This Sunday is Mother's Day. In the United States, Mother's Day began as a peace movement (even pacifist for some) during the Civil War. Mothering Sunday was initially associated with returning to your "mother" church in the United Kingdom. Thinking of the motherly deal itself, the notion of a community that nurtures us rings true for what a church can be. The church can also be that place that works to bring peace and reconciliation to those who have been pitted against one another. Those are high standards for mothers and for the church.
In the present time, we celebrate our mothers for bringing us into this world and raising us. We will pray for mothers this weekend. We will do that as we gather in the community that gives us strength and comfort in our lives. The actual physical space our community gathers in is changing. This Sunday is our last one in the nave before renovations to that space begin. For the next few months, we will worship in the parish hall. No matter the space, we will find ourselves nurtured and also empowered.
Thank you for your patience and flexibility during this time. It is exciting to see all the changes and anticipate how we can make use of the space to welcome others and do ministry. Your gifts to the campaign are an important part of this work. Please consider a pledge if you have not done so.
As I said last week, we will also look for ways to be together. See below for announcements about opportunities to just be together. This Tuesday (May 16) many of us will make a pilgrimage to see the movie “The Way” at the Downtown West Regal Theater. Mark Sunday, June 4 on your calendar as we will have a potluck following the 10:30 service. Monday, June 12 will be the Justice Knox Celebration (location TBD). St. James will celebrate the 118 people we brought to the Nehemiah Action. Please share your hopes for ways that we can be together to find nurture, peace, growth, and community in our mothering space.
Peace,
Fr. John Mark
OUR TRADITION . . .
FULFILLING OUR DREAM (1995) - Just as we are currently documenting and anxiously await the completion of our Centennial renovation project, St. James was doing something similar in 1995. That year, St. James coordinated a Capital Campaign to perform major expansion of the church campus to continue to improve in feeding and tending God's sheep. Take a step back in time and relive those memories by viewing the 30-minute documentary written by Marilyn Canady, narrated by Barbara Hickey, and produced by the congregants of St. James Church. Just click THIS LINK to watch the video.
ONE WEEK REMAINING - There is only 1 week remaining to claim one of the old pews in the Nave. Available for purchase for a minimum $300 donation to the church, several pews have already been purchased by church family members. One (1) of the remaining pews can be shortened. Any of the rest must remain full length. All pews must be claimed and picked up prior to May 21st. If you know someone else who may be interested in purchasing one or more pews, let them know now, before it's too late. Pews may be purchased by submitting a downloadable reservation request form at THIS LINK, along with your payment. Details pertaining to purchasing a pew are included on the form. For more information, please contact Fr. John Mark jwiggers@stjamesknox.org or Kevin kevin@stjamesknox.org.
THE PRESENT . . .
FORWARD MOVEMENT -Wisdom 15:2. For even if we sin we are yours, knowing your power; but we will not sin, because we know that you acknowledge us as yours.
I recently led a Bible study that took a long detour into a discussion of sin. It’s not something we usually talk about in groups, but the truth is that we all think about sin. Our discussion centered on the issue that people usually discuss when sin comes up in a Bible study: the root of sin is too much self-focus. Together we confess sins known and unknown or things done and left undone. When we sin, we fail to recognize the divine image in others and in ourselves. The comment that surprised me most came near the end of our discussion, and it was good news. Even though we all sin—confessing things known and unknown came up again—God loves us anyway. This is a truth the Book of Wisdom revealed ages ago, but it’s easy for us to forget. When we confront sin in our lives, we can trust Wisdom and know that we belong to God and that drawing closer to God leads us to righteousness. Source Forward Day by Day
NAVE "CLOSING" - On Sunday, May 21 we will begin worshipping in our newly renovated Parish Hall for several months while major upgrades are being performed in the Nave. Join us as we adapt to our new temporary surroundings and share this unique experience together. During this period, all parking spaces adjacent to the Parish Hall will be reserved for members of our church family who are mobility challenged. If practical, caregivers should consider transporting their loved ones to the door and parking in the main parking lot. Some of our traditions and the service itself will be modified slightly to adapt to our changed surroundings. God will be praised.
LET'S ALL GO TO THE MOVIES!-"The Way" is a film about a pilgrim on the Camino de Santiago - The Way of St. James. Widely admired by those who have seen it, the film which stars Martin Sheen is a rare work of art, uniquely balancing faith and doubt;sorrow and joy, It has garnered millions of fans across all generations. Watch the trailer at THIS LINK. On Tuesday, May 16th, for one night only, this film is showing in theaters. Join other St. James folks and make a pilgrimage to Regal Downtown West Theater to watch the film. Showtime is 7 pm. Be in the theatre parking lot at 6:30 pm to enjoy some fellowship before the movie and a chance to win a "door prize" provided by St. James. Be sure to order your tickets ahead of time while they last at THIS LINK. Log in if you have a Regal account. If not, just click the "Continue as Guest" button. See you at the movies!
NEIGHBOR DAY 2023 - Please click the image below watch an important 90-sec update regarding our 2023 Neighbor Day Celebration.
100 BUSINESS TYPES - As you think about the business establishments you patronize, places where you might present Neighbor Day customer comment cards, consider any of the following 100 types of businesses and business professionals:
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 Jun 11, Aug 20 & 27, Sep 10, Sep 17, & 24, Oct 1, 8, 15, 22, & 29. 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 disabled woman needs an Uber card to transport her to doctor's appointments, she has applied for KAT lift service but it hasn't been approved yet and she has appointments this week. If you can help contact charmin@compassioncoalition.org. A newly housed Veteran is in need of assistance obtaining furniture; a bed, table & chairs, a living room chair, coffee/side tables, lamps, etc. If able to assist, please email evan.baker1@va.gov or call (423)767-9609. A grandmother in the 37915 area is raising multiple children and needs a washing machine. If you can assist contact terri.nelson@knoxvilleheadstart.org. A 49-year-old male patient who was in a severe motor vehicle accident uses a “go chair”. The chair needs new batteries. He is working with an attorney to get disability but currently has no income. The battery needed is available on Amazon. Contact anne.singleton@cherokeehealth.com for shipping instructions. A widow in the 37921 area needs two exterior doors to replace the current doors that have been broken into. Please contact sguthrie@klf.org if you can help. A family is in need of a twin mattress for a child's bed. The mother does not have transportation so delivery would need to be coordinated. If you can help please contact Kristin.Hodge@knoxvilleheadstart.org or (865) 661-2715.
SUMMER CAMP SCHOLARSHIPS - Listen to some of our St. James youth describe what it's like to attend summer camp by clicking THIS LINK. The St. James Episcopal Church Women (ECW) ministry group has helped send kids to summer camp for generations. Usually, the funds are generated by the annual rummage sale, but because this year's sale will be delayed due to construction, we want to be sure scholarships are available now. We will eventually have the rummage sale, but we want to make sure our kiddos can go to camp! So, the ECW is excited about sponsoring a "No FUNd Raiser FUNd Raiser". How much is doing nothing going to cost? It's up to you. Any amount will help and all amounts are appreciated. To help us raise money by doing nothing, just complete the form on the bottom of the downloadable flyer at THIS LINK and leave it with an ECW member after church or deliver it to the church office.
THE CAT'S MEOW - This beautiful 11-year old 15 lb. gentleman named Rosie, and his smaller 9 lb. camera-shy sister Lily, are seeking a new loving home. Their mom, an elderly St. James parishioner, must relocate and find a new home for them, preferably together. They are both delightful lap-cats who will bring much love to their new family. Marilyn Canady can give you more details and help you reach out to their person. Please contact Marilyn at 865-384-5048 or marilyn.canady@gmail.com.
UTO ALL ABOUT GRATITUDE - You have been filling your UTO blue boxes for the last two months. Remember, THIS Sunday, May 14 is our spring ingathering. Please count your money and write a check to place in the UTO offering envelopes that will be provided on Sunday. If you wish to donate online, please place a note in the envelope that you have donated online. Be sure to indicate that your contribution is for UTO when you make the online contribution. All UTO funds go directly for projects that benefit parishes and communities throughout the country addressing a wide variety of needs, such as food insecurities, improvement of the natural world, educational needs, and other locally identified issues of concern. The UTO ingathering prayer will be used to give thanks and bless the work that will come from the funds.
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
"No FUNd Raiser FUNd Raiser" – May
UTO Spring Offering - Mother’s Day – May 14
Doorstep – Helping Hands Lunch - TBD (chili lunch in the fall?)
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
OUR FUTURE . . .
CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS - The newly renovated parish hall and kitchen have been cleared for occupancy. Soon, we will begin holding Sunday morning worship services, weekly discussion groups, community meetings, and social events in the parish hall. Work is well underway to finish the renovation of conference room A and the installation of an elevator to the second floor. The columbarium has been upgraded to double its capacity and intensive renovations in the nave will begin next week! We remain on pace to achieve 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!
OUR CATHEDRAL CHAIRS - Excitement about our new cathedral chairs continues as approximately 40 chairs have been purchased in the names of loved ones by congregants who have become chair "sponsors". Currently being built by skilled craftsmen in Nebraska 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 chair 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 $651,658 in gifts to our Centennial Capital Campaign - 32.6% 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, Kristin (Dunlap) Eddy, Bea Emory, Episcopal Church Women, Financial Marketplace, Inc., Linda Fitzpatrick, Linda Goins, Liz & Christopher Golliher, Margaret Goodman, Joseph Gouffon, Linda Granstrom, Susan Gray, Stacy Hall, Patricia Hammer, Drew Harper, Victoria Hawkins & Bryce Giesler, Barbara Hickey & David Linge, Judy Householder & Trina Hubbs, Lou Ann Gaby, Mary Ireland, Kevin & Drew Jeske-Polyak, Carl Keaney, 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, Thursday Christian Formation Class, 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. (Library). 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. (Nave). 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
FULFILLING OUR DREAM (1995) - Just as we are currently documenting and anxiously await the completion of our Centennial renovation project, St. James was doing something similar in 1995. That year, St. James coordinated a Capital Campaign to perform major expansion of the church campus to continue to improve in feeding and tending God's sheep. Take a step back in time and relive those memories by viewing the 30-minute documentary written by Marilyn Canady, narrated by Barbara Hickey, and produced by the congregants of St. James Church. Just click 
ONE WEEK REMAINING - There is only 1 week remaining to claim one of the old pews in the Nave. Available for purchase for a minimum $300 donation to the church, several pews have already been purchased by church family members. One (1) of the remaining pews can be shortened. Any of the rest must remain full length. All pews must be claimed and picked up prior to May 21st. If you know someone else who may be interested in purchasing one or more pews, let them know now, before it's too late. Pews may be purchased by submitting a downloadable reservation request form at 
NAVE "CLOSING" - On Sunday, May 21 we will begin worshipping in our newly renovated Parish Hall for several months while major upgrades are being performed in the Nave. Join us as we adapt to our new temporary surroundings and share this unique experience together. During this period, all parking spaces adjacent to the Parish Hall will be reserved for members of our church family who are mobility challenged. If practical, caregivers should consider transporting their loved ones to the door and parking in the main parking lot. Some of our traditions and the service itself will be modified slightly to adapt to our changed surroundings. God will be praised.
LET'S ALL GO TO THE MOVIES! - "The Way" is a film about a pilgrim on the Camino de Santiago - The Way of St. James. Widely admired by those who have seen it, the film which stars Martin Sheen is a rare work of art, uniquely balancing faith and doubt; sorrow and joy, It has garnered millions of fans across all generations. Watch the trailer at 
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 Jun 11, Aug 20 & 27, Sep 10, Sep 17, & 24, Oct 1, 8, 15, 22, & 29. Please contact Linda Goins for information 
UTO ALL ABOUT GRATITUDE - You have been filling your UTO blue boxes for the last two months. Remember, THIS Sunday, May 14 is our spring ingathering. Please count your money and write a check to place in the UTO offering envelopes that will be provided on Sunday. If you wish to donate online, please place a note in the envelope that you have donated online. Be sure to indicate that your contribution is for UTO when you make the online contribution. All UTO funds go directly for projects that benefit parishes and communities throughout the country addressing a wide variety of needs, such as food insecurities, improvement of the natural world, educational needs, and other locally identified issues of concern. The UTO ingathering prayer will be used to give thanks and bless the work that will come from the funds.
CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS - The newly renovated parish hall and kitchen have been cleared for occupancy. Soon, we will begin holding Sunday morning worship services, weekly discussion groups, community meetings, and social events in the parish hall. Work is well underway to finish the renovation of conference room A and the installation of an elevator to the second floor. The columbarium has been upgraded to double its capacity and intensive renovations in the nave will begin next week! We remain on pace to achieve 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! 
OUR CATHEDRAL CHAIRS - Excitement about our new cathedral chairs continues as approximately 40 chairs have been purchased in the names of loved ones by congregants who have become chair "sponsors". Currently being built by skilled craftsmen in Nebraska 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 chair will include a cushioned seat, front and rear bookracks, and a sturdy kneeler. 
