Easter blessings to all of you! We celebrated a beautiful Resurrection Sunday and we continue the Great 50 Days of Easter. The political backdrop to Holy Week was quite the show with our own state having a starring role.
As resurrection people, we confess that God brings life out of all situations. In Jesus, God joined in human suffering. God is with us as we seek to heal and as we proclaim hope, healing, and life.
Many of you show up to make a difference in our community. One way is through Justice Knox. Mark Tuesday, April 25 on your calendar for our Nehemiah Action. It is this event at which we gather a large number of people and ask leaders to make commitments to making our community more just. Your presence matters. See below for more details.
We also nurture hope as we study and worship together. Tending our own spiritual health gives us strength as we seek to love our neighbor. Just being together is also encouraging. We will have another Friendship Circle event on May 1 at 6 pm. We will have a potluck dinner and enjoy some time together. Come and join with friends.
I know you have noticed some things coming together during our renovations. The parish hall is almost finished. We will soon be worshiping and gathering in there while work is done in the nave. Thank you to everyone who has pledged to our campaign. Every gift counts as we do this work. It is exciting to think of all the ways we can use our spaces for ministry over the next 100 years.
May you continue to know Easter Joy.
Peace,
Fr. John Mark
OUR TRADITION . . .
10 THINGS CHRISTIANS GET WRONG - “Love your neighbor as yourself,” Jesus said (Mark 12:31). Who among us wouldn’t agree with that statement? When I’m sitting in a pew on Sunday and my pastor teaches that concept, I nod my head in agreement. When I’m having quiet time and I happen upon that verse, I feel confident and slightly proud. Of course I love my neighbor. God told me to. It’s easy, right? Well, yes—until it’s not. Because reality is rarely as simple as the theoretical. I love the idea of loving my neighbor, truly. I profess love and try to live in such a way as to practice it. I want to offer to others what God gave so freely to me. But when I look, literally around my neighborhood, what do I see? Houses I pass every day filled with people I’ve never seen. People to nod at as we drive past, but whose names I do not know. Houses that are suddenly empty, and I can only assume someone passed away because my impression is that an elderly man once lived there, but I’m not even sure. What kind of neighbor does this make me? I’m not wanting to beat myself—or you—up, but the truth is, we all make mistakes when trying to love our neighbor. Even if we mean well, even if we’re intentional about reaching out, there are likely things each of us could do better. Look at 10 of the mistakes every Christian makes when trying to love their neighbor by clicking THIS LINK and flipping through the slideshow. Source: Kelly O'Dell Stanley, Crosswalk.com
A SIGN UPDATE - Several parishioners have reached out to the Sentinel to provide background information related to the Episcopal welcome signs pointing the way to St. James on Broadway St. and on Folsom Ave. Working with his Dad, both signs were constructed as part of Zane Wyrick's Eagle Scout Project approximately 17 years ago. Thanks to Zane's Mom, Sharon Teets & Mary Nelle Osborne for helping to answer the question!
THE PRESENT . . .
FORWARD MOVEMENT -Luke 24:41 While in their joy they were disbelieving and still wondering, [Jesus] said to them, “Have you anything here to eat?”
My son’s first, unplanned, communion was at the beach on a parish retreat. I was surprised and embarrassed, but Fr. Tom was nonplussed and laughed. Now that I’m a priest, I love it when little ones reach out their hands for bread! I think of that time at the beach whenever I read this passage, only this time, it is Jesus asking to be fed. Compline has the petition “shield the joyous.” Maybe you know how it feels to be in a state of vulnerable disbelief in the face of joy. The disciples were afraid they were seeing a ghost, but this “ghost” wanted something to eat. When we come to the altar with outstretched hands wanting to be fed, our Lord feeds us from his very self. Because of this gift, we can be joyful even when we are not feeling particularly happy, since happiness is often predicated on outward circumstances, whereas abiding joy comes from having the peace that passes all understanding. Source Forward 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, Aug 20, Aug 27, Sep 10, Sep 17, & Sep 24. Please contact Linda Goins for information lgoins@stjamesknox.org or 865-523-5687.
EVANGELISM IS STORYTELLING - Every Tuesday from April 18 through the end of May, Drew Jeske-Polyak will be leading the Tuesday morning discussion group in learning to share stories as a form of Episcopal Evangelism from 11 am - noon on Zoom. Having completed the necessary coursework last year, Drew is a licensed Diocesan Evangelical Facilitator. All the materials will be provided, just bring yourselves. Please join us as we travel the road of discovery and what it means to embrace evangelism in the Episcopal Church. Register to join the group by contacting Margaret Bickley mbick7@gmail.com.
BURRITOS FOR JUSTICE - On Tuesday April 25th from 5:45 pm - 6:15 pm St. James will be providing "drive-through" service in our parking lot! We will be serving delicious chili (mild) & cheese hot dog burritos and cold beverages to the first 100 people who are on their way to the Justice Knox Nehemiah Action Assembly which will be held at the Knoxville Civic Auditorium & Coliseum. Everyone is expected to be seated in the coliseum by 6:40 pm, so serving will end promptly at 6:15 pm. Burritos will be limited to one per person in each vehicle so be sure to arrive early! For more information about the Nehemiah Action Assembly, please open the 2-page flyer at THIS LINK describing what will take place and/or contact Margaret Bickley or Fr. John Mark.
HERE I AM DAY - On Saturday, May 13, the Episcopal Diocese of East Tennessee will host its annual Here I Am Day at the Episcopal School of Knoxville. It is for anyone who is discerning a call to lay ministry, religious orders, the vocational diaconate, or to the priesthood. The day will feature reflections, panel discussions with lay and ordained ministers, and opportunities for prayer and fellowship. All those who have begun a process of discernment within their parish are expected to attend along with their sponsoring clergy. Lunch and refreshments are included in the $20 registration fee. The registration deadline is Monday, May 1, 2023. Please feel free to contact Jon Humber, Episcopal Engagement Specialist, with any questions, jhumber@dioet.org. Click the image in this article to see the full flyer.
SUICIDE PREVENTION - Suicide is the second leading cause of death in teens. 18.8% of high school students reported having seriously considered suicide in the past year. On Saturday, April 29th from 9 am - 3 pm, Bookwalter United Methodist Church, (4218 Central Ave Pike) is hosting a Suicide Prevention & Awareness Day. Clark Flatt, founder, and CEO of the Jason Foundation will be the keynote speaker. The focus of the event:
know warning signs
bullying & other underlying issues
resources, urgent and long-term care
SUICIDE IS PREVENTABLE
This event is FREE. Breakfast and lunch provided. Register at Bookwalter-umc.org, by clicking on "events". Questions: email BUMCCares2023@yahoo.com, or telephone (865) 394-3295.
GRACE POINT FAMILY CAMP - Family camp is a great time for younger children to get a glimpse of what a week of camp would look like. Young children come with a parent, grandparent, or friend for a weekend. In the morning, we have a program to talk about God and in the afternoon you have the opportunity to visit the art barn, go tubing, fish, and more! Hey, Adults! You're a camper too, make sure to register yourself! Click the image in this article to see the full flyer and visit the Gracepoint website at https://www.gracepointcamp.org for more details and to register.
IT'S ALL ABOUT LOVE - Across the church and around the world, we are hungry for revival and renewal. Join us for a church-wide festival of worship, learning, community, and action for the Episcopal branch of the Jesus Movement. "It's All About Love" features three "tents": Evangelism, Creation Care, and Racial Reconciliation. Each tent will offer an evening revival worship service and major plenary speaker, dozens of day-time workshops, panels, practice opportunities and other ways to engage. Camp out in one tent or visit all three to follow the themes of worship and liturgy, formation, justice and advocacy, leadership, preaching, stewardship, and youth and children. Hilton, Marriott, and Renaissance hotels are all within an easy walking distance of the BALTIMORE CONVENTION CENTER JULY 9-12, 2023 Find out more by visiting https://www.episcopalchurch.org/its-all-about-love/.
KUDOS TO THE CREW - St. James appreciates the planning, hard work, and coordination being performed by Rick Blackburn, Wayne Wilson and the entire crew during our renovations, including: DEMOLITION - Greg & Kenneth; ELECTRICAL - Robby, Paul, Mark, B.J., Charlie, Ben, Mike & Jacob; PLUMBING - Kevin, Lenny & Tylor; HVAC - Jeff, Gary, Zack, Derek, Gregg & Bryson; MASONRY - Matt, Vitality & Afanasiy; PAINTING - Randy & Dylan; FLOORING - Victor, Christian & Gary; DRYWALL & CEILING - Greg, James, & Huey.
UTO ALL ABOUT GRATITUDE - Do you pause once a day to consider those things for which you are thankful? Might you use the opportunity to make a contribution to your little blue box? We collect the funds on Mother’s Day, May 14. A GRATITUDE PRAYER Dearest Lord, For the gift of life, I thank thee. For the rising sun and the seasonal promise of plants and flowers that will surround me, I thank thee. For my family and friends and the gifts they share, I thank thee. For my home and all its comforts within, I thank thee. For the abundance you give me and my willingness to share it with others, I thank thee. For the wisdom of my elders and my ability to listen, I thank thee. For acceptance of the challenges that I face every day, I thank thee. For strength and courage to act for justice and peace, I thank thee. For knowledge that without you I have nothing, I thank thee. And for the end-of-day blessings before I sleep, I thank you gracious Lord. Source: Mrs. Kathryn A. Leno St. Andrew, Florence, Oregon, United Thank Offering Representative Diocese of Oregon
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 family is in need of van repairs. They are unsure of the problem but when they travel at a higher speed the tire shakes. If anyone can help please contact samesha.washburn@knoxvilleheadstart.org or call 865-556-0030. A father needs a clothes dryer. Pickup and delivery can be arranged. If you can help contact Diana.Klumpe@tn.gov. A single mom with 2 children living in the 37920 area needs major car repairs and cannot afford these expenses.The children haven’t been able to attend school for several weeks due to these car problems. The mom got a repair estimate from a local car dealership that itemizes the car repairs needed that can be shared with anyone willing to help. Some of the car repairs needed include wheel replacement (bent wheel), mounting and balancing 4 Tires, fender liner repair/hardware, oil change, and gear shift. If you can help with any of these or if you would like more information contact sara.felli@knoxvilleheadstart.org.
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!
The Episcopal Diocese of East Tennessee is committed to protecting each child of God. The Safe Church, Safe Communities training program teaches us how exploitation and harassment can occur, the awareness we need to prevent such occurrences, and how to respond should such an incident occur. Accordingly, persons in leadership roles at St. James are required to complete specific courses in the Safe Church, Safe Communities training program. A CHART highlighting the required courses for each position can be downloaded from THIS LINK.
To access the courses required of persons in your position, please follow these instructions:
If you forgot your password, click the "Forgot your password?" link.
If you never had an account with Praesidium Academy, please send an email to Kevin kevin@stjamesknox.org and he will create one for you.
After you successfully log in, scroll down to browse the available courses. Be aware that most are in English (ENG), some are in Spanish (ES), and a few are in French (FR).
To access a course, click the "Start Course" or "Continue" link.
Follow the prompts to complete the course.
Be sure to follow all the prompts and forward arrows until you reach the BLACK "Exit Course"button. Failure to click the final black button will prevent you from obtaining your certificate of completion for the course.
It would be great if everyone could complete their training between now and the end of May.
REVELATION - NOT WHAT YOU THINK - Beginning Wednesday, May 3, Marie Cantrell will present a 6 week in-person class on the Book of Revelation. The class will meet at St. James each Wednesday morning from 10 am - 11:15 am. Kevin Jeske-Polyak, who recently participated in the class, reports, "This series really delivers as promised! After this class, you will have learned how to read the book in its proper context without coming away thinking it is all about gloom and doom! Marie helps us discover how it is actually about hope in the face of suffering." At least six registrants will be required for the class to meet. Register now by sending an email to mariewcantrell@gmail.com.
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:
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!
(224+ Names) Mark & Susan Abell, Barbara Andrew, Mike & Elizabeth Armstrong, Norma Armstrong, Brian & Sandra Austin, Susan Bain, Gail Barnhill, Marty Begalla, Margaret Bickley & SuAnne Cobb, , Betty Bowling, Rick & Lyn Brown, Rick Brown Jr (in memory), Jim & Gayle Brrowne, Troy Burns, Michelle, Gage, Savanna, Makayla, Landen, Colt, Easten, Willow & River Byrd, Doug Caleb, Mark, Emily, Parson & Phoebe Campen, Hoyt & Marilyn Canady, Marie Cantrell, Bob & Helen Cargile, Amy Chapman (in memory), Linda Chapman, Harry & Patty Chase, Scott Childs, Jane Wolkiel Clift, Robert Clift, Sr (in memory), Michael Clift, Robert Clift Jr, Jeff, Nancy, & Erzhan Cocharan, Bill Collins & Angie Livesay, 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, Terri & Donna Foster-Akken, Lou Ann Gaby, Mike & Susie Gardner, Craig & Joseph Gardner, Bill Gervin, 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, Al, Helen & Wadad Harb, Drew Harper, Anne Haselton-Rowe, Victoria & Brice Hawkins, Barbara Hickey, Judy Householder, Reggie Hulsey, Junior Humphrey, Lamar, Tobertha & Wiatta Thomas Jackson, Karen Lloyd & Drew Steen, Kevin & Drew Jeske-Polyak, Pat & Patti Jeske, Claramae Johnson, Kyla Keck & Ashley Burell, John & Merilee Kerwin, Sheila & Donn Kurtz, Frank & Martha Laszlo, Diane Livermore, Carla Livesey, Stephanie Manning & Hilton Smith, 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 & Powell 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, Emily Canady & Britt Ratliff, T & Jase Ratliff, Mark Reddaway, Danny Reynolds & Marvin Rominez, 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, Mary Jon Steen, Pam Strickland, Jeannie Sullivan, Phillip Szuromi, Cindy Taylor, 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 - Interior renovations in both the kitchen and parish house are expected to be completed by Memorial Day, (May 29). The walls have been painted, a 3-compartment sink & automatic dishwasher have been installed, and new floor tiles have been installed in the expanded kitchen space. A curb has been installed outside the kitchen to contain a new herb garden that will be created. New ceiling tiles, vinyl flooring, and brighter energy-efficient LED light fixtures have been installed in the parish hall. The individual room-sized HVAC units in the offices and classrooms have been replaced and vinyl flooring has been installed in the hallway at the conference room end of the parish house. Work has begun on preparing the space for the installation of an elevator to the second floor. Meanwhile, the outside 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 renovations currently underway. Please make your donation to the Centennial Capital Campaign to help us prepare our facilities for the next 100 years!
CHARITABLE TRUSTS & ANNUITIES - Charitable Trusts are irrevocable trusts to which you transfer assets providing a stream of income or funding for St. James Episcopal Church. A Charitable Annuity is a contract with St. James in which you receive a regular payment for life based on the value of assets transferred to St. James. These giving options are slightly more complicated than other methods previously presented here in the Sentinel. These arrangements can be discussed as options with a financial advisor or estate planning advisor.
PLEASE NOTE: Seek the advice of a financial advisor, estate planning advisor, tax advisor and/or attorney for help with income, estate, gift tax and other legal aspects of including St. James Episcopal Church in your estate planning. St. James cannot and does not provide tax or any other legal advice. You should not use this information for decisions relating to your circumstances. For more information about legacy giving options at St. James, contact: Robert Williams, St. James Advisor (865) 558-1779, or Rev. John Mark Wiggers, Rector (865) 357-0663
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. 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. 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 $637,939 in gifts to our Centennial Capital Campaign - 31.9% 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, Paul Cate, 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, Linda Grandstrom, Susan Gray, Stacy Hall, Patricia Hammer, Drew Harper, Victoria Hawkins & Bryce Giesler, 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, Gay Thompson, 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. Join Fr. John Mark April 16-30 at 9:15 am on Sundays. We will be discussing resurrection and what that means for us right now.
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.
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. From April 18 through the end of May, Drew Jeske-Polyak will be leading the discussion group in learning to share stories as a form of Episcopal Evangelism. 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. We will continue with our study and discussion of the scriptures for upcoming Sunday services through the Day of Pentecost (which is the last Sunday in May this year). No advance preparation is required - come and join a lively discussion and usually lunch at a local restaurant afterwards. 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,
10 THINGS CHRISTIANS GET WRONG - “Love your neighbor as yourself,” Jesus said (Mark 12:31). Who among us wouldn’t agree with that statement? When I’m sitting in a pew on Sunday and my pastor teaches that concept, I nod my head in agreement. When I’m having quiet time and I happen upon that verse, I feel confident and slightly proud. Of course I love my neighbor. God told me to. It’s easy, right? Well, yes—until it’s not. Because reality is rarely as simple as the theoretical. I love the idea of loving my neighbor, truly. I profess love and try to live in such a way as to practice it. I want to offer to others what God gave so freely to me. But when I look, literally around my neighborhood, what do I see? Houses I pass every day filled with people I’ve never seen. People to nod at as we drive past, but whose names I do not know. Houses that are suddenly empty, and I can only assume someone passed away because my impression is that an elderly man once lived there, but I’m not even sure. What kind of neighbor does this make me? I’m not wanting to beat myself—or you—up, but the truth is, we all make mistakes when trying to love our neighbor. Even if we mean well, even if we’re intentional about reaching out, there are likely things each of us could do better. Look at 10 of the mistakes every Christian makes when trying to love their neighbor by clicking 
FORWARD MOVEMENT - Luke 24:41 While in their joy they were disbelieving and still wondering, [Jesus] said to them, “Have you anything here to eat?”
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, Aug 20, Aug 27, Sep 10, Sep 17, & Sep 24. Please contact Linda Goins for information 
EVANGELISM IS STORYTELLING - Every Tuesday from April 18 through the end of May, Drew Jeske-Polyak will be leading the Tuesday morning discussion group in learning to share stories as a form of Episcopal Evangelism from 11 am - noon on Zoom. Having completed the necessary coursework last year, Drew is a licensed Diocesan Evangelical Facilitator. All the materials will be provided, just bring yourselves. Please join us as we travel the road of discovery and what it means to embrace evangelism in the Episcopal Church. Register to join the group by contacting Margaret Bickley 
BURRITOS FOR JUSTICE - On Tuesday April 25th from 5:45 pm - 6:15 pm St. James will be providing "drive-through" service in our parking lot! We will be serving delicious chili (mild) & cheese hot dog burritos and cold beverages to the first 100 people who are on their way to the Justice Knox Nehemiah Action Assembly which will be held at the Knoxville Civic Auditorium & Coliseum. Everyone is expected to be seated in the coliseum by 6:40 pm, so serving will end promptly at 6:15 pm. Burritos will be limited to one per person in each vehicle so be sure to arrive early! For more information about the Nehemiah Action Assembly, please open the 2-page flyer at 
KUDOS TO THE CREW - St. James appreciates the planning, hard work, and coordination being performed by Rick Blackburn, Wayne Wilson and the entire crew during our renovations, including: DEMOLITION - Greg & Kenneth; ELECTRICAL - Robby, Paul, Mark, B.J., Charlie, Ben, Mike & Jacob; PLUMBING - Kevin, Lenny & Tylor; HVAC - Jeff, Gary, Zack, Derek, Gregg & Bryson; MASONRY - Matt, Vitality & Afanasiy; PAINTING - Randy & Dylan; FLOORING - Victor, Christian & Gary; DRYWALL & CEILING - Greg, James, & Huey.
UTO ALL ABOUT GRATITUDE - Do you pause once a day to consider those things for which you are thankful? Might you use the opportunity to make a contribution to your little blue box? We collect the funds on Mother’s Day, May 14. A GRATITUDE PRAYER Dearest Lord, For the gift of life, I thank thee. For the rising sun and the seasonal promise of plants and flowers that will surround me, I thank thee. For my family and friends and the gifts they share, I thank thee. For my home and all its comforts within, I thank thee. For the abundance you give me and my willingness to share it with others, I thank thee. For the wisdom of my elders and my ability to listen, I thank thee. For acceptance of the challenges that I face every day, I thank thee. For strength and courage to act for justice and peace, I thank thee. For knowledge that without you I have nothing, I thank thee. And for the end-of-day blessings before I sleep, I thank you gracious Lord. Source: Mrs. Kathryn A. Leno St. Andrew, Florence, Oregon, United Thank Offering Representative Diocese of Oregon
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 
The Episcopal Diocese of East Tennessee is committed to protecting each child of God. The Safe Church, Safe Communities training program teaches us how exploitation and harassment can occur, the awareness we need to prevent such occurrences, and how to respond should such an incident occur. Accordingly, persons in leadership roles at St. James are required to complete specific courses in the Safe Church, Safe Communities training program. A CHART highlighting the required courses for each position can be downloaded from 
button. Failure to click the final black button will prevent you from obtaining your certificate of completion for the course.
REVELATION - NOT WHAT YOU THINK - Beginning Wednesday, May 3, Marie Cantrell will present a 6 week in-person class on the Book of Revelation. The class will meet at St. James each Wednesday morning from 10 am - 11:15 am. Kevin Jeske-Polyak, who recently participated in the class, reports, "This series really delivers as promised! After this class, you will have learned how to read the book in its proper context without coming away thinking it is all about gloom and doom! Marie helps us discover how it is actually about hope in the face of suffering." At least six registrants will be required for the class to meet. Register now by sending an email to 
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 - Interior renovations in both the kitchen and parish house are expected to be completed by Memorial Day, (May 29). The walls have been painted, a 3-compartment sink & automatic dishwasher have been installed, and new floor tiles have been installed in the expanded kitchen space. A curb has been installed outside the kitchen to contain a new herb garden that will be created. New ceiling tiles, vinyl flooring, and brighter energy-efficient LED light fixtures have been installed in the parish hall. The individual room-sized HVAC units in the offices and classrooms have been replaced and vinyl flooring has been installed in the hallway at the conference room end of the parish house. Work has begun on preparing the space for the installation of an elevator to the second floor. Meanwhile, the outside 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 renovations currently underway. Please make your donation to the Centennial Capital Campaign to help us prepare our facilities for the next 100 years! 
CHARITABLE TRUSTS & ANNUITIES - Charitable Trusts are irrevocable trusts to which you transfer assets providing a stream of income or funding for St. James Episcopal Church. A Charitable Annuity is a contract with St. James in which you receive a regular payment for life based on the value of assets transferred to St. James. These giving options are slightly more complicated than other methods previously presented here in the Sentinel. These arrangements can be discussed as options with a financial advisor or estate planning advisor.
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. 
INVEST IN ST. JAMES - To date, we have secured $637,939 in gifts to our Centennial Capital Campaign - 31.9% of our $2 million fundraising goal. 
