Sunday, March 24th: Palm/Passion Sunday
9:30am Processional Eucharist
Scott Baby Shower

Wednesday, March 27th
12:00 Noon Eucharist
12:45pm Pastor’s Class: From Jesus to Constantine

Thursday, March 28th: Maundy Thursday
12:00 Noon Eucharist
The Day of Jesus’ Last Supper

Friday, March 29th: Good Friday
7:00pm Worship
The Day of Jesus’ Death

Saturday, March 30th: Holy Saturday
7:00pm Worship
Prayers as Jesus Lies Entombed

Sunday, March 31st: Easter Sunday
9:30am Easter Festival Worship
The Resurrection of Our Lord
10:30am Celebration Coffee Hour Hosted by Council

“Give us this day our daily bread…”
–The Lord’s Prayer

This year our 40 day season of Lent runs head-long into the 50th anniversary of Lutheran World Hunger. At St. James we journey to Easter (March 31st) with both reflection and celebration.

REFLECTION: The cross of Christ can be a mirror. We are honest enough to see our true selves. Since Jesus stopped at nothing to love us, how can we better “reflect” that love? Join us for both Sunday and Wednesday services during this holy season.

CELEBRATION: Since 1974 Lutheran Churches in the U.S. have given over $650 million to assist the hungry in 64 countries. This is in addition to our 5-day-a-week feeding program near our church doors. Before launching into the next 50 years, we pause to “celebrate” and say “Well done!”

We move forward by sharing our generosity. We ask you to give a financial gift to St. James marked “Hunger.” Our St. James Endowment ministry has already contributed $5,000 to get us started. At the end of April, our money will be added to the gifts of the 112 other Lutheran (ELCA) churches in Oregon and given to ELCA World Hunger. Jesus’ love on the cross will be demonstrated in food and acts of love for those in need worldwide.

As we journey together,
–Pastor David

Wednesday Noon Eucharist and Church History …

We continue this mid-week service and study in Pioneer Chapel on Wednesdays at noon. After the 30 minute Eucharist service we gather for Pastor David’s discussion, From Jesus to Constantine: How It All Began. How was the Bible compiled? Where did we get the creeds? How did a small group of Jesus’s disciples become a worldwide church of 2 billion? Join us every Wednesday through May 15th.

Weekly Class Topics:
Mar 6th St. Paul, Marketing Department
13th The Exclusive Religion
20th The Rise of Christian Anti-Judaism
27th (No class due to Holy Week)
Apr 3rd The Myth of Persecution
10th 62 Christianities. Which One Is Right?
17th 3rd Corinthians? What Happened to It?
24th How We Got the New Testament
May 1st Baptism and Eucharist Take Center Stage
8th The Doctrine of the Trinity
15th Jesus to Constantine: What We Learned

Let’s Give A Gift to World Hunger …

St. James will help celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the ELCA (Lutheran) World Hunger Program with a significant donation to their worldwide ministry this spring. Please contribute to this gift that already has $5,000. Your gifts will:
– Provide food for immediate needs in 64 countries
– Equip communities to foster long-term changes
– Provide education and quality health care
– Share sustainable solutions in agriculture
– Advocate for just laws
Join us in being part of the story of our next 50 years together – boldly and hopefully pursuing God’s promise of a just world where all are fed. You can place cash in the offering plates (one near each door), cut a check to “St. James Lutheran Church” with “hunger” in the memo line, give electronically, or donate a stock gift. We will send our gift April 30th. Thanks for celebrating 50 years of helping others!

$6,040 Already Given for World Hunger …

In the first ten days of our fundraising drive you have already contributed $6,040 to Lutheran World Hunger in celebration of their 50th anniversary. Our thanks to our Endowment Ministry for their initial gift of $5,000. You are invited to give your gift through April 30th.

Your St. James Leaders …

At their February meeting, our St. James Council elected officers to serve on your behalf. Installation will be on March 10th. Congratulations to:
President – Sue Hammond
Vice-President – David Scott
Treasurer – Esther Portnoy
Secretary – Leigh Nelson

Our Downtown Ministry …

On February 20th our Council was updated as to the many ways St. James is working to care for those on our streets AND keep our sidewalks safe. Our staff connects with the City of Portland daily. Over the past month camping on the sidewalks, drug abuse and trash have all been reduced.

Here are a few updates on our ongoing efforts:
– Our school parents paying for a security guard morning and afternoon
– More frequent police presence and additional interaction with city social workers
– Proposed Clean and Safe cleaning area from Park Ave to 405 freeway
– Rapid Response sanitizing the entire block weekly
– Our St. James Apartment installing security gates and more litter pickups
– Interestingly, our 5-days-a-week feeding is utilized by a different group of those in need

St. James Welcomes Six New Members …

We are delighted to receive six new members on Sunday, March 3rd. They will be introduced in worship and you can greet them at the reception following.

Spring Bach Cantata Vespers …

Mark your calendars for our Bach Cantata Vespers service on Sunday, April 28th at 5:00pm. The service will feature the St. James Choir, guest singers, soloists, organ, and orchestra. Please join us for the service, which will be followed by a reception in Pioneer Chapel. We look forward to seeing you there!