At St. James we understand that we are never done learning; God continues to reveal Himself to us and to the world, and we are committed to understanding and developing our faith and our spiritual connection. At St. James we offer various types of educational programs for both youth and adults year round.
All programs and groups listed below are open to everyone; please join us!
St. James Lutheran Church Scholarship Program
For the past 25 years, the St. James Scholarship committee has awarded financial scholarships to members pursuing higher education. Congratulations to three students who were awarded scholarships for higher education this 2025-2026 school year. Checks of $2,000 for each for tuition will be sent this week to Montana State University, New York University and Portland Community College.
Sunday School (Children & Youth)
Sundays Sept.-May, 11:00am-12:00pm
Sunday School is for children under the age of 16. Sunday School meets every Sunday during the school year (we take a break for summer vacation.) The Sunday School program is developed by volunteers and contains music, a Bible lesson that relates to the Sunday’s Gospel text, and an activity each week. Children in the Sunday School program actively participate in worship 4-5 times a year and donate all of their offerings to global development efforts with the ELCA. Vacation Bible School is typically offered in the summer, in conjunction with other neighborhood churches.
Our childcare assistant, Adina Walls, will meet our younger children on the lower level during worship providing Biblical stories and activity time.
Confirmation Instruction (Youth)
Second Sundays Jan.-Oct., 11:30am-1:30pm
This year began with our middle school students exploring their faith and asking tough questions. Each 2nd Sunday of the month for ten months, since January 12th, 2025, they have been gathering either at church or attending a field trip setting to discover the riches of the Bible message and the guidance provided by Luther’s Small Catechism. Our five confirmation students have been learning about their relationship with God through exploring the Ten Commandments, The Apostles’ Creed, and a journey through the Bible with special emphasis on the life and ministry of Jesus. The classes are led by a rotating group: Pastor Barry Rogge, Bishop Emeritus Dave Brauer-Rieke, and Pastor David. If at the end of the process, the students wish to formally “confirm” their faith, it will occur on Reformation Sunday, October 26th, 2025.
Last month Pastor David visited our five confirmation students in their homes has they prepare to Affirm their Baptism and Confirm their Faith on Sunday, October 26th. But first, there is more to explore.
Sunday, August 10th – Class on “The Life of Christ” led by Pastor Dave Brauer-Rieke
Sunday, September 14th – “Our Spiritual Lives” with a field trip to The Grotto with Pastor Rogge
Sunday, October 12th – “Affirming Our Baptismal Covenant” class with Pastor David
NOTE: In addition to your daily prayers, you can support these young people by volunteering to provide a lunch for them at 11:30 am on the second Sunday of each month. Will you sign up?
Open Space (Adult)
Sundays Year-Round, 11:00am-12:00pm
Open Space takes place most Sunday mornings in the Main Sanctuary of St. James Lutheran Church. All are invited to attend and listen, participate, learn, grow, and share as we develop a stronger sense of our individual faith and also who we are as a community of believers in our world today. Topics range from biblical study to current events, social issues, and information session about local organizations. Open Space is a safe environment where all questions and viewpoints have the right to be heard respectfully.
SPECIAL OPEN SPACE on August 24th, 2025: Nael Aldweib, MD, who grew up in Bethlehem in the West Bank and whose family has been touched by the war in Gaza, will talk at Open Space on August 24th. He will discuss the history of Palestine from the early 19th century to the present.
Open Space will begin the 2025-26 year on Sunday, September 14th at 11:45am.
September 14th, 21st, 28th – October 5th: Fall Kick-Off – Growing in Faith …
We begin our educational program year on Sunday, September 14th with a four-session class with members of our neighbors at First Congregational Church (SW Park Ave at Madison). The theme “I Am the Vine; You Are the Branches” (John 15) will emphasize our rootedness in Christ and the gift living out our faith in community. Pastor Derek Austin and Pastor David will be our guides. Note that for these four Sundays only, we will gather in Pioneer Chapel from 11:45am to 12:45pm to accommodate our neighbors. So enjoy an extra-long coffee time first!
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 — 20 committees and groups will be represented in the Pioneer Chapel.
October 19th: (11:00am) “Twelve Songs The Changed the World” with Interim Choir Director John Cox
October 26th: (10:45am) Confirmation Reception
November 2nd: (11:00am) “Where Have All the Churches Gone?” with President Steinke
