Sunday, February 4th
9:30am Eucharist
11:00am Open Space: Bonhoeffer: Faith Under Fire

Sunday, February 11th
9:30am Eucharist
10:45am Coffee Hour

Wednesday, February 14th
Ash Wednesday
12:00 Noon Eucharist

Sunday, February 18th
9:30am Eucharist
11am Open Space: The Creative Spirit with Monica Setziol
4:50pm Jazz Vespers featuring John Moak, trombone
6:00pm Artist Reception

Wednesday, February 21st
12:00 Noon Eucharist
12:45pm Bible Study: From Jesus to Constantine

Sunday, February 25th
9:30am Eucharist
11:00am Wine Tasting

Wednesday, February 28th
12:00 Noon Eucharist
12:45pm Bible Study: From Jesus to Constantine

“Elton John Played His Final Concert”
American Songwriter magazine

Seven rock bands played their “final” concert last year. Among them were Aerosmith, the Eagles, and Elton John. Except “final” evidently now means “endless.” They keep performing!

One of our Lutheran scholars explored the biblical readings for our upcoming season of Lent (February 14th – March 28th) and likened them to Jesus’s final ministry tour featuring his “greatest hits of righteousness.” The stories highlight:

–Jesus’s temptation in the wilderness
–Jesus overturning the money-changers tables
–Jesus’s promise, “Where I am, there you will be also”

At St. James, we will take this final “ministry tour” with Jesus and recognize our lives reflected in his. We too will feel temptation. We too will get angry at our money-oriented society. And we too will cling to Jesus’ promise of constant presence. That is the journey we will take together.

The good news is, like those aging rock star bands, our journey will be endless and eternal. We call it Easter.

–Pastor David

Ash Wednesday …
Join us for our Noon Eucharist Ash Wednesday service on Wednesday, February 14th.

Wednesday Noon Eucharist and Church History …
We return to Pioneer Chapel for this midweek service and study on Wednesday, February 21st at noon. After the 30 minute Eucharist service we will gather for Pastor David’s discussion on the book, From Jesus to Constantine: A History of Early Christianity. How was the Bible compiled? Where did we get the creeds? How did a small group of Jesus’s disciples become a worldwide church of 2 billion? Join us.

St. James Wine Tasting …
The winemaker needs more time than Jesus did to make water into wine. The process takes place annually in the vineyards of the Willamette Valley when water makes its way into grapes which eventually become wine. It only takes a little longer. You can learn more about the mysterious and elegant characteristics of well-crafted wine on Sunday, February 25th in the Pioneer Chapel when Archery Summit Winery will be sponsoring a wine tasting event following 9:30am worship. Non-alcoholic beverages will also be available. There is a $10 suggested donation. Proceeds will be donated to Lutheran World Relief.

Luther Seminary Lecture …
St. James member Dr. David Rutlen is sponsoring Luther Seminary’s memorial lecture “Science, Truth, and Christian Faith in a Time of Eco-Crisis” with Rick Lindroth. The lecture is Tuesday, February 27th at 5:00pm. It can be watched via the free livestream: https://www.youtube.com/lutherseminary

New Members To Be Welcomed …
On Sunday, March 3rd we will receive new members into our St. James family. They will be introduced that day and a welcoming reception will follow. In 2023 we welcomed 18 new members. If you too would like to make St. James your spiritual home, please see Pastor David.

Spring Bach Cantata Vespers …
Mark your calendars for our Bach Cantata Vespers service on Sunday, April 28th at 5:00pm. The service will feature the St. James Choir, guest singers, soloists, organ, and orchestra. Please join us for the service, which will be followed by a reception in Pioneer Chapel. We look forward to seeing you there!

Welcome New Administrative Assistant!
Parker Brocker-Knapp will serve as an interim Administrative Assistant. Stop by and say hello!