Historian and St. James member Friedrich Schuler recently published a book on the 1899 Quarantine Station in Astoria, Oregon. Dr. Hill Hastings is credited with keeping the fishing and timber community safe during the plague. Yet Schuler suggests that his greatest accomplishment was “not to panic.”
This month at St. James, God’s Spirit plays a similar role. On Pentecost Sunday (May 28th) we celebrated the arrival of the Holy Spirit whose task is to be our advocate, instill faith, act as our connecting tissue, and move us from panic to peace daily.
With the guidance of God’s Spirit, this month we will gladly risk new things:
–Welcome and get to know 10 new members (June 4th)
–Become a clinical site for Emanuel Hospital chaplains and pastors (June 7th)
–Celebrate the baptism of little Claire Nelson (June 11th)
–Open our doors to the neighborhood with musical events (June 11th, 18th, and 25th)
–Witness the marriage vows of Hailey and Sean, friends of St. James
We don’t go it alone. God’s Spirit accompanies us in risking new things – in moving us from panic to peace.
–Pastor David
We Welcome Ten New Members …
On Sunday, June 4th St. James will welcome ten new members. They will be received during the service and a welcoming reception will follow in Pioneer Chapel. Welcome!
Our Partnership with Emanuel Medical Center …
This month two ministries hold hands. On June 7th our feeding ministry to downtown houseless individuals will be enhanced by additional pastoral care. Four seminary students will supplement their 400 hour Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) studies with hands-on counseling and interaction in the South Park Blocks each Tuesday and Wednesday for nine weeks. Another phase will begin in the fall and another in winter. The goal is to care, not proselytize. Legacy Emanuel’s Director of Spiritual Care, Pastor Jill Rowland, raised this link with Pastor David some months ago upon hearing of our St. James food box ministry that brings food and needed items to those who gather near our church doors.
Summer Bach Cantata Vespers …
Mark your Calendars for our Bach Cantata Vespers service on Sunday, June 11th at 5:00pm. The service will feature Bach’s charming Cantata 112 “Der Herr ist mein getreuer Hirt” (The Lord is my faithful Shepherd). The St. James Bach Choir will be joined by soloists and instrumentalists. If you are interested in joining the choir for this service, please contact Director of Music Ministry, Colin Stave. Please join us for this beautiful service with a reception to follow.
St. James Jazz Vespers …
The next Jazz Vespers falls on Sunday, June 18th, Father’s Day, at 5:00pm. The featured artist will be Mike Horsfall’s daughter, Haley Horsfall, on vocals and percussion. Haley has performed at St. James several times, the last time being next door in the lobby of the Church of Christ, Scientist, while our church was being renovated. Haley will be joined by our St. James house band with Laurent Nickel on bass, Brent Follis on drums, Mike Horsfall on piano, and Valarie Brown serving as cantor. Pre-Vespers music begins at 4:50pm. Freewill offering. Join us after the service for an artist reception for Cindy Geffel in the Pioneer Chapel at 6:00pm.
Sunday Parkside Concert Series …
The Parkside Piano Series is excited to welcome Timothy and Nancy LeRoi Nickel back to the St. James sanctuary with a program of music for one piano and four hands. Pacific Northwest pianists Timothy and Nancy have performed extensively throughout the US and Europe, championing the performance of original keyboard ensemble music for over four decades. Come enjoy the music of Dvorak, Schubert, and Brahms on Sunday, June 25th at 4:00pm with a champagne reception to follow.
