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Vol. 23, No. 8                                                    FEB 23, 2023

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The First Sunday in Lent
February 26, 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 have entered the solemn season of Lent. Many of us give up something and/or take on some practice during this season. We do that not as some labor that earns us favor with God. Instead, these practices are opportunities to remind us to turn to God throughout our day. Giving something up often helps me realize how I use (or misuse) my time. Yes, scripture and tradition teach that fasting is associated with turning from our sins. Indeed the fast is a way to acknowledge that we have missed the mark and a reminder to us to rely on Christ to strengthen us to love with our whole hearts. 

Whatever fast or discipline we take on, may we also pray. If you need something to guide you in prayer, I recommend the Daily Devotions for Individuals and Families on page 136 of The Book of Common Prayer. Taking the time to pray is a way we acknowledge our reliance on God, and that time is not controlling us. I especially ask that you pray for our parish and our ministry. Pray that we may be open to what God is calling us to do and to be. 

As a parish, we bring our prayers together when we gather. We take them to the altar and we are then fed and sent out to love and serve Christ. At the moment we are doing some important work to improve the buildings that support our ministry. Thank you to everyone who has given to this project. Your gift matters. Giving our money is a way of prayer as well. We offer a gift and trust that all of our gifts will be enough to faithfully continue our mission. 

Know that I am praying too. I pray for you and the life of our congregation. I pray for our place in the community. I pray that we all may know the love of Christ and share that love in word and deed. I pray that we all may have a holy Lent. 

Peace, 
Fr. John Mark
OUR TRADITION . . .

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

Q.    What is the Church?
A.    The Church is the community of the New Covenant.
      
Q.    How is the Church described in the Bible?
A.   The Church is described as the Body of which Jesus Christ is the Head and of which all baptized persons are members. It is called the People of God, the New Israel, a holy nation, a royal priesthood, and the pillar and ground of truth.
      
Q.    How is the Church described in the creeds?
A.    The Church is described as one, holy, catholic, and apostolic.
      
Q.    Why is the Church described as one?
A.    The Church is one, because it is one Body, under one Head, our Lord Jesus Christ.
      
Q.    Why is the Church described as holy?
A.    The Church is holy, because the Holy Spirit dwells in it, consecrates its members, and guides them to do God's work.
      
Q.    Why is the Church described as catholic?
A.    The Church is catholic, because it proclaims the whole Faith to all people, to the end of time.
      
Q.    Why is the Church described as apostolic?
A.   The Church is apostolic, because it continues in the teaching and fellowship of the apostles and is sent to carry out Christ's mission to all people.

Q.    What is the mission of the Church?
A.    The mission of the Church is to restore all people to unity with God and each other in Christ.
      
Q.    How does the Church pursue its mission?
A.   The Church pursues its mission as it prays and worships, proclaims the Gospel, and promotes justice, peace, and love.
      
Q.    Through whom does the Church carry out its mission?
A.    The church carries out its mission through the ministry of all its members.
                                                                                             Source: The Book of Common Prayer, p 854


THE MINISTRY - a brief Q&A summary of the Church's teaching for an inquiring mind regarding The Ministry.

Q.    Who are the ministers of the Church?
A.   The ministers of the Church are lay persons, bishops, priests, and deacons.
      
Q.    What is the ministry of the laity?
A.   The ministry of lay persons is to represent Christ and his Church; to bear witness to him wherever they may be; and, according to the gifts given them, to carry on Christ's work of reconciliation in the world; and to take their place in the life, worship, and governance of the Church.
      
Q.    What is the ministry of a bishop?
A.    The ministry of a bishop is to represent Christ and his Church, particularly as apostle, chief priest, and pastor of a diocese; to guard the faith, unity, and discipline of the whole Church; to proclaim the Word of God; to act in Christ's name for the reconciliation of the world and the building up of the Church; and to ordain others to continue Christ's ministry.

Q.    What is the ministry of a priest or presbyter?
A.    The ministry of a priest is to represent Christ and his Church, particularly as pastor to the people; to share with the bishop in the overseeing of the Church; to proclaim the Gospel; to administer the sacraments; and to bless and declare pardon in the name of God.
      
Q.    What is the ministry of a deacon?
A.    The ministry of a deacon is to represent Christ and his Church, particularly as a servant of those in need; and to assist bishops and priests in the proclamation of the Gospel and the administration of the sacraments.
      
Q.    What is the duty of all Christians?
A.    The duty of all Christians is to follow Christ; to come together week by week for corporate worship; and to work, pray, and give for the spread of the kingdom of God.

                                                                                             Source: The Book of Common Prayer, p 855
THE PRESENT . . .
 
FORWARD MOVEMENT - Titus 1:16 They profess to know God, but they deny him by their actions. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work.

Ouch. Paul’s words here are pretty blunt. We say we believe in God, but our behavior and choices say otherwise. I can think of a zillion cliches as I dwell on this: Practice what you preach. Actions speak louder than words. As faithful Christians, we want people to see us as living proof of a loving God. We try to live our lives as witnesses to the living Christ. But we are not perfect. We will mess up. We will be petty or jealous, quick to anger and slow to forgive. We are utterly human, with all of our foibles and failures. And yet Paul lays out the path for us: we must not only profess to know God but also act in such a way that others will see and come to know Christ. Thank goodness, God forgives us when our actions don’t match our beliefs, when we fall short of who God has created us to be. And thankfully, God is with us each time we stand back up, supporting us as we strive to follow in Christ’s footsteps in word and deed. 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. Contact Linda Goins in the church office for information, contact lgoins@stjamesknox.org or 865-523-5687.



LAST WEEK'S DINNER - Twenty-four congregants met at The Central Collective, a neighborhood gathering place, to share a meal, fellowship, and helpful information regarding options to support our ministry today and in the future. A brief summary of the construction progress and updated renovation schedule. An informal discussion and Q & A session was presented by Bob Williams, (our financial advisor) regarding the many different ways we can strengthen and preserve our ministry for many years to come through planned future giving. In addition, Fr. John Mark explained how St. James helps our members plan and amend their own memorial services far in advance to make sure matters are handled the way they wish and to relieve some of the anxiety and stress among loved ones. Future dinners providing opportunities for fellowship and information sharing on different topics will be forthcoming.

HELPING OUR NEIGHBORS - One way we provide assistance to our houseless neighbors, besides providing snack lunches and groceries through our Doorstep & Helping Hands ministries, is by connecting them to other local resources. Thanks to the 72 donations received at KARM Thrift Stores during the period of Oct - Dec by persons stating they would like their donation to "benefit St. James", we received $190 worth of $10 & $20 gift cards redeemable at KARM Thrift Stores through the Corners of Your Field program. The demonstrated compassion and practical use of these cards can help change lives when we share them with our neighbors in desperate need. During the past 2 years, the total number of gift cards awarded to St. James has steadily increased for only ONE reason. More and more people have donated items to the 20 different KARM Stores in Knoxville and remembered to inform KARM they want their donations to benefit St. James Episcopal Church. Let's keep the number of KARM cards growing in our corner!
 
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 26. For additional details, please contact Patricia pchammerwv@gmail.com or Theresa tde444@yahoo.com.


HAPPENING #83 - High school students are invited to join ETNyouth for Happening #83! Happening is a weekend retreat lead by high school youth team where they have an intentional space to think about their faith journey. Team members share talks on identity, faith, God's love, and more. Participants break into small groups to talk about these topics and ask hard questions. They have a few surprises up their sleeves, too! If anything, they want the youth to walk away from the weekend knowing they are loved unconditionally by God and the ETNyouth community. Participant registration at THIS LINK is due March 11th! Learn more about the Happening experience at THIS LINK.

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, (minimum $300 donation per pew). We are offering them first to family & friends of the church who wish to own a piece of St. James history. Pews may be reserved by submitting a downloadable 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 sure, 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 IN THE NAVE - Amidst the construction activity currently taking place in the parish hall and the kitchen, Coffee Hour continues at St. James in the NAVE following our regular Sunday morning worship services. 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, please 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"! For your convenience, in addition to Sunday mornings, quilt pieces are also available to sign in the church office, Mon -Thu, 10 am - 3 pm. If you would like a piece sent to you to sign, please contact Bea Emory. We want EVERYONE to sign the quilt!

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"! For your convenience, quilt pieces are also available to sign in the church office, Monday-Thursday, 10 am - 3 pm. If you would like a piece sent to you, please contact Bea Emory. We want EVERYONE to sign the quilt!

Barbara Andrew, Sandra Austin, Marty Begalla, Betty Bowling, Rick & Lyn Brown, Hoyt & Marilyn Canady, Marie Cantrell, Caroline Combs-Young, Bill Combs, Ginny Combs, 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 A. Gonzales, Joe Gouffon, Stacy Hall, Patricia Hammer, Barbara Hickey, Junior Humphrey, Kevin & Drew Jeske-Polyak, Pat & Patti Jeske, 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, Miriam Nelson, 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 & memory of Scott Teets, Cynthia Thornburg, Geoffrey Trowbridge, Janet Van Der Dussen, Ray & (Norma) Jean Weeden, Tim Wiegenstein, Butch & Carol Yates, and Gregg W. 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). 

Meanwhile, replacement of room-sized heat pumps in the offices and classrooms in the parish house has already begun! Replacement of the HVAC boiler and cooling tower 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?  Contact Marie Cantrell, Marie Cantrell.

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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