From Pastor David’s Desk …
The presidential election will occur November 5th and many of us have already completed our mail-in ballot. Anxiety stirs:
- Who will take up residence in the White House?
- Who will represent us in Portland’s City Hall?
- Are we better off today, than four years ago?
As Christians, we are called to be good citizens and participate in the decisions that shape society. But my contention is that the familiar polling question has it all wrong. As people of faith who follow a crucified and risen Lord, our question isn’t “Are YOU better off,” but:
- Is my NEIGHBOR better off?
- Is my COMMUNITY better off?
- Will my decision promote the common good?
Robert Putnam, in his new book “The Upswing,” claims that we Americans used to think as a community rather than as individuals, but not lately. That’s why this month at St. James, we will emphasize the “we” and thank God for all the saints (November 3rd), hear about your work with refugees (November 10th), hear how we are bringing hope across the globe via Lutheran World Relief (November 17th), and helping local families with housing (November 24th). We’re better off together.
–Pastor David
Thank You From Pastor David …
“Thank you for your generous gift of a month’s sabbatical. The month of October completed the three month sabbatical you offered over a year ago. I was fortunate to visit President Pickett of our Lutheran Seminary in Berkeley, CA, engage in visioning with bishops in California and Arizona, read good books, and celebrate my 40th year of ordination with former classmates. I am grateful for those who provided leadership while I was away.”
All Saints Sunday …
On Sunday, November 3rd, we will join Christians worldwide in celebrating All Saints Sunday. Our ministry and memories stand on the shoulders of those faithful ones who now rest in God. We will read the names you have offered, as well as those at St. James who have died in the past year. As is tradition, we will also read the names of those houseless individuals who have recently died in our neighborhood. All of this will occur one day after we gather for the funeral service for Barbara McLeod on November 2nd.
Election Day …
Exercising the right to vote is the incredible privilege and duty of the American public. Make sure to get your vote in on time! Here are the deadlines for getting your vote in:
- General Election Day: Nov. 5th, 2024
- Return ballot by mail (postmarked by): Nov. 5th by 8:00pm PST
- Return ballot in person: Nov. 5 by 8:00pm PST
Our Courtyard Got a Makeover …
This month, our courtyard transformed with new paint on the labyrinth and an Eagle Scout project enhancing the play area for the CDC. The labyrinth was repainted a distinctive yellow shade and will be used in contemplative prayer and for individuals. The Eagle Scout project, provided by CDC graduate Cole Zupancic, added two courtyard benches (with storage for school toys), two new trees, and a hopscotch pattern for the children.
Sharing Our Gifts …
Each Sunday at St. James, we celebrate the Eucharistic Meal. The opening liturgy of this sacrament has been used since the fourth century. Since Christ fed us, we feed others. On Sunday, November 10th, we will acknowledge that all our money, talents and resources are gifts of God to be shared. We will also hear how you are welcoming refugees. Join us for this special day of thanks.
Lutheran World Relief Open Space …
Our St. James ministry reaches far beyond our church door. In September, we sent $980 to support the good work of Lutheran World Relief (LWR) around the globe. You are touching the lives of farmers in Sudan, Ukranian refugees, and those dealing with conflict in the Middle-East. On Sunday, November 17th, LWR representative Lisa Kipp will join us to thank you personally and to share highlights of our work together.
PDX Housing Solidarity …
On Sunday, November 24 at 11:00am, join Mandy Ellertson to hear stories about people who have been able to purchase homes working with PDX Housing Solidarity. The St. James Eco Social Justice Committee is sponsoring a campaign to raise funds to help a BIPOC family own a home in Portland. We are working with PDX Housing Solidarity for this campaign. According to their website, they are a “collective of Portland-based activists and organizers working to redistribute wealth and privilege to interrupt racialized disparities in homeownership and inequitable cycles of intergenerational wealth.” They specialize in community building, redistribution opportunities, and resource navigation. How the process works: BIPOC families apply to get assistance affording a down payment on a home, donations come in, and wealth is redistributed to help the chosen families afford the down payments on homes. The family we will be sponsoring will be selected in February 2025. Our campaign will run through January 31st, and the goal is to reach $25,000. You can participate in this campaign by writing a check to St. James Lutheran Church. These donations are completely tax-deductible. Thank you so much for your valued help in this important campaign. Contact Mandy Ellertson for any questions, or go to pdxhousingsolidarity.org to learn more.
“The Great Thanksgiving” …
On Sunday, December 1st, the Eco Social Justice Committee will host coffee hour. The theme “The Great Thanksgiving” is intended for us all to give thanks for what we have in our kitchens. This event will help us all remember that food waste is a huge contributor to carbon emissions and climate change. According to www.foodrescue.net, up to 40% of all food ends up in landfills. Please join us December 1st, as we look in our cupboard and enjoy food from leftover feasts to learn more about the cost of food production and how to reduce food waste.
New Member Sunday …
We will begin the liturgical year (Advent 1) by receiving new members into our St. James family. On December 1st, we will make introductions, provide welcoming literature and enjoy a welcoming reception as we share the bounty from our Thanksgiving dinners. See Pastor David if you also wish to join at this time.
Bach Vespers …
Enter into the contemplative season of Advent on December 1st with the 300th liturgical anniversary of Bach’s Cantata number 62: “Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland” (Savior of the Nations, Come). Premiered on December 3rd in 1724, this cantata proclaims the arrival of our Savior, Jesus Christ, and highlights the hymn and text written by Martin Luther, himself. Join the St. James Choir along with amazing soloists and instrumentalists on Sunday, December 1st at 5:00pm.
Your Faithful Offerings …
We are grateful for your regular offerings and gifts to St. James. They sustain our ministry and move us forward. In these last two months of the calendar year, we know that some of you are able to provide an additional year-end gift. Will you do so? It could be a check in the Sunday offering plate, a stock-gift from an investment fund, an electronic gift by clicking on “E-Giving” here on our St. James website, or a gift given in memory or honor of a loved one. If you have questions, just call the St. James office and ask for Sharon. Thank you for being good stewards of the blessings with which God showers us.
