This past Sunday we heard the story of Jesus healing a man born with blindness. Friends and neighbors didn't want to believe the man and religious leaders were upset that Jesus had healed on the Sabbath. We can feel the man's frustration as he retells his story and declares that he doesn't know who this Jesus is or how he did it, but he can see! The man's life was changed and others wanted to know if all the rules were followed.
Many people describe our times as polarized. The loudest voices call for folks to declare allegiance to one position or another. If one side is right, then the other must be wrong. In that passage mentioned above (John 9:1-41), the disciples of Jesus were sure that the sin of the man or his parents caused him to be born with blindness. Not so, Jesus says. Just because we disagree about something, we don't have to make the other person wrong. We can actually hold different perspectives and still love, heal, and name God's presence among us.
I celebrate that we come to the table to receive Christ even though we may differ in doctrine, behavior, or political party. We all receive the grace of the sacrament and are empowered to go and be the sacrament in the world. We go and take that grace to others. We don't have to make our decisions based on whether they are right, biblical, or logical. We live by being Christlike.
We have opportunities to show up and bring some hope and healing. See the details below about the Justice Knox Rally on Monday, March 27. We will hear some exciting news about addressing gun violence, and learn more about what we will ask of officials at our Nehemiah Action. We will also be moving into Holy Week on April 2. Bring some noisemakers and join the Palm Sunday parade. I encourage you also to join in the Holy Week liturgies that take us on a journey with Jesus.
We are all on a journey, and we can help each other see Christ in and around us. Our work on our buildings helps provide a place that supports the ministry we do. Thank you for giving to that work. Joining with others as we share the stories of how we have come to see helps others see that God is with them too. May we be a community that doesn't make others wrong, believes the stories of healing, and shares the grace of God.
Peace,
Fr. John Mark
OUR TRADITION . . .
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE AN EPISCOPALIAN?
It means welcome! God loves everyone – no exceptions!
It means accepting the invitation to take up The Way of Love, a “rule of life” focused on practices for Jesus-Centered Life #wayoflove.
It means being a part of a community of 2.2 million other Episcopalians in 110 dioceses in the Americas and abroad, and being part of the world-wide Anglican Communion.
It means believing the Scriptures, comprised of the Old and New Testament, as well as some apocryphal texts, were written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, who guides the Church in the interpretation of the Scriptures.
It means practicing the “via media,” or middle way, in all we do because we believe everyone is beloved of God regardless of views on particular topics.
It means practicing loving our neighbors as ourselves and upholding the dignity of every human being.
It means celebrating a diversity of people and styles of worship unified in the communal use of the Book of Common Prayer.
FORWARD MOVEMENT -John 6:51 I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats of this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.
Jesus is speaking metaphorically, and John records Jesus’s words in such a way as to give them layered meaning. Obviously, these verses speak to the sacramental rite of the eucharist, but Jesus is also claiming to be the manna that God sent the hungry Hebrew children wandering through the wilderness. Can you see the connection? You and I are children wandering through wilderness, sustained and cared for by God.
Taking these verses too literally can prove dangerous. For example, does it matter whether communion bread is wheat instead of, say rice? Some people have posited that it does, but it seems absurd to think that wheat alone serves as the vehicle for grace. It is the grace and not the element that counts.
Jesus asks us to lean into faith and not into religious strata. We are to rely upon God rather than law and to look to grace, that amazing and beautiful grace! 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.
FRIENDSHIP CIRCLE - You are invited to another St. James Friendship Circle TONIGHT (Mar 23) at 6 pm to hear some excellent stories about managing our resources (Mark Jendrek) and an update on what is happening with our renovations while you enjoy some delicious food prepared by Tarik's North African. Come and have dinner with old friends or make some new ones. RSVP by calling or emailing the church office by NOON TODAY. Central Collective is located at 923 N Central St.
Mark Jendrek is a solo practitioner with an emphasis on real estate and other transactional matters. For the past 15 years or so, a significant part of his practice has been drafting conservation easements, helping to preserve family farms, historic properties, and other worthwhile tracts of real estate. The practice has evolved to the point where Mark is frequently called on to help resolve what appear to be matters for which there is no solution. Finding creative solutions that serve the client’s needs in those situations has become an interesting niche.
Tarik Becha is not new to Knoxville, but his growing business is. Tarik’s North African opened on May 28, 2022 in Real Good Kitchen and has become a staple at Crafty Bastard, Alliance Brewing, Albright Brewing and in private catering since. His mission is to make good food accessible and to create food memories that keep you coming back for more. Learn more about Tarik's story and his food by clicking THIS LINK.
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.
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.
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.
HOLY WEEK SERVICES - From early times Christians have observed the week before Easter as a time of special devotion. As the pilgrim Egeria recorded in the late fourth century, Jerusalem contained many sacred places that were sites for devotion and liturgy. Numerous pilgrims to the holy city followed the path of Jesus in his last days. They formed processions, worshipped where Christ suffered and died, and venerated relics. From this beginning evolved the rites we observe today on Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday. These services provide a liturgical experience of the last days of Jesus' earthly life, as well as the time and events leading up to his resurrection. Here is the schedule of Holy Week services at St. James:
MON Apr 3 @ 5:30 pm - Holy Eucharist (Chapel)
TUE Apr 4 @ 5:30 pm - Holy Eucharist (Chapel)
WED Apr 5 @ 5:30 pm - Holy Eucharist (Chapel)
THU Apr 6 @ 7 pm - Maundy Thursday Liturgy (Nave)
FRI Apr 7 @ 12 pm - Good Friday Liturgy (Nave)
FRI Apr 7 @ 1 pm - Stations of the Cross (Nave)
FRI Apr 7 @ 3 pm - Stations of the Cross (Neighborhood Walk)
FRI Apr 7 @ 7 pm - Good Friday Liturgy (Nave)
SAT Apr 8 @ 10 am Holy Saturday Liturgy (Chapel)
SUN Apr 9 @ 7 am - Easter Community Sunrise Service (Knoxville Botanical Garden)
SUN Apr 9 @ 10:30 am - Easter Sunday Holy Eucharist (Nave)
JUSTICE KNOX RALLY - The 2023 Annual Justice Knox Rally will take place THIS coming Monday, March 27th at 7 pm at First Presbyterian Church (620 State St). This rally is our “dress rehearsal” for the Nehemiah Action Assembly which will take place in April. It gives our Justice Knox leaders a practice session before a crowd of organized people - one that will be about one-fourth the size of the audience that will gather for the Nehemiah Action Assembly on Tuesday, April 25th at the Civic Auditorium & Coliseum. At the rally, Network Members will be updated on the asks that will be made of our community leaders. It is important that Network Members attend the Rally to prepare for the community issues that will be addressed. For more information, contact Margaret Bickley or Fr. John Mark.
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. Her car broke down so 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 woman who is low-income and in her early twenties in the Knoxville area needs a kitchen table, curtains, and blinds. Please email Shelby.Harris@HealthConnectAmerica.com if you have any items to donate. A single mom in the 37917 area needs a crib for her baby. The baby was in a pack-n-play that recently broke. If anyone could help please contact Melissa Johnson, CHANT Care Coordinator at 865-256-0831. Pick-up and delivery are not an issue, Care Coordinator has access to a truck.
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.
TRAIL OF TEARS PILGRIMAGE - The Diocese of East Tennessee and Western Carolina and the Becoming Beloved Community invite all High School students to join this pilgrimage across East Tennessee to learn about The Trail of Tears, indigenous culture, and how to reconcile with our past and live into our futures as God's beloved community. The sites visited will be, but are not limited to Sequoyah's Birthplace Museum, hiking the Trail of Tears in Sewanee, New Echota State Historic Site, Blythe's Ferry and Red Clay Historic Park. The travel package is $350/person and includes transportation, housing, food and parking & event fees. The trip will be June 5 - 9, departing The Episcopal School of Knoxville. Register at www.etnyouth.org/pilgrimage. If you have any questions, contact Caroline Wood at 865-966-2110 or email her.
FOOTBALL (CONCESSIONS) TIME IN TENNESSEE - Last year, the St. James Centennial Centipedes raised over $3,700 by operating a concessions stand in Neyland Stadium during the 7 home UT football games. The money raised through sales commissions and tips was split between our general fund and the Centennial fund. Now that we have our "legs" under us, we hope to earn even more during this year's home games that will feature visits from Austin Peay (Sep 9), Texas - San Antonio (Sep 23), South Carolina (Sep 30), Texas A&M (Oct 14), UCONN (Nov 4), Georgia ((Nov 18), and Vanderbilt (Nov 25). Contact Coach Mark AbellMabell3368@sbcglobal.net if you would like to find out more about what fun it is to be a member of the St. James Centennial Centipedes team and possibly become one of our newest recrUiTs!
VMC MEAL SERVING TEAM - Diane and Charles Livermore have been mainstays of the St. James Volunteer Ministry Center (VMC) meal serving team, but they will not be available ongoing as they are moving next month to Georgia to be close to their son and his family. It is wonderful for them but it means that our regular fourth Thursday VMC meal serving team is now down to just 2 or 3 people. Susan Partridge and Carlene Loop faithfully bring wonderful desserts but are not available to regularly help serve. We are currently seeking volunteers to join our team. Please pass the word to anyone you believe might be interested in helping. It usually amounts to 1 - 1.5 hours of work and is very rewarding! Contact Nancy Pullen nepullen@gmail.com for additional 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!
(183+ Names) Mark & Susan Abell, Barbara Andrew, Mike & Elizabeth Armstrong, Norma Armstrong, Sandra Austin, Susan Bain, Gail Barnhill, Marty Begalla, Margaret Bickley, Betty Bowling, Rick & Lyn Brown, Rick Brown Jr (in memory), Troy Burns, Michelle, Gage, Savanna, Makayla, Landen, Colt, Easten, Willow & River Byrd, Doug Caleb, Hoyt & Marilyn Canady, Marie Cantrell, Amy Chapman (in memory), Linda Chapman, Harry & Patty Chase, Jane Wolkiel Clift, Robert Clift, Sr (in memory), Michael Clift, Robert Clift Jr, Gregg & Caroline Combs-Young, Bill Combs, Ginny Combs, David Connolly, Jennifer Connolly, Bradley Cox, Thomas & Rebecca Cox, Lee Creech, Katharine Criss, Linda Denton, Linda & Duane Dunlap, Benjamin D. Dunning, Catherine D. Dunning, Emily Dunning, Sue Dyson, Suzanne Farkas, Linda Fitzpatrick, Pamela Clift Flynn, Lou Ann Gaby, Mike & Susie Gardner, Craig & Joseph Gardner, Susan Dunlap Gill, Charles Goan, Linda Goins, Liz, Christopher, Ryan & Emily Golliher, Cladio A. Gonzales, Margaret Goodman, Joe Gouffon, Linda Grandstrom, Alan Grandstrom, Stacy Hall, Patricia Hammer, Drew Harper, Barbara Hickey, Judy Householder, Reggie Hulsey, Junior Humphrey, Lamar, Tobertha & Wiatta Thomas Jackson, Kevin & Drew Jeske-Polyak, Pat & Patti Jeske, Kyla Keck & Ashley Burell, John & Merilee Kerwin, 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, Catherine "Kitty" McNamara, Mary McNamara, Ed & Evelyn Miller, Nancy Minge, Rod & Mary Moore, James Moore, Molly Moore & Tony Teasley, Pam Morris & Renee Smith, Mary Muir, Phyllis Muth, Tony Nease, Miriam Nelson, Audry Nitz, Mary Nelle Osborne, Elizabeth Partridge & Eric Dyer, Susan Partridge, Mary, Nick & Madeleine Passmore, Ida Mae Patteson, Robin & Dave Penegar, Steven & Betsy Pierce, John & Susan Pollock, Linda Pope, RJ Powell, David Pruess & Nancy Pullen, Mark Reddaway, Jill & Rayna Richardson, James Rowland & John Sexton, Ana Salazar & Austin Patterson, Gerald Segroves, Mary Segroves, Richard Sidey, Nick Simson & Eleanor Aldridge & Oona Simson, Aubrie Starks, Andrew Starks, Lesley Starks, Pam Strickland, Jeannie Sullivan, Phillip Szuromi, Maevis Teasley & Zadie & friend, Scott Teets (in memory), Sharon Teets, Cynthia Thornburg, Geoffrey Trowbridge, Janet Van Der Dussen, Bob Wadley, Ray & (Norma) Jean Weeden, Laura Wheat, Carolyn Wheeler, Jimmy Wheeler, Tim Wiegenstein, John Mark Wiggers, Richard Wilson, Butch & Carol Yates, Bill and Kim Yearman, and Elizabeth Campbell 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 - New floor tiles are being installed in the expanded kitchen space as new ceiling tiles are being installed in the parish hall. Interior renovations in both the kitchen and parish hall are expected to be completed by Memorial Day, (May 29). A curb has been installed for the new herb garden that will be created outside the kitchen. Meanwhile, replacement of the room-sized heat pumps in the offices and classrooms in the parish house has been completed and work has begun on preparing space for the elevator. The wall in the memorial garden has been modified to double the capacity of our columbarium. 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.
INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS (IRAs) -One of the most cost effective ways to benefit St. James is to name St. James as the beneficiary of all or part of an IRA. If you name an individual person as the beneficiary, that person will generally be required to pay income tax on all the distributions received from the IRA. However, since St. James is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, it receives the IRA distributions 100% tax free. To name, or change a beneficiary, contact the bank or financial advisor holding the IRA and complete a change of beneficiary form. Consult with your financial advisor, estate planning advisor or tax advisor to verify that this fits with the rest of your planning.
Advantages:
One of the simplest and cost effective ways to give.
No distributions are made to St. James until after death, so the funds remain available during your retirement.
Beneficiaries may be changed or revoked at any time during your lifetime.
After death the full value of the IRA can be used by St. James because of its tax-exempt status.
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.
Beneficiaries may be changed or revoked at any time during your lifetime.
After death the full value of the IRA can be used by St. James because of its tax-exempt status.
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 $636,538 in gifts to our Centennial Capital Campaign - 31.8% 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,
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE AN EPISCOPALIAN? 
FORWARD MOVEMENT - John 6:51 I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats of this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.
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 
FRIENDSHIP CIRCLE - You are invited to another St. James Friendship Circle TONIGHT (Mar 23) at 6 pm to hear some excellent stories about managing our resources (Mark Jendrek) and an update on what is happening with our renovations while you enjoy some delicious food prepared by Tarik's North African. Come and have dinner with old friends or make some new ones. RSVP by calling or emailing the church office by NOON TODAY. Central Collective is located at 923 N Central St. 
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 
HOLY WEEK SERVICES - From early times Christians have observed the week before Easter as a time of special devotion. As the pilgrim Egeria recorded in the late fourth century, Jerusalem contained many sacred places that were sites for devotion and liturgy. Numerous pilgrims to the holy city followed the path of Jesus in his last days. They formed processions, worshipped where Christ suffered and died, and venerated relics. From this beginning evolved the rites we observe today on Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday. These services provide a liturgical experience of the last days of Jesus' earthly life, as well as the time and events leading up to his resurrection. Here is the schedule of Holy Week services at St. James:
JUSTICE KNOX RALLY -
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 
TRAIL OF TEARS PILGRIMAGE - The Diocese of East Tennessee and Western Carolina and the Becoming Beloved Community invite all High School students to join this pilgrimage across East Tennessee to learn about The Trail of Tears, indigenous culture, and how to reconcile with our past and live into our futures as God's beloved community. The sites visited will be, but are not limited to Sequoyah's Birthplace Museum, hiking the Trail of Tears in Sewanee, New Echota State Historic Site, Blythe's Ferry and Red Clay Historic Park. The travel package is $350/person and includes transportation, housing, food and parking & event fees. The trip will be June 5 - 9, departing The Episcopal School of Knoxville. Register at 
FOOTBALL (CONCESSIONS) TIME IN TENNESSEE - Last year, the St. James Centennial Centipedes raised over $3,700 by operating a concessions stand in Neyland Stadium during the 7 home UT football games. The money raised through sales commissions and tips was split between our general fund and the Centennial fund. Now that we have our "legs" under us, we hope to earn even more during this year's home games that will feature visits from Austin Peay (Sep 9), Texas - San Antonio (Sep 23), South Carolina (Sep 30), Texas A&M (Oct 14), UCONN (Nov 4), Georgia ((Nov 18), and Vanderbilt (Nov 25). Contact Coach Mark Abell 
VMC MEAL SERVING TEAM - Diane and Charles Livermore have been mainstays of the St. James Volunteer Ministry Center (VMC) meal serving team, but they will not be available ongoing as they are moving next month to Georgia to be close to their son and his family. It is wonderful for them but it means that our regular fourth Thursday VMC meal serving team is now down to just 2 or 3 people. Susan Partridge and Carlene Loop faithfully bring wonderful desserts but are not available to regularly help serve. We are currently seeking volunteers to join our team. Please pass the word to anyone you believe might be interested in helping. It usually amounts to 1 - 1.5 hours of work and is very rewarding! Contact Nancy Pullen 
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 - New floor tiles are being installed in the expanded kitchen space as new ceiling tiles are being installed in the parish hall. Interior renovations in both the kitchen and parish hall are expected to be completed by Memorial Day, (May 29). A curb has been installed for the new herb garden that will be created outside the kitchen. Meanwhile, replacement of the room-sized heat pumps in the offices and classrooms in the parish house has been completed and work has begun on preparing space for the elevator. The wall in the memorial garden has been modified to double the capacity of our columbarium. 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.
INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS (IRAs) - 
INVEST IN ST. JAMES - To date, we have secured $636,538 in gifts to our Centennial Capital Campaign - 31.8% 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.
