As our renovations wrap up, there are little details that need attention. Maybe there was a scratch somewhere, or a lock that sticks, and there is the work of adjusting the new heating and air system. When one thing changes there are often other changes that occur. This is true of our lives as well. Many of us (myself included) resist change. I can have grand ideas about positive change and then easily slide back into old patterns.
Changing our minds and hearts was the primary message of Jesus. ("Repent" can be translated as "change your minds and hearts.") As we look at some of the loudest voices in our world, we hear messages that separate, demonize, and encourage violence. Our world needs people who are seeking to love others. We can be a place that helps us all seek the transformation of our minds and hearts so that we can love others with the love of Christ.
We have doubled down on our commitment to be in place as we have done some work on our actual property. St. James has also been a community that worked for the transformation of our minds and hearts. We have lived that by being a welcoming place that proclaims that God is with us and that God loves us. Not everybody knows that so we prepare and equip ourselves for being a place that proclaims that into our next 100 years.
The St. James community has seen many changes over the past 100 years. We will see more changes. Through all of that, we turn our hearts and minds to Christ. We share the love that has been given to us.
The witness to God's love is what we celebrate as we approach our 100th anniversary. Thank you for supporting the work we are doing to keep that ministry going. Join with us on September 17 and beyond as we celebrate what God is doing at 1101 Broadway.
Peace,
Fr. John Mark
FORWARD DAY BY DAY -Mark 10:38b.Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?
When I was a child in the Methodist church, we used to sing a rousing hymn: "Are ye able," said the Master, "To be crucified with me?" "Yea," the sturdy dreamers answered, "To the death we follow thee." "Lord, we are able. Our spirits are thine. Remold them, make us, like thee divine."
To a young boy, this song heralded bravery, courage, adventure, and glory - just the things James and John imagined for themselves when they asked Jesus for one teensy favor: to let them sit next to him in glory. But Jesus dashes the hopes of James and John - and all our hopes for easy glory - with the reminder that greatness resides in service and suffering, not in places of honor. And the question still begs our response: Are you able? We dare not sing this great hymn unless we mean to be remolded, remade, and placed next to Jesus on his road to the glory of the cross. Source Forward Day by Day
WHAT'S IN A NAME - The word "sentinel" chosen for the name of the St. James weekly newsletter is a metaphorical representation of the role that the newsletter plays in promoting our ministry and church life. Just as a sentinel is a guard who keeps watch and provides protection, our weekly newsletter acts as a sentinel by monitoring and reporting on events and issues that affect and are affected by our mission to feed and tend God's sheep. It serves as a guardian of our community, ensuring that important information is brought to light and our neighbors remain informed about the current affairs of our parish.
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 Sep 24; Oct 1, 8, 15, & 29; Nov. 5, 19, & 26; and Dec 3 & 17. Please contact Linda Goins for information lgoins@stjamesknox.org or 865-523-5687.
IN-PERSON BIBLE STUDY - Contemporary Bible study is a practice that seeks to explore and understand the teachings of the Bible in the context of modern times. It involves the examination of biblical texts, their historical and cultural backgrounds, as well as the application of those teachings to contemporary issues and challenges faced by individuals and society. Beginning Wednesday, Sep 20, we will meet in-person to explore two short stories, a melodrama, a play, a fractured fairy tale and more -- all found in the books of Jonah, Ruth, Job, Ester, and others. Led by Marie Cantrell, our in-person Bible study class will take place Wednesday mornings from 10 am - 11:15 am, September 20 - October 25 in Conference Room A. If interested, contact Marie Cantrell, mariewcantrell@gmail.com.
DEDICATION CEREMONY & CELEBRATION - As we near completion of the renovations at St. James, mark the date for a very special Dedication Ceremony & Celebration on Sunday, September 17th. The dedication will take place during the 10:30 am morning worship service in the Nave with The Rt. Rev Bishop Brian Cole in attendance. The celebration will continue immediately afterwards with a reception in the Parish Hall featuring celebratory cakes baked by our members (their favorites), finger food savories, soft beverages and champagne. Join us for this ceremony & celebration 100 years in the making! Note: There will be no 8 am worship service on September 17th. Regular 8 am attendees are encouraged to attend the 10:30 am service.
NEIGHBOR DAY AUCTION -We have begun to post items for the 2023 St. James Neighbor Day Online Auction at sjneighborday.com! We will continue to add more items every week through September 24th. Take a look at all the wonderful gifts being offered thus far! Our annual 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 atmosphere is playfully competitive as participants bid against each other to “win”! This year, our Neighbor Day Auctionwill be held during the 2-week period of Sun, Sep 24 – Sat, Oct 7. For several months now, we have been asking local businesses to support our event by donating merchandise or gift cards. Now, we are asking the family and friends of St. James to donate items to include in the auction. If you have some items you think would be great for our fundraising auction, please contact Drew Jeske-Polyak jeskepolyak@gmail.com 865-659-6742. Here are some of the gift items already donated for this year's Neighbor Day Auction:
23-006 Nothing Too Fancy 23-009 Electric Toothbrush 23-014 Aubrey's
23-016 Alumni Hall 23-020 3-D Play Carpet 23-014 Noritake Ivory China
DOORSTEP VIDEO -Have you ever wondered what the St. James Doorstep Ministry Group volunteers do to help feed and tend God's Sheep here in Knoxville? Click on the image of Jane Clift to watch a short video featuring Jane, Linda Chapman, Patty Chase, Pam Strickland, and Kim Yearman - five of our parishioners who regularly volunteer their time to support this important outreach ministry. Find out what motivates them to do it and what a difference it makes to those who are served. Distribution of meals and resources to individuals and families experiencing food insecurity plays a crucial role in alleviating hunger, providing nourishment, and creating a more inclusive and compassionate society. To find out even more about the activities of the St. James Doorstep Ministry Group or to explore volunteer opportunities, contact Pam Strickland pamstrickland@mac.com or call 865-523-5687. Any of our Doorstep volunteers will be happy to share their experiences.
FLIPPING PANCAKES AT ST. JAMES - Pancake breakfast fundraisers are a popular and effective way for communities to come together and support a cause. These events typically involve volunteers cooking up stacks of fluffy pancakes, serving them with delicious toppings like syrup and fresh fruit, and offering a variety of beverages to accompany the meal. Not only do they provide a tasty start to the day, they also create a sense of camaraderie and unity as people gather around tables, enjoying good food and conversation. Whether you're flipping pancakes, spreading butter, or simply enjoying the delicious breakfast, participating in a pancake breakfast fundraiser is a wonderful way to give back to your community and make a positive impact. We are currently considering formation of a team to plan, coordinate, and promote Game Day Pancake Breakfasts at St. James. These breakfasts would take place in the morning every Saturday whenever a home UT Football game is played. This year, the 7 dates are Sep 09, Sep 23, Sep 30, Oct 14, Nov 04, Nov 18, & Nov 25. If you would like to help with this initiative by being a member of a St. James Pancake Breakfast Team, please express your interest to DeAnna Franklin sweetdeee216@gmail.com or Kevin Jeske-Polyak kevin@stjamesknox.org today! It won't be long before it's "football time" in Tennessee.
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 single mom has been approved for housing and needs move-in essentials for her and her two children, such as; cleaning supplies, kitchen & cooking utensils, and furniture. If you can assist, contact Katie Beth at kcrye@klf.org.
A newly housed veteran in the 37917 area needs a TV, a can opener, cookware, and bakeware. If able to assist, please email evan.baker1@va.gov or call 423-767-9609.
A 47-year-old woman who is going back to school online for business administration needs a used or refurbished printer/scanner. If you can help contact anne.singleton@cherokeehealth.com
LIFE LINE SCREENING - St. James is pleased to be partnering with Life Line Screening to offer cardiovascular screenings in our neighborhood. Advanced ultrasound technology looks inside your arteries for signs of plaque buildup. That's why 9 out of 10 cardiovascular doctors support preventive screening for all adults age 50+ and others who are age 40+ with high risk factors that may include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, smoking, or family history. Four different screenings will be offered for one church discounted price of $149, but you MUST register for an appointment. The screenings will take place in the Parish Hall right here at St. James on Thursday, September 28, 2023. To reserve your appointment, please call 1-800-640-6307 or visit LLSA.SOCIAL/HC. Click HERE to download the a flyer which includes a more detailed description of the four different screenings.
HELPING HANDS NEWS & NOTES - This Sunday, August 20 is "Bring An Item" Sunday. This month it's hand/body lotion, a request from our clients. As always items can be brought to church at any time, and we sincerely appreciate your generosity and support. For your convenience 2023 Bring An Item list magnets are available in the tract rack in the hall by the kitchen door. As the new school year begins, some schools in Knox County have announced the community service requirements for students for the 2023/2024 school year. Helping Hands is a wonderful way to fulfill those commitments, as many of our St James youth have done over the years. It is an important ministry to our neighbors and our church. We can be flexible and schedule service times to fit the student's needs. For more information, or to schedule a visit, please contact Ginny Combs-(865) 964-6383, gcombs1947@outlook.com.
MOVING INTO THE NEXT 100 YEARS -Thanks to each of you who has helped to bring us this far with your gifts and pledges to our Centennial Capital Campaign. To date, we have secured $754,338 in gifts and pledges as outlined below:
Campaign Donations: $396,621
Additional Pledged Donations: $320,547
Cathedral Chair Donations: $31,000
Old Pew Purchase Donations: $2,700
Quilt Signature Donations: $3,470
If you have been prayerfully thinking about making a donation or a pledge, now would be a great time to help accelerate the progress we have made toward reaching our $2M goal. Click the following links to explore the many different ways to support our Capital Campaign as we move into the next 100 years. Access a Capital Campaign Pledge Form at THIS LINK. Access a Cathedral Chair Sponsorship Form at THIS LINK. Access a Legacy Giving Brochure at 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 & Children, SuAnne Cobb & Margaret Bickley, Brian Cole, Bill & Ginny Combs, Thomas & Rebecca Cox, Lee Creech & Beth Meyer, Katharine Pearson Criss, Janet Dees, Linda Denton, Theresa DeRosa, Boyce & Susan Driskell, Duane & Linda Dunlap, Kristin (Dunlap) Eddy, Bea Emory, Episcopal Church Women, Scott Erwin, Financial Marketplace, Inc., Linda Fitzpatrick, Lou Ann Gaby, Charles Goan, 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, 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, Annette Norris (in memory), Mary Nelle Osborne, Powell & Susan Partridge, Robin & David Penegar, Steven Pierce & Carla McKeethren, Charlotte & Joe Moellendick, Nancy Pullen & David Preuss, Lou Ann Robinson, Jim Rowland, Gerald Segroves, Kenneth & Kathleen Sherfick, St. James Handbell Ensemble, 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, Michelle & Bob Williams, Richard Wilson, Butch & Carol Yates, Bill & Kim Yearman, and Steven & Elizabeth Campbell Young, Jeffrey & Alice Zaher.
CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS -As we get closer to our planned Dedication Ceremony & Celebration on Sunday, September 17th, final renovations are still underway in the nave and the parish house. The organ & audiovisual equipment has been returned to the nave for reinstallation as we await delivery of our new cathedral chairs in early September. The brass plates from the old pews have been polished and mounted on a wooden panel crafted from the old pews. Meanwhile, the flooring in the choir rehearsal room has been replaced and the walls have been repainted. If you have not already provided a gift or pledge to the Centennial Capital Campaign, please consider doing so now to help us pay for all the improvements that have been made. Click the images below for a closer look!
CATHEDRAL CHAIR DEDICATIONS -More than 60 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!
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.
WED: In-person Bible Study. (Conf Room A). 10 am - 11:15 am, Sep 20 -Oct 25. Exploring two short stories, a melodrama, a play, a fractured fairy tale and more -- all found in the books of Jonah, Ruth, Job, Ester, and others. If interested, contact Marie Cantrell, mariewcantrell@gmail.com.
THU: Thursday Study Group. (Parish Hall). 10 am. Continuing 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. (Food Pantry). 9 am - 10 am every other Saturday. Feeding and tending God's sheep by taking prayer requests and distributing bags of groceries. The 3rd Sunday of the month is "Bring An Item" Day to support Helping Hands. Contact Ginny Combs gcombs1947@outlook.com for more information.
SAT: Prayer Shawl Ministry Group. (Library). 10 am every First Saturday of the month. Knitting and crocheting combined into a prayerful ministry and spiritual practice reaching 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. 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
As our renovations wrap up, there are little details that need attention. Maybe there was a scratch somewhere, or a lock that sticks, and there is the work of adjusting the new heating and air system. When one thing changes there are often other changes that occur. This is true of our lives as well. Many of us (myself included) resist change. I can have grand ideas about positive change and then easily slide back into old patterns. 
FORWARD DAY BY DAY -
ALTAR FLOWERS -
DEDICATION CEREMONY & CELEBRATION - 
FLIPPING PANCAKES AT ST. JAMES - 
HELPING HANDS NEWS & NOTES - 
MOVING INTO THE NEXT 100 YEARS -
CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS -
