It is the time of year when the kids go back to school, football gets going, and afternoon thunderstorms are likely. Seasons remind me that we also experience changing levels of activity and growth individually and as a community. St. James has seen some physical changes lately. I will say again that those space changes will shape some changes in how we do ministry.
Changing seasons also has me looking to the past. As we celebrate 100 years of ministry, we look back and remember those who have come before. Even if we haven't been here long, there are names on the wall, stories being told, and prayers lingering from days gone by. Believing that we walk with the communion of saints as we live in the eternal that is happening right now, those who have gone before share in the prayers we offer even now. The community may have changed, the methods of ministry have been adapted, and you can watch the service on a handheld device. Our mission of reconciling the world to Christ carries on.
You participate in sharing the love of Christ when you welcome the person who shows up on Sunday looking for a safe community. Your gifts help us feed our neighbors. Your presence in the justice ministry gives us the power to advocate for the homeless, young people, and those with mental illness. The prayers that we pray are joined by all the saints who have worshiped here over the years. We continue into new seasons remembering the old.
Thank you for weathering the seasons with the St. James Community. Please consider what you can give to our capital campaign and help us continue into many more seasons. Also, take a look around and see who might serve us well on our vestry. Let me know who that might be. Most of all, know that God is with you through all the seasons of life.
Peace,
Fr. John Mark
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/Greenery are needed for Aug 20; Sep 24; Oct 1, 8, 15, & 29; Nov. 5, 19, & 26; and Dec 3 & 17.
SPIRITUALITY OF HUMMINGBIRDS -Hummingbirds, with their delicate and vibrant existence, hold a profound spirituality that captivates the hearts of many. These enchanting creatures are more than just graceful aviators; they embody the essence of spiritual connection and transcendence. In various cultures, hummingbirds are often associated with joy, healing, and resilience. Their ability to hover effortlessly in mid-air with their iridescent feathers shimmering under the sunlight inspires a sense of awe and wonder, reminding us of the miraculous beauty that surrounds us. Moreover, their rapid wing beats, creating a gentle humming sound, symbolize the rhythm of life and the harmony found within the natural world. Hummingbirds invite us to slow down, appreciate the presentmoment, and seek solace in the stillness amidst life's chaos. They serve as messengers, bridging the earthly realm with the divine, reminding us to embrace our spirituality and connect with our higher selves. Observing these tiny beings flit from flower to flower, gracefully sipping nectar, one cannot help but feel a profound connection to something greater than themselves. The spirituality of hummingbirds serves as a gentle reminder that beauty and magic can be found even in the smallest and most fleeting moments of life.
FORWARD MOVEMENT -Acts 16:28b.Do not harm yourself, for we are all here.
What happens when the bars fall? In this account, Paul and Barnabas find themselves in jail. While they are singing and praying, an earthquake hits the jail, all the doors open, and their chains unfasten. This unloosing terrifies the jailer, who prepares to kill himself in shame and despair. But the loosening of the chains can never be cause for sorrow. Paul and Barnabas, ever alert to God’s saving power, rejoice with the jailer, baptizing him and his household. If our lingering wail is “I was afraid,” we will often feel bound by chains of shame or remorse and imprisoned by bars of sadness and failure. But as Charles Wesley wrote in one of his most soaring hymns:
I woke, the dungeon flamed with light;
my chains fell off, my heart was free,
I rose, went forth, and followed thee. Source Forward Day by Day
THURSDAY DISCUSSION GROUP - This week and next week the Thursday Discussion Group will view and discuss the PBS show "Mama Bears" about women who have stepped in to serve as substitute mothers for LBGTQI+ individuals whose families have rejected them for their beliefs. The following two weeks (August 17th and 24th) we will be treated to a continuation of our discussions led by Fr. RJ where we explore the idea of scripture as a developing and ongoing conversation. We will be focusing on the use by some of Biblical texts out of context to justify ideas such as prohibiting women from assuming church leadership roles or excluding members of the LBTQI+ community from even membership in the church community.
NEIGHBOR DAY & RUMMAGE SALE -The annual Neighbor Day Online Auction is an exciting affair where high-value or unique items are sold to the highest bidder to support the ministries of outreach at St. James. The goal of the auction is to generate higher bids to maximize the funds raised. The atmosphere is playfully competitive as participants bid against each other to “win”! In contrast, the annual Episcopal Church Women’s Rummage Sale features gently used or no-longer needed items that are offered at low prices to support the missions and ministries of the St. James Episcopal Church Women. It is a very relaxed event that focuses on fun, fellowship, and finding bargains! This year, our Neighbor Day Auction will be held Sun, Sep 24 – Sat, Oct 7. For several months, we have been asking local businesses to support our event by donating merchandise or gift cards. Currently, we are asking the family and friends of St. James to donate high-value or unique items to include in the auction. Our Rummage Sale will be held on Sat, Oct 21. Gently used or no-longer needed items will be collected for the rummage sale Sun, Oct 15 – Thu, Oct 19. If you have some items you would like to donate but cannot decide whether they would be more appropriate for the auction or the rummage sale, contact Drew Jeske-Polyak jeskepolyak@gmail.com 865-659-6742. He will help you decide!
BLESSINGS OF THE BACKPACKS -It is that time of year! Back to school! (School and Backpacks go together!) Young children, teenagers, young adults, and perhaps some mature adults are heading back to school. Buying school supplies in this economy is tough. Prices keep rising, and the purchase of more and more school supplies has become the responsibility of the "student" (and family). For those of us who want to and can, let's bless these students with some school supplies or backpacks. Each student deserves to shine, striving for success in learning. Make the school year brighter (and the load lighter) for them by donating what you can. We will celebrate "Blessings of the Backpacks" on Sunday, August 13th. This is when all donated backpacks and supplies will be blessed. This year, Father John Mark will be handing out crosses to keep with you in your backpack to remind you that God is by your side every step of the way. If you would like any additional information, please contact Theresa Russell at tde444@yahoo.com or 727-858-8444.
MEDICAL RESPONSE TEAM -The Medical Response Team at St. James is a group of persons who have first aid and CPR training and who are willing to be assigned to serve on a rotating basis in case of an emergency during a service at the church. Ushers keep watchful eyes on the congregation and can alert a Medical Response Team member if someone is in need of assistance. In case of emergencies, there is an automated external defibrillator(AED) available as well as a first aid kit and blood pressure cuff. The Medical Response Team member may designate someone to get those items or to call 911, if needed. If you are a healthcare worker and are interested in serving with this team, please contact Margaret Bickley mbick7@gmail.com or Kevin Jeske-Polyak kevin@stjamesknox.org.
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 starting homeschooling for their son needs a computer. If you can help contact Hannah at hambrose@cokesbury.tv. A young, single mother just moved into housing in the 37918 area and needs a microwave. If you can help contact mikayla@compassioncoalition.org or call (865) 321-1304. A hard-working mom needs back-to-school clothes and shoes for her three children. If you are able to provide KARM cards for this need, please contact Katie Beth at kcrye@klf.org.
COST OF POVERTY EXPERIENCE (COPE) TRAINING - During this empathy-building poverty simulation facilitated by Compassion Coalition, you role-play what being part of a low-income community is like. In just 3 hours you will feel what it is like to live a month in the life of a family struggling to make ends meet. It breaks down preconceived notions of what poverty is really like. You may step into the role of an exhausted single mother struggling to put food on the table, a lonely senior citizen who must choose between rent and medication, or an unemployed father of 4 struggling with addiction. As you navigate the resources available in your community you begin to see the world through their eyes. You feel the chaos and anxiety of poverty. You will come away forever changed. Date: September 9th from 9 am to 12 pm Location: Cokesbury in the Gathering Place (9919 Kingston Pike, Knoxville 37922) COST: $25 for Compassion Coalition members (including St. James), and $50 for non-members. RSVPs are REQUIRED contact training@compassioncoalition.org.
SUMMER SCHOOL -The summer months are a great time to review your status regarding the Safe Church Training every clergy member, paid staff, youth ministry worker, elected officer, and key holder at St. James is required to maintain. Depending on the role(s) in which you serve, you may be required to maintain certification in several of the courses offered online by the Diocese of East Tennessee listed below:
Introduction & Theological Background
Organizational Rules & Policies
Healthy Boundaries
Power and Relationships
Abuse & Neglect
Inclusion
Pastoral Relationships
Preventing Sexual Harassment for Workers
Bullying
Duty to Report: Mandated Reporter
Episcopal Diocese of East Tennessee
If you are unsure about the training you should receive, or whether you need to refresh your certification, please email Kevin Jeske-Polyak kevin@stjamesknox.org. He will guide you through the process.
JUSTICE KNOX NEWS -Our justice ministry is growing! This fall we have four new Team Leaders who will be hosting House Meetings and growing organized people power for justice in our community. Marilyn Canady, Kim Yearman, and Kevin & Drew Jeske-Polyak have agreed to take on the Team Leader role which means they will be hosting House Meetings this fall and shepherding Network Members through their commitments to this work. Please congratulate our newest Team Leaders as they step into their new roles. If you want to learn more about Justice Knox and making Knoxville a more just community, please contact Fr. John Mark Wiggers jwiggers@stjamesknox.org, Carol Yates cyates0222@gmail.com, or Mark Reddaway markreddaway1953@icloud.com.
TYSON HOUSE CLEANUP DAY - Calling area congregations, supporters, & friends of Tyson House!!! In preparation for the arrival of students back to campus, we're asking for YOUR help!! With all that's happening with a building transition, it looks like we WILL be at Tyson House through the Fall semester. Please come and help us usher in the next season of campus ministry at the University of Tennessee on SATURDAY, AUGUST 12th from 9 am - 1 pm. We need help cleaning up INSIDE & OUTSIDE! So bring your work gloves, wear comfortable clothes, and if you have tools bring 'em! We do have plenty of cleaning supplies, but could probably use another broom or two as well. We'll gather at 9 am with a brief prayer. Lunch (pizza) will be provided at Noon. And we'll have plenty of water as well! Many hands makes light (and fast) work! Y'all come!! QUESTIONS? Please contact Fr. RJ Powell - rjpowell@gmail.com
CELEBRATING 50 -If you have shared in the joy of knowing Marvin Romines & Danny Reynolds over the years, come join them for a Celebration Cruise on Sunday, August 13th @ 12 pm (noon) aboard The Star of Knoxville. Celebrate Marvin's 50th, enjoy friendship, free food, music, and non-alcoholic beverages. Cash bar available. Arrive and board the vessel between noon - 1 pm. Sail between 1 pm - 3 pm. Reservations are required. Please RSVP via TEXT to 865-332-8659 no later than August 10.
CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS -As we continue to hold Sunday morning worship services, weekly discussion groups, community meetings, and social events in the newly renovated Parish Hall, we await final inspection of the newly installed elevator to the second floor. Intensive renovations in the Nave are nearing completion and the parking lots have been repaired, seal-coated, and re-striped. Meanwhile, graceful iron double swing gates have been installed at the entrances to our courtyard. These gates will remain open during daytime hours through the week. They will be closed in the evening to protect and preserve the beauty of our courtyard for everyone to enjoy during the daytime. 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 keep up with the expenses incurred thus far as we prepare our facilities for the next 100 years!
CATHEDRAL CHAIR DEDICATIONS -Over 55 of our new cathedral chairs have been sponsored in thanksgiving or in memory of loved ones by family, friends, and St. James ministry groups. Our solid red oak chairs will have the look and feel of pew seating but they will be much more comfortable and allow for greater seating flexibility.You are invited to "sponsor" an individual cathedral chair(s) by making a $500 cash contribution to St. James Episcopal Church. In exchange for your cash contribution, the backside of each chair you sponsor will be fitted with an engraved brass plate commemorating your gift. 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. Below are examples of the dedications that have already been secured. Three more examples will be displayed next week!
INVEST IN ST. JAMES -To date, we have secured $740,988 in gifts to our Centennial Capital Campaign - 37.0% of our $2 million fundraising goal.
Campaign Donations: $385,871
Additional Pledged Donations: $320,947
Cathedral Chair Donations: $28,000
Pew Purchase Donations: $2,700
Quilt Signature Donations: $3,470
TOTAL: $740,988 (37.0% 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 nearly complete as renovations in the nave 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 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, The Rev. Larry & Faye Beach, 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, Robin & David Penegar, Steven Pierce, Nancy Pullen & David Preuss, Lou Ann 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, Janet Van Der Dussen, Jimmie & Carolyn Wheeler, John Mark & Liz Wiggers, Dean Wiggers, Richard Wilson, 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.
TUE: Tuesday Morning Discussion Group. (Zoom). 11 am - noon. Meeting ID 816 8271 5668 and Passcode 481655. Contact: Margaret mbick7@gmail.com, 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: rondmorton@gmail.com for the link.
THU: Thursday Study Group. (Parish Hall). 10 am - Aug 3 & 10 we will view and discuss the PBS show "Mama Bears" about women who have stepped in to serve as substitute mothers for LBGTQI+ individuals whose families have rejected them for their beliefs. Aug 17 & 24 we will continue our discussions led by Fr. RJ where we explore the idea of scripture as a developing and ongoing conversation. Call or email Nancy Pullen with any questions - 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.thornburg16@gmail.com or mbick7@gmail.com.
SAT: Helping Hands Ministry Group. (St. James Food Pantry). 9 am - 10 am every other Saturday (Aug 12, Aug 26). Feeding and tending God's sheep in our neighborhood by taking prayer requests and distributing bags of groceries. Contact Ginny Combs gcombs1947@outlook.com for more information. The 3rd Sunday of the month is "Bring An Item" Day at St. James to support Helping Hands. This month (Aug 20) everyone is encouraged to bring a bottle of Hand/Body Lotion.
SAT: Prayer Shawl Ministry Group. (Library). 10 am every First Saturday of the month. Compassion and the love of knitting and crocheting are combined into a prayerful ministry and spiritual practice which reaches out to neighbors in need of comfort and solace, as well as in celebration and joy. Contact Suzanne Farkas sfarkas1926@gmail.com for more information.
SAT: Episcopal Church Women. (Parish Hall). 10 am every Third Saturday of the month. Enjoying hands-on involvement in church life, celebrating the children of St James, and sponsoring parish-wide opportunities including the annual Rummage Sale, and events like the September picnic. Contact Nancy Pullen nepullen@gmail.com for more information.
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
It is the time of year when the kids go back to school, football gets going, and afternoon thunderstorms are likely. Seasons remind me that we also experience changing levels of activity and growth individually and as a community. St. James has seen some physical changes lately. I will say again that those space changes will shape some changes in how we do ministry. 
THURSDAY DISCUSSION GROUP - 
