From the Pastor’s Desk …
There is nothing like getting lost! Other than that uncomfortable feeling in your stomach, you may discover a wonderfully unexpected path. So, what if we thought of our inevitable mistakes as an opportunity to create a new vision. What if our detours were unexpected travel blessings?
This fall at St. James, we will hold on tight to the confidence we have in Christ. Since we know that we are made in the image of God, accompanied by God’s Spirit, and given a mission of love, we are free to take unexpected paths to new places. Our travel document will be this prayer:
“O God, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go, but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us.”
Like Abraham and Sarah, and like Mother Mary singing her song of acceptance, we follow the promises of God to places unknown. This month we welcome interim music staff, learn of vine and branches, and teach our confirmation students. We do so confidently, knowing we do not journey alone. So let the words above be your daily prayer this September. Pray it with confidence.
–Pastor David
Welcome Interim Music Staff …
Colin Stave’s tenure with us ended last month after four years. We move forward now by creating two new part-time interim positions. We welcome John Cox as our Interim Choir Director and also Paul Flyger who serves as our Interim Organist. Both bring a rich history of experience and a love of sacred music. Take time to get to know them. Special thanks to our St. James Music Support Team for their helpful assistance.
In St. James News …
Farewell and best wishes to Sarah Cutler who has served us well at our front desk. She now moves on to attend college full-time at Portland Community College. Happy Birthday to St. James member Loretta Carson who just celebrated her 93rd birthday.
Congratulations St. James Scholars …
Last month, our St. James Scholarship Group met and awarded funds to three applicants engaged in post high school education. The funds were sent directly to the student’s school to assist with tuition.
St. James Walkers — 25 Years …
This year, the Lutheran Ligaments walking team took on the Portland to Coast Walking Relay in 98-degree heat! The team placed 116th out of 268 teams, placed 14th in their division out of 46, and finished the walk in 32 hours and 23 minutes, just under their projected time! Congratulations to our team, and thanks to our volunteers Steve Larsen, Linda Larsen, and Dorothy Cottingham. This was our 25th year participating.
Confirmation Students Travel to The Grotto …
On Sunday, September 14th, our five confirmation students will explore spirituality as they take a field trip to The Grotto. Pastor Barry Rogge will serve as the tour guide as students learn about walking with Christ daily. Then, on October 12th, Pastor David will lead their final class titled “Affirming Our Baptismal Covenant” which will include exploring our St. James Ministry Fair that day. Confirmation Sunday will then be celebrated on Sunday, October 26th. Our thanks to all who continue to keep our five young people in prayer.
Neighbors Learn Together — Special Adult Class …
Twenty-Five members of 1st Congregational Church (SW Park and Madison) will be joining us for our special autumn adult educational event. “I Am the Vine; You Are the Branches” is the four session theme in our own Pioneer Chapel at 11:45am Sundays September 14th, 21st, 28th and October 5th. Pastor Derek Austin and Pastor David will lead the study from John’s Gospel. Each class will use different wines as a metaphor for our life with Christ. Some wine tasting will take place. A sign-up sheet is near the coffee pot during Coffee Hour for you to add your name (or call the St. James office). We want to prepare for your participation.
Open Space Classes …
Open Space returns! Note the time changes for our first five sessions.
September 14th: (11:45am) “The Vines and the Branches: A Picture of Fruitfulness”
September 21st: (11:45am) “Thick-Skinned Grapes and the Value of Resiliency”
September 28th: (11:45am) “Thin-Skinned Grapes and the Irony of Weakness”
October 5th: (11:45am) “The Soil and Environment: The Power of Diversity”
October 12th: (10:45am) Ministry Fair in Pioneer Chapel – 24 committees and groups will be represented.
Knappton Cove Heritage Center Visit …
Come join us for a day trip to the Ellis Island of the Columbia River on the other side of the Columbia river from Astoria, Oregon. It is a privately owned museum. St. James members have a once in a lifetime chance to visit. Unlike in New York, our quarantine station is fully furnished with original pieces from before 1936. You can find more information at the following URL: knapptoncoveheritagecenter.org
Our member and historian Friedrich Schuler has a key. He will give a tour of this remarkable historical site and narrate the turbulent sailor life at the mouth of the river between 1900 and 1910. On Saturday, September 20th, we will leave in our individual means of transportation to the museum at 10:00am from St. James for the 2.5 hour ride. There will be a 2 hour visit with time to walk the museum grounds by yourself and marvel at the bay. That is followed by coffee and pie time at Astoria’s Pig n Pancake. Then we all head back home, arriving around 5-6:00pm. Look for the sign up sheet, more detailed information and maps and GPS instructions.
