On Sunday, July 23rd we will commemorate our name: St. James Lutheran Church.
In October of 1889, a small band of Lutherans gathered in the wild, undeveloped part of the Oregon territory called Portland to found the first English speaking Lutheran Church within several hundred miles. On March 2nd, 1890 thirty people signed the articles of agreement and named the ministry after Jesus’ disciple James. We stand faithfully in that tradition today, some 133 years later.
We will mark the Festival Day of St. James the Apostle this year with a Celebration Eucharist and a festive reception. New member Matt Duskin will be baptized and we will renew our commitment to be God’s hands and feet in this community. Eleven pastors have served St. James, from Pastor Zweizig (1889) to Pastor Knapp.
So join us on July 23rd and before you ascend to the altar rail, dip your finger into the baptismal font to cross yourself. There you will find a scallop shell — the symbol of St. James.
On the pilgrimage with you,
–Pastor David
The Parkside Piano Series …
The Parkside Piano Series at St. James is excited to welcome baritone Kevin Walsh and pianist John Strege for a program of art songs that stretch from the 1600s into the 20th century. John Strege served for 37 years as the Canon for Music at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral and has long been an active accompanist in the Portland area. Baritone Kevin Walsh is an acclaimed soloist whose appearances include the Portland Symphonic Choir, Bach Cantata Choir, Third Angle, and the Trinity Episcopal Cathedral Music Series. Come enjoy a concert of Purcell, Brahms, Vaughn Williams, Beach and more on Sunday, July 9th, 2023 at 4:00pm with a champagne reception to follow.
The Parkside Piano Series was created to celebrate and dedicate the beautiful new Mason & Hamlin piano in our Sanctuary! Join us on July 9th and August 13th for fun concerts filled with beautiful music! There are still opportunities to support this endeavor through concert sponsorships, piano fund donations, and free will offerings. If you would like to know more about how you can be involved, contact the front office.
Portland Pride Parade …
Join Pastor David for the Portland Pride parade! We will gather after the Sunday service on July 16th, 2023 and walk downtown to cheer on the parade.
Celebrating Our Name …
We hope you will join us on Sunday, July 23rd, 2023 as we remember the life and ministry of Jesus’ disciple James. In 1889 our congregation took on his name as generations have sought to also be disciples of the Christ. James, and his brother John, were among Jesus’ first called disciples (Mark 1:16, 18-19). Jesus later invited him to the Mount of Transfiguration. Legend has it that he died as a martyr in 44 CE and was buried in Spain. His burial site is where pilgrims end their journey on the Santiago De Compostela path, which has been traveled since the Middle Ages. Today, we at St. James continue the journey of following the Christ with acts of love.
St. James Scholarship …
Applications are no longer being accepted for the 2023 St. James Scholarship. The deadline for submission of applications was Sunday, July 30th, 2023. Applicants must be a member of St. James and pursuing an undergraduate degree. No late applications will be accepted. The Scholarship Committee will gather on August 6th to review completed applications.
