Pictured above (photo by Albert Alter) is our St. James congregation as we paused July 28th, 2024 to thank God for 134 years of ministry in this neighborhood. We also marked the thirty-year anniversary of our ministry with lower-income residents at our St. James Apartments. We are grateful for those who gave willingly of themselves to be signs of God’s love over the years. We are also appreciative of those pictured who daily live out our St. James theme: we are “in the City for Good.”
From Pastor David’s Desk …
“To develop foresight, you need to practice hindsight.”
–Jane McGonical
Your Bible gives many illustrations of looking back to God’s faithfulness in order to gain inspiration for our future. Psalm 105 and Revelation 11 are two such examples. The psalm is about God’s steadfast history with the Hebrew people while the Revelation passage proclaims that in the end, God wins.
Last month at St. James our ministry looked into the rear-view mirror:
–We remembered the lives and ministry of those who died this spring, Bonnie Wilson, Richard Bishop and Rose Clementi;
–Later we thanked God for 134 years of St. James ministry and 30 years of providing low-income housing at our St. James Apartments.
Now in August and into the Autumn we look forward:
–We support students via our Scholarship ministry (August 4th);
–We welcome new members on August 11th;
–We provide donated books to William Temple Counseling Ministry;
–Our Lutheran Ligaments team walks to the coast (August 23rd-24th);
–We celebrate two baptisms (September 8th);
–We kick-off our Sunday School year on September 15th.
Our God has a track record. As the hymn tells us, God has been our help in ages past and is our hope for years to come. That inspires us for our path forward in faith.
–Pastor David
Sunday Morning Childcare …
Did you know that St. James provides childcare during Sunday Morning Worship all year long? Meet our attendant, Adina Walls, on the lower level. She will be ready to greet your children with her big smile.
Scholarship Ministry …
On Sunday, August 4th, our Scholarship Team will award financial help to those St. James members who are attending a trade school or a four-year undergrad degree. Our thanks to those who have applied online via our website. Congratulations!
Our Partnership with Emanuel Hospital …
This month we say congratulations to Becky Polley and Ethan Allen who will complete their Clinical Pastoral Education course through the Spiritual Care ministry of Emanuel Medical Center. For the past 3 months our St. James feeding ministry has been accompanied by the pastoral care they provided for those who live on our local streets. In addition to our ministry of providing nutritious food, hygiene items and new clothing five days a week, Becky and Ethan have provided a listening ear to those in need. On August 9th Pastor David will attend their graduation.
St. James Welcomes 8 New Members …
We look forward to receiving these eight into membership on Sunday, August 11th, 2024 during worship. They will be introduced at that time and a welcoming reception will follow.
Parkside Piano Series …
This month, the Parkside Piano Series is excited to welcome back Timothy and Nancy LeRoi Nickel for our August concert! Join us on Sunday, August 11th at 4:00pm for a concert of piano 4-hands and piano and organ duets. A donation of $15 is suggested and a champagne reception will follow.
William Temple House Book Drive …
This month on August 15th, we deliver our book drive collection to William Temple House. Thank you to everyone who has donated so far. We are still accepting donations up until our delivery date, so feel free to continue contributing.
Lutheran Ligaments …
At 6:25am, on Friday, August 23rd, the Lutheran Ligaments will set off for a two day walking relay — joining thousands of runners and walkers in the Portland to Coast Relay — that begins here in Portland and ends in Seaside on Saturday afternoon, August 24th. Our thanks to the 17 who will participate.
