From the Pastor’s Desk …

St. James celebrates 135 years of ministry this month, and we have always had a knack for trying new things.

In 1954 a Juke box (pictured above) was installed in the narthex entry area at a cost of $1,100 (that’s over $13,000 in today’s dollars). With the church doors open, the “Select Your Own Music” label encouraged any passerby to pick from 100 songs to play free of charge. The recordings ranged from Bach chorales to old gospel hymns and people with “overwhelming problems found an atmosphere of balm,” according to our history. It was deemed a good investment.

This month, we give God thanks for those before us who stepped out in faith to share God’s love in a new way. We also project our path forward as our St. James Vision Task Force helps us to define what it means to be “In the City for Good” today. Join us on Sunday, July 20th as our Oregon Synod Bishop Laurie Larson Caesar steps into our pulpit to thank us. Then our July 27th Anniversary Sunday and Meal will feature invited guests, a commissioning of our new Visitation Team, special music, and a generous gift to Lutheran World Relief. We have just begun to attune our ears to new ministries ahead. Maybe you can hear it calling us from the old Juke box.

–Pastor David

We celebrate 135 years of ministry! …

  • Sunday, July 13th – New Member Welcome and Reception.
  • Sunday, July 20th – Oregon Synod Bishop Laurie Larson Caesar will preach.
  • Sunday, July 27th – Anniversary Day Worship and Meal with Guests: Pastors Andersen and Neubert.

New Member Sunday …

On Sunday, July 13th, we welcome a group of new members. They will be introduced during worship and a reception will follow. Of the group, one was a Pacific Lutheran University roommate of a longtime member. Another speaks fluent Japanese and another recently moved to The Pearl. Welcome as our St. James congregational membership now exceeds 250 members.

St. James 2025-26 Scholarship Application Now Open …

For the past 25 years, the St. James Scholarship committee has awarded financial scholarships to members pursuing higher education. The scholarship application form for the 2025-26 school year can be found on this St. James website, under Life at St. James > Education. Please fill it out and send via mail or email to the office by July 15th, 2025. If you would like a hard copy of the application, simply inform the office.

St. James Participates in Portland Pride Festival …

On Sunday, July 20th at 12:00 noon, Pastor David and St. James members will join with those from St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in staffing our Lutheran booth. We will provide water and Holy Communion to any who participate in the Pride Parade and Waterfront Park gathering. You are welcome to join us in showing your support of our LBGTQ+ community. See Pastor David or Karin Hatch if you would like to serve with us.

Our 135th Anniversary Gift to Lutheran World Relief …

As we give thanks this month for 135 years of ministry, we will look beyond our doors and give a gift to the worldwide ministry of Lutheran World Relief. In May, we fashioned over 200 Personal Health Kits and now we will follow up with a cash gift. Our goal was $8,000. As of July 1st, we have already exceeded our goal and given close to $10,000. Thank you! Let’s continue to give this month well beyond our goal until we send the funds on our July 27th Anniversary Sunday. Mark your donation to “LWR Gift”.

Anniversary Task Forces …

On May 28th, our 135th Anniversary Task Force met to coordinate plans for our July 27th celebration. These plans include a festive meal, invited guests (including former St. James Pastor Dennis Andersen), a new sanctuary banner, an updated membership directory, improved lighting in the worship area, special music, and a gift to Lutheran World Relief. On June 7th, our St. James Vision Task Force began their work in providing a roadmap for our future ministry together. Their goal is to shape a “wellness check” rather than an exhaustive strategic plan. With monthly meetings ahead, they hope to present their plan to the congregation at the annual meeting in January 2026.

Emanuel Hospital and St. James …

Our partnership continues this summer with those being trained as chaplains at Emanuel Medical Center. Each Tuesday throughout the summer, Eric, Bonnie, Shanee, Schuyler and Teri assist us in providing food to those in need in the Park Blocks. They then spend time counseling and listening to those who are houseless. We are pleased to be a clinical site for this partnership ministry.

In the Neighborhood …

With the February closing of our neighboring church St. Stephen Episcopal Church (SW 13th and Clay), we look forward to the possible creation of “St. Stephen’s Parish Overnight Shelter for Unhoused Individuals” on-site. If approval is given, St. James hopes to contribute with hands-on participation where needed.

Additionally, Pastor David is working with Pastor Derek Austin of 1st Congregational Church (one block away) to form a four week fall gathering and learning time on the theme “I am the vine, you are the branches” from John 15:5. It will be a way of bringing our two faith communities together and help us each discern what it means to be connected to Christ in our individual downtown ministries.