from the nave by early May, (even before the new cathedral chairs arrive), to allow the work to be done on the flooring.  For more information, contact jwiggers@stjamesknox.org or kevin@stjamesknox.org.


COFFEE HOUR "ON THE MOVE" . . . Amidst the construction activity currently taking place in the parish hall and the kitchen, Coffee Hour continues at St. James following our regular Sunday morning worship services. The serving area has moved to the NAVE. 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. To sign up to help, contact Carol Yates at cyates0222@gmail.com

QUILT "SIGNEES" . . . Below, are the names that will be included on the Centennial Quilt so far. Don't miss your opportunity to be included by signing a square! Barbara Andrew, Sandra Austin, Marty Begalla, Betty Bowling, Rick & Lyn Brown, Hoyt & Marilyn Canady, Marie Cantrell, Caroline Combs-Young, Jennifer Connolly, Bradley Cox, Thomas & Rebecca Cox, Lee Creech, Katharine Criss, Linda Denton, Sue Dyson, Suzanne Farkas, Linda Fitzpatrick, Mike & Susie Gardner, Craig & Joseph Gardner, Charles Goan, Liz, Christopher, Ryan & Emily Golliher, Cladio Gonzales, Joe Gouffon, Stacy Hall, Patricia Hammer, Barbara Hickey, Junior Humphrey, Kevin & Drew Jeske-Polyak, Kyla Keck & Ashley Burell, Sheila & Donn Kurtz, Frank & Martha Laszlo, Carla Livesey, Martin Family, Fasia Massaquoi, Douglas McCaleb, Carol McDaniel, Rod & Mary Moore, James Moore, Molly Moore & Tony Teasley, Pam Morris & Renee Smith, Mary Muir, Phyllis Muth, Audry Nitz, Mary Nelle Osborne, Elizabeth Partridge & Eric Dyer, Susan Partridge, Steven & Betsy Pierce, John & Susan Pollock, Linda Pope, David Pruess & Nancy Pullen, Mark Reddaway, Ana Salazar & Austin Patterson, Gerald Segroves, Mary Segroves, Nick Simson & Eleanor Aldridge & Oona Simson, Jeannie Sullivan, Phillip Szuromi, Maevis Teasley & Zadie & friend, Sharon & Scott Teets, Cynthia Thornburg, Geoffrey Trowbridge, Janet Van Der Dussen, Ray & (Norma) Jean Weeden, Tim Wiegenstein, Butch & Carol Yates, and Gregg Young.       
OUR FUTURE . . .
 
CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS - All demolition activity required in the parish hall and the kitchen during Phase I of the project has been completed on schedule. The expanded footprint of the kitchen has also been completed on schedule. Interior renovation of both the parish hall and the kitchen are expected to be completed by Memorial Day, (May 29). 

Replacement of the HVAC system will take place in late spring or early summer during Phase II of the project. Every effort will be made to minimize service interruption during this part of the project. The elevator lift and insulated windows will also be installed in the parish house during that approximate time frame. The intensive renovations in the nave will take place during the months of June through August to meet our goal of project completion by September 24, 2023.

Click the images below for a closer inspection of the construction currently underway at St James and make your donation to the Centennial Capital Campaign to help us prepare our facilities for the next 100 years!  


 
OUR CATHEDRAL CHAIRS - Excitement about our new cathedral chairs is building as demonstrated by the increasing number of people who are becoming chair "sponsors". Currently being built in Beatrice, Nebraska by skilled craftsmen who specialize in building custom church furniture, our chairs will be constructed of the finest Northern grown solid red oak. When aligned in rows and joined together with ganging clamps, they will have the look and feel of pew seating but they will be more comfortable and allow for greater seating flexibility. Each of our chairs will include a cushioned seat, front and rear bookracks, and a sturdy kneeler. Click on the first image below for a more detailed look at samples of the wood, fabric, and vinyl that will be used in their construction. 

 
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 recognize a family member or anyone else of your choosing. Access a Cathedral Chair Sponsorship Form at THIS LINKNeatly PRINT the requested information to be inscribed on the 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.

INVEST IN ST. JAMES - To date, we have secured $626,538 in pledged gifts to our Centennial Capital Campaign, 31% 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, Aramark Hospitality Company, Mike & Elizabeth Armstrong, Asset Realty Management, Brian & Sandra Austin, Caroline Ballinger, Rick Bearden, Marty Begalla, Blackburn Development Group, Betty Bowling, Rick & Lynda Brown, Bessie Burell, Ashley Burell & Kyla Keck, Troy Burns, Chester & Francie Butler, Hoyt & Marilyn Canady, Marie Cantrell, Harry & Patty 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, Theresa DeRosa, Boyce & Susan Driskell, Duane & Linda Dunlap, Bea Emory, Episcopal Church Women, Financial Marketplace, Inc., Linda Fitzpatrick, Linda Goins, Liz & Christopher Golliher, Margaret Goodman, Joseph Gouffon, Susan Gray, Stacy Hall, Patricia Hammer, Drew Harper, Victoria Hawkins, Barbara Hickey & David Linge, Judy Householder & Lou Ann Gaby, Mary Ireland, Kevin & Drew Jeske-Polyak, John & Merilee Kerwin, Sheila C & Donn Kurtz, Charles & Diane Livermore, Carlene Loop & Lew Walton, Charles & Frieda Marsh, Carol McDaniel, Mary McGavock & Damon Beard, Ed & Evelyn Miller, Rodney & Mary Moore, Pam Morris & Renee Smith, Sarah & Todd Moss, Mary Muir, Phyllis Muth, Timothy & Jessie Nichols, Audrey Nitz, Mary Nelle Osborne, Powell & Susan Partridge, Steven Pierce, LouAnn Robinson, Jim Rowland, Gerald Segroves, Kenneth & Kathleen Sherfick, Drew Steen & Karen Lloyd, Jennie Sullivan, Sharon Teets, Cynthia Thornburg & Tom Dunne, Jimmie & Carolyn Wheeler, John Mark & Liz Wiggers, Dean Wiggers, Butch & Carol Yates, Bill & Kim Yearman, and Elizabeth Young, Jeffrey & Alice Zaher.

 
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://www.stjamesknox.org/rector-blog featuring insights and comment on various topics.

SUN: Sunday Morning Christian Formation.  (Conf Room A).  9:15 am - 10:15.  February 12 - 26: Practicing Prayer. Come for a discussion of prayer and some practical ways to practice praying. Fr. John Mark will lead the discussion. March 5 - April 2: What Do We Do About Evil? Join Fr. John Mark for a discussion about evil, sin, and our response. Fr. John Mark has a few copies of the book What do We do About Evil by Fr. Richard Rohr for loan or purchase for $10. That book and the work of theologian Walter Wink will guide our conversation. 

SUN: Youth Ministry Class. Every Sunday at 10:45 am. Classes are open to all youth ages 5-13. The Third Sunday of every month will be a craft class. Please come join the wonderful group of teachers and enjoy learning new and exciting information. Contact: Theresa Russell for additional information.  

SUN: Bible Study - Revelation. (Zoom, Feb 19 - Mar 26). 6 pm - 7 pm. Revelation is a book about hope in times of oppression. The word “rapture” is not in Revelation. No one gets “left behind” while others are taken away. It is not about the end of the world, nor is it a blueprint for heaven when we die. So what is Revelation about? Come and see. We need 8 participants for the class to make. Contact Marie Cantrell, Marie Cantrell for the zoom link.

MON: Centering Prayer.  (Zoom 1st & 3rd Monday, Zoom or Library, on 2nd & 4th Monday).   6  pm - 7 pm.   Studying Sacred Earth Sacred Soul by John Phillip Newell. 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.  (Conf Room A).  10:00 am - 11:15 am. During Lent, Marie Cantrell will lead a lectionary study to dive into the scriptures for the upcoming Sunday.  On March 30 we will have Reverend Caroline Vogel from Ascension with us  to talk about Spiritus Knox. Contact Nancy Pullen with any questions at 415-722-0139 or nepullen@gmail.com.

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