We talk about sin a great deal during Lent. In the Sunday morning formation class we have been discussing the fact that Jesus rarely calls out individual sins. He does point to the ways that human systems have oppressed the poor. Somehow, many churches turned the focus to individual behavior. Taking a larger view of all of us being caught up in systems of sin helps me have some compassion on those who are different than me or I disagree with. Believing that Jesus came in the flesh to suffer and triumph over the sin system calls all of us to grace, hope, and transformation.
Just this week I spoke with someone looking for a community that would be accepting of a young person who would find themselves unwelcome in many places. I chatted with an unhoused neighbor who has suffered wage theft and feels powerless to report it. I listened as our Doorstep ministers handed out hot oatmeal to our neighbors. Volunteers packed grocery bags, leaders invited folks to take part in our Justice ministry, and people gathered in various ways to pray and study together. In these ways and more, we are making this community a place where people can know grace, hope, and transformation.
As we reflect on sin during Lent, let our own weaknesses and messiness be a point of connection with each other. May you know God's grace and forgiveness for you individually, and have great hope for the transformation of all things. Those are big things that we hold and proclaim in this parish. Thank you for all the ways you continue to support our ministry. I encourage you to look through this newsletter and see the opportunities to join in giving, having dinner, showing up justice, and so much more. Join the flow of grace and love in the midst of it all.
Peace,
Fr. John Mark
OUR TRADITION . . .
An Invitation from Presiding Bishop Michael B. Curry
to Practice the Way of Love
I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. – Ephesians 3:17-19
In the first century Jesus of Nazareth inspired a movement. A community of people whose lives were centered on Jesus Christ and committed to living the way of God’s unconditional, unselfish, sacrificial, and redemptive love. Before they were called “church” or “Christian,” this Jesus Movement was simply called “the way.”
Today I believe our vocation is to live as the Episcopal branch of the Jesus Movement. But how can we together grow more deeply with Jesus Christ at the center of our lives, so we can bear witness to his way of love in and for the world?
The deep roots of our Christian tradition may offer just such a path. For centuries, monastic communities have shaped their lives around rhythms and disciplines for following Jesus together. Such a pattern is known as a “Rule of Life.” The framework you now hold – The Way of Love: Practices for Jesus-Centered Life – outlines a Rule for the Episcopal branch of the Jesus Movement.
It is designed to be spare and spacious, so that individuals, ministry groups, congregations, and networks can flesh it out in unique ways and build a church-wide treasure trove of stories and resources. There is no specific order you need to follow. If you already keep a Rule or spiritual disciplines, you might reflect and discover how that path intersects with this one. By entering into reflection, discernment and commitment around the practices of Turn – Learn – Pray – Worship – Bless – Go – Rest, I pray we will grow as communities following the loving, liberating, life-giving way of Jesus. His way has the power to change each of our lives and to change this world.
Your brother in the Way of Jesus,
+Michael
The Most Reverend Michael B. Curry, Primate and Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church
Watch this video that introduces the Way and each practice, featuring images from across our common life in The Episcopal Church, and a brief overview of each of the seven practices of the Way of Love: Turn. Learn. Pray. Worship. Bless. Go. Rest.
For more information about getting started with The Way of Love: Practices for Jesus-Centered Life, visit THIS LINK.
THE PRESENT . . .
FORWARD MOVEMENT -John 8:27 They did not understand that he was speaking to them about the Father.
My big dogs, Bones and Blue, like to hike with me. Large, enthusiastic, and of course energetic, they dart to and fro across trails hunting for squirrels and field mice. By the end of each adventure, Bones and Blue are very, very dirty, so I take them down to the river to clean up. Sometimes one of the dogs will end up in an eddy, water swirling about, holding and buffering the dog from rocks but preventing them from swimming in straight lines.
Reading John’s Gospel can be like swimming in an eddy; straight lines are impossible. Reducing John’s meaning to a two-dimensional framework frustrates and reduces a John-like faith to meaninglessness.
“They did not understand,” John writes, but what he doesn’t ask is, “How could they?” Instead of batting about and trying to reduce an eddy of words into something manageable, John and Jesus invite us to rest in the eddy, letting the words buffer us against the boulders and enabling us to gently move into deeper relationship with the Father. SourceForward Day by Day
ALTAR FLOWERS - It is a St. James tradition to place flowers or greenery on the altar in honor of, or in thanksgiving for, loved ones. Altar flowers are needed for Apr 30, Jun 11, & Jun 18. Please contact Linda Goins for information lgoins@stjamesknox.org or 865-523-5687.
LOCAL NEEDS -Compassion Coalition, of which St. James is an active member, is transforming our city. It represents the body of Christ working together in unity to serve the greatest needs. These local needs have been identified by Compassion Coalition . . .
A mom needs a stroller, their car broke down and she walks to school with a 3 and 4-year-old. If you can help contact sara.hopkins@knoxschools.org. An Amachi mentee is expecting a baby in April and needs a tall dresser and under-the-bed storage tubs. If you can help contact Savannah at sdupree@klf.org.A family of three in the 37938 area (outside the bus line) needs a $25 gas gift card. If you can help contact jessica.lawson@mcnabb.org.A low income family of 6 in the 37918 area needs toiletries, such as paper towels, toilet paper, dishwasher detergent, shampoo/conditioner, diapers size 2, and baby wipes. If you can help contact jessica.lawson@mcnabb.org. A family in the 37920 area needs a full-size mattress and bed frame, they do not have transportation and will need help with delivery and setting it up. If you can help contact jessica.lawson@mcnabb.org. A recently widowed grandmother raising a youth in the 37912 area is unable to buy shoes for the grandchild. They need a pair of new men's size 14 shoes (prefer Nike as they fit better). If you can help contact jessica.lawson@mcnabb.org.
COMMUNITY UNITY (EASTER) SUNRISE SERVICE - In years past St. James has been invited to join the community Easter sunrise service at the Knoxville Botanical Garden. This year, we will have just one Easter Sunday service at St. James at 10:30 am. We encourage those who would like to attend an early service to join the 7 am Community Unity Easter Sunrise Service on the LeConte Meadow at the Knoxville Botanical Garden & Arboretum with the sun rising over the mountains in the background. Please adjust any ministry schedules you are responsible for and let your folks know about the change.
FRONTLINE TRAINING - Churches want to love their neighbors and serve them in real and meaningful ways. Frontline Training is a 5-part series provided by Compassion Coalition to equip churches to better respond to those seeking assistance with both compassion and integrity. This series helps churches learn to build relationship and walk with families, not just help them manage poverty. Trainings may be taken in any order. On Thursday, April 20th from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm, St. James will provide the venue for Frontline 4: Building Better Relationships. Relationships can be challenging as you walk with someone struggling to get by or who needs encouragement when life’s road becomes rough. Frontline 4 guides you by providing best practices, tips, and practical applications to keep your mentoring and ally relationships moving forward. The training is free because St. James is a member of Compassion Coalition, but seating is limited so you must REGISTER to attend. To register for this training to take place at St. James, or for more information contact charmin@compassioncoalition.org.
FRIENDSHIP CIRCLE - You are invited to another Friendship Circle! Several folks gathered at Central Collective in February for dinner, conversation, and to hear some excellent stories about managing resources. We also had an update on what is happening with our renovations. We will meet again at 6 pm on THURSDAY, March 23. Come and have dinner with old friends or make some new ones. We will hear some updates and learn some new things together. RSVP by calling or emailing the church office. Central Collective is located at 923 N Central St. Also, mark your calendars for a potluck on May 1st.
EASTER REMEMBRANCES - It is time to consider Easter Remembrances in memory of or in thanksgiving for the life of a loved one. This year, there are FOUR different fund options:
1. Flower Guild Fund. Your gift to this fund will provide Easter Lilies for the Easter Altars. We ask that you contribute a minimum of $14 for each Easter Lily you wish to donate. 2. Clergy Discretionary Fund. Your gift to this fund allows the Clergy at St. James to meet needs quickly, including emergency housing, transportation, & health-related needs. 3. Episcopal Relief & Development Fund: Your gift to this fund will facilitate healthier, more fulfilling lives in communities that are struggling with hunger, poverty, disaster and disease, especially in Turkey & Syria. 4. Centennial Capital Campaign Fund: Your pledge or gift to this fund will help us renovate our space to better support our ministry.
Please submit your contribution to any of the funds by mailing or dropping off the Easter Remembrances Form downloadable at THIS LINK along with your check to 1101 N. Broadway, Knoxville, TN 37917. If you prefer, you may make your donation online by clicking the “Easter Remembrances'' link under the GIVING tab at stjamesknox.org. Please use the “Memo” field to indicate whether your gift is in "In Memory" or "Thanksgiving" and provide the full name(s) for each individual remembered. Please submit your Easter Remembrances before Thursday, March 30th to be included in the Easter Remembrances booklet.
MAKING PALM CROSSES - We will be making Palm Crosses on Saturday, April 1st. This inter-generational activity will take place in Conference Room A at 9:30 am. Instructions will be available so that everyone, including those of us who have done this before, can learn or remember how to make them. All are welcome!!! Contact Patty Chase phowellchase@icloud.com for additional details.
A LENTEN QUIET DAY - The Daughters of the King invite everyone to a day of reflection and quiet during Lent on Saturday, March 25 from 10 am – 2 pm. We will gather at 10 am in the nave for prayer. Fr. John Mark will offer meditations throughout the day and time will be provided for personal reflection. We will have a light lunch and will conclude by 2 pm. A Lenten Quiet Day is an old Anglican tradition that allows us —
Time for special devotions, meditations, and instructions,
To experience freedom from speaking and a heightened awareness of the presence and movement of the Holy Spirit in our midst, and
To lay aside our burdens and reconnect with the boundless love of God.
RSVP by calling the church (865) 523-5687 or emailing Fr. John Mark at jwiggers@stjamesknox.org.
JUSTICE KNOX - It was exciting to see almost 50 St. James parishioners who are Justice Knox Network Members or interested in learning about Justice Knox gather in the nave following last Sunday's 10:30 am service. We heard updates on the problems that are being researched and will be addressed at the annual Nehemiah Action Assembly on Tuesday, April 25th, at the Civic Auditorium & Coliseum. Garage parking will be free and child care will be available. Last Sunday, each Network Member picked names of parishioners to call and invite to the Nehemiah Action Assembly. So, if you are not currently involved with Justice Knox, you may be receiving an invitation to attend the great assembly. Please accept this invitation! The Nehemiah Action Assembly is where we, as organized people of faith, will ask community leaders to change things regarding public transportation, homelessness, and gun violence so Knoxville will become a more just city, more like God’s city shining on a hill. Your presence Nehemiah Action Assembly will be valuable as we show community leaders that over 1,200 folks want change in Knoxville now. Click the images below for a closer look of our gathering last Sunday.
UNITED THANK OFFERING - So, now you have your blue United Thank Offering Box, and you are depositing coins/bills when you remember something for which you are grateful. Gratitude is a GREAT Lenten discipline! If you are new to the Episcopal Church OR St. James, you might wonder, “Is this a new thing, and why is someone always wanting us to give money?” Actually, UTO is not a new thing! Under the leadership of Julia Chester Emery, at the 1889 Triennial Meeting in New York, the Women's Auxiliary instituted the United Offering for the support of specific mission projects and individual missionaries. The first United Offering totaled $2,188.64 and was used to build a church in Anvik, Alaska and to send a woman missionary to Japan. During the 2018-2020 period, the United Thank Offering collected more than $4 million. All funds are used to fund projects that serve people around the world. Remember the UTO BLUE BOX PRAYER: Almighty God, I give you praise, for blessing me in many ways. Create in me a grateful heart, and with this gift a blessing start. Amen. For more information, visit THIS LINK.
CUSTOMER COMMENT CARDS - From now until the Fall, everyone is invited to distribute Customer Comment Cards where you do business. One side of the card provides space for you to list some of the reasons you support their business. Click the image beside this article for a real example of comments recently provided to a local restaurant using one of the cards. The other side of each card explains how their business can support our Neighbor Day Auction. Pick up your Customer Comment Cards in the racks posted around St. James. Please contact Drew jeskepolyak@gmail.com or Kevin kevin@stjamesknox.org for more information.
ECW EVENT CALENDAR – The Episcopal Church Women Ministry, (ECW), enjoys hands-on involvement in church life. We celebrate the children of St James and enjoy sponsoring parish-wide opportunities including the Rummage Sale, and events like the September picnic. In 2022 we hosted the Easter breakfast for the choir and others serving during the services plus the Easter hospitality time after church. The ECW lets our folks in the military know we are praying for and thinking about them by sending cards throughout the year and small gifts at Christmas. Here is the planned 2023 ECW schedule as of our February Meeting:
Regular Meetings - the third Saturday of every month at 10 am
Easter Continental Breakfast & expanded Coffee Hour – April 9
Tyson House Meals - TBD
UTO Spring Offering - Mother’s Day – May 14
Doorstep – Helping Hands Lunch - TBD (chili lunch in the fall?)
“No Fund Raiser Fund Raiser” – TBD (likely mid-summer)
Centennial Celebration/Luncheon – September 24
Rummage Sale – October 21
Trunk or Treat - Sunday, October 29
UTO Fall Offering – November 19
Marketplace/Bake Sale – November 12 or December 3
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!
Mark & Susan Abell, Barbara Andrew, Mike & Elizabeth Armstrong, Sandra Austin, Gail Barnhill, Marty Begalla, Betty Bowling, Rick & Lyn Brown, Rick Brown Jr (in memory), Hoyt & Marilyn Canady, Marie Cantrell, Amy Chapman (in memory), Linda Chapman, 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, Linda Goins, 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, Diane Livermore, Carla Livesey, Martin Family, Fasia Massaquoi, Fritz Massaquoi (in memory), Douglas McCaleb, Carol McDaniel, Mary McGavock & Damon Beard, Nancy Minge, 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, Mary, Nick & Madeleine Passmore, Robin & Dave Penegar, Steven & Betsy Pierce, John & Susan Pollock, Linda Pope, RJ Powell, David Pruess & Nancy Pullen, Mark Reddaway, Ana Salazar & Austin Patterson, Jill & Rayna Richardson, Gerald Segroves, Mary Segroves, Nick Simson & Eleanor Aldridge & Oona Simson, Jeannie Sullivan, Phillip Szuromi, Maevis Teasley & Zadie & friend, Scott Teets (in memory), Sharon Teets, Cynthia Thornburg, Geoffrey Trowbridge, Janet Van Der Dussen, Ray & (Norma) Jean Weeden, Carolyn Wheeler, Jimmy Wheeler, Tim Wiegenstein, Butch & Carol Yates, Bill and Kim Yearman, Elizabeth Campbell Young, and Gregg W. Young.
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 10:30 am 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.
OUR FUTURE . . .
CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS -Painting has begun in the parish hall and kitchen. Interior renovations in both the parish hall and the expanded kitchen are expected to be completed by Memorial Day, (May 29). Meanwhile, replacement of the room-sized heat pumps in the offices and classrooms in the parish house is nearly complete. Replacement of the HVAC boiler unit may take place very soon. Replacement of the cooling tower is scheduled to take place in late spring or early summer during Phase II of the project. The elevator and insulated windows will also be installed in the parish house during that approximate time frame. Every effort is being made to minimize service interruption during these parts of the project. The wall in the memorial garden has been modified to double the capacity of our columbarium. 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 some of the renovation currently underway and please make your donation to the Centennial Capital Campaign to help us prepare our facilities for the next 100 years! Click the images below for a closer inspection.
WILL BEQUESTS & REVOCABLE TRUSTS - Thank you for your interest in supporting the future of St. James Episcopal Church with the lasting legacy of a planned gift. Bequests are donations made through wills or revocable trusts that are distributed by an estate or trust after death. Charitable gifts made by naming St. James Episcopal Church in a will is the most common method of planned giving. A charitable bequest can be made as a specified asset (e.g. “I give 100 shares of stock to St. James Episcopal Church”), specific amount of money (e.g. “I give the sum of $10,000 to St. James Episcopal Church”), or as a percentage of your estate or trust assets (e.g. “I give 10% of my residuary estate to St. James Episcopal Church”).
Advantages:
Bequests are relatively inexpensive to establish since they are usually done at the time estate planning documents are updated.
They can be changed or revoked during your lifetime by amending the will or revocable trust.
Continued use of an asset is allowed during your lifetime.
Named heirs may take a full charitable deduction for the value of assets passing to St. James.
Should you need additional help, Robert Williams is the financial advisor for the St. James Endowment and Centennial Campaign Funds. If you want to include St. James in your planning, please be sure to make The Rev. John Mark Wiggers aware of your intent.
This information is not considered tax advice. Please consult your tax-advisor for specifics.
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 LINK. Neatly 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 $635,773 in gifts to our Centennial Capital Campaign - 31.7% of our $2 million fundraising goal.
That's a great start, but we need to raise much more to do what must be done to upgrade our facilities. Renovations in the kitchen, parish hall, and administrative wing are in full swing! 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 are incurring and accelerate the progress toward reaching our goal. Please join the folks listed below who have already pledged and/or made cash contributions 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.
SUN: Sunday Morning Christian Formation. (Conf Room A). 9:15 am - 10:15. 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: 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.
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
Dear Friends,
An Invitation from Presiding Bishop Michael B. Curry
FORWARD MOVEMENT - John 8:27 They did not understand that he was speaking to them about the Father.
ALTAR FLOWERS - It is a St. James tradition to place flowers or greenery on the altar in honor of, or in thanksgiving for, loved ones. Altar flowers are needed for Apr 30, Jun 11, & Jun 18. Please contact Linda Goins for information 
COMMUNITY UNITY (EASTER) SUNRISE SERVICE - In years past St. James has been invited to join the community Easter sunrise service at the Knoxville Botanical Garden. This year, we will have just one Easter Sunday service at St. James at 10:30 am. We encourage those who would like to attend an early service to join the 7 am Community Unity Easter Sunrise Service on the LeConte Meadow at the 
FRONTLINE TRAINING - Churches want to love their neighbors and serve them in real and meaningful ways. Frontline Training is a 5-part series provided by Compassion Coalition to equip churches to better respond to those seeking assistance with both compassion and integrity. This series helps churches learn to build relationship and walk with families, not just help them manage poverty. Trainings may be taken in any order. On Thursday, April 20th from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm, St. James will provide the venue for Frontline 4: Building Better Relationships. Relationships can be challenging as you walk with someone struggling to get by or who needs encouragement when life’s road becomes rough. Frontline 4 guides you by providing best practices, tips, and practical applications to keep your mentoring and ally relationships moving forward. The training is free because St. James is a member of Compassion Coalition, but seating is limited so you must REGISTER to attend. To register for this training to take place at St. 
FRIENDSHIP CIRCLE - You are invited to another Friendship Circle! Several folks gathered at Central Collective in February for dinner, conversation, and to hear some excellent stories about managing resources. We also had an update on what is happening with our renovations. We will meet again at 6 pm on THURSDAY, March 23. Come and have dinner with old friends or make some new ones. We will hear some updates and learn some new things together. RSVP by calling or emailing the church office. Central Collective is located at 923 N Central St. Also, mark your calendars for a potluck on May 1st. 
MAKING PALM CROSSES - We will be making Palm Crosses on Saturday, April 1st. This inter-generational activity will take place in Conference Room A at 9:30 am. Instructions will be available so that everyone, including those of us who have done this before, can learn or remember how to make them. All are welcome!!! Contact Patty Chase 
A LENTEN QUIET DAY - The Daughters of the King invite everyone to a day of reflection and quiet during Lent on Saturday, March 25 from 10 am – 2 pm. We will gather at 10 am in the nave for prayer. Fr. John Mark will offer meditations throughout the day and time will be provided for personal reflection. We will have a light lunch and will conclude by 2 pm. A Lenten Quiet Day is an old Anglican tradition that allows us —
UNITED THANK OFFERING - So, now you have your blue United Thank Offering Box, and you are depositing coins/bills when you remember something for which you are grateful. Gratitude is a GREAT Lenten discipline! If you are new to the Episcopal Church OR St. James, you might wonder, “Is this a new thing, and why is someone always wanting us to give money?” Actually, UTO is not a new thing! Under the leadership of Julia Chester Emery, at the 1889 Triennial Meeting in New York, the Women's Auxiliary instituted the United Offering for the support of specific mission projects and individual missionaries. The first United Offering totaled $2,188.64 and was used to build a church in Anvik, Alaska and to send a woman missionary to Japan. During the 2018-2020 period, the United Thank Offering collected more than $4 million. All funds are used to fund projects that serve people around the world. Remember the UTO BLUE BOX PRAYER: Almighty God, I give you praise, for blessing me in many ways. Create in me a grateful heart, and with this gift a blessing start. Amen. For more information, visit 
ECW EVENT CALENDAR – The Episcopal Church Women Ministry, (ECW), enjoys hands-on involvement in church life. We celebrate the children of St James and enjoy sponsoring parish-wide opportunities including the Rummage Sale, and events like the September picnic. In 2022 we hosted the Easter breakfast for the choir and others serving during the services plus the Easter hospitality time after church. The ECW lets our folks in the military know we are praying for and thinking about them by sending cards throughout the year and small gifts at Christmas. Here is the planned 2023 ECW schedule as of our February Meeting:
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!
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 10:30 am 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 
CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS - Painting has begun in the parish hall and kitchen. Interior renovations in both the parish hall and the expanded kitchen are expected to be completed by Memorial Day, (May 29). Meanwhile, replacement of the room-sized heat pumps in the offices and classrooms in the parish house is nearly complete. Replacement of the HVAC boiler unit may take place very soon. Replacement of the cooling tower is scheduled to take place in late spring or early summer during Phase II of the project. The elevator and insulated windows will also be installed in the parish house during that approximate time frame. Every effort is being made to minimize service interruption during these parts of the project. The wall in the memorial garden has been modified to double the capacity of our columbarium. 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. 
WILL BEQUESTS & REVOCABLE TRUSTS - Thank you for your interest in supporting the future of St. James Episcopal Church with the lasting legacy of a planned gift. 
IN ST. JAMES - To date, we have secured $635,773 in gifts to our Centennial Capital Campaign - 31.7% of our $2 million fundraising goal. 
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.
