We are worshiping just next door at Sixth Church of Christ, Scientist throughout the construction period at St. James. Join us for worship and fellowship on Sundays at 9:30am.
From Pastor David:
“The very first Easter taught us this: that life never ends and love never dies.”
–Kate McGahan
It happens in the 80th minute.
At every Timbers home soccer game suddenly the mood of the crowd changes; from loud feet-stomping and rough and tumble competition comes a sweet song:
“You are my sunshine,
My only sunshine.”
The tune envelopes the crowd at Providence Park and unites them with tenderness. It is sung in memory of Timber Jim’s daughter Hannah who died too young in an auto accident. She was Jim’s sunshine.
Easter changes the mood for us. Jesus’ suffering and death moves us to unlimited living where “life never ends and love never dies.” Possibilities abound. Our imagination is limitless. The dead-end signs have been removed. At St. James we are pushing forward with our $3.5 million building renovation so that generations of ministry can follow in this place. We have given generously to those who are fleeing the brutal war in Ukraine. We even changed our Sunday morning worship venue by moving next door to Sixth Church for a few months. Resurrected-life takes risks and is willing to embrace change. Thank you all for your willingness to be an Easter people. We are following our Risen Christ on a journey without maps — every 80th minute and more.
–Pastor David
Thank You for Your Offerings
Your faithful offerings sustain ministry. From January through March this year your gifts exceeded ministry expenses by $14,991. This will help with construction transition costs as we rent space at the Sixth Church next door.
Your Gifts for Ukraine
Since Putin’s war on Ukraine began on February 24th, you have given over $11,181. Your gifts are now helping mothers and children who are fleeing to Poland and other countries. If you would like to learn more about the war in Ukraine and what you can do to help, Lutheran Immigrant and Refugee Service is hosting a Zoom webinar on Tuesday, May 3rd at 12:00 Noon. You can sign up for the webinar here: https://tinyurl.com/LIRSUkraine.
Coming Up: Open Space at St. James
Be sure to join us for an exciting series of Adult Education events this May and June! Interested in leading an Open Space? Contact Mandy Ellertson for more information.
May 1st Art Museum Visit — Frida and Diego — guided by Friedrich Schüler
May 8th Mother’s Day (No Open Space or Sunday School)
May 15th Reception for Pastor Heidi Fish (Pastor Fish was our Vicar in the 1990’s. She now serves a church near Seattle. Welcome Back!) — comments by Pastors Fish and Knapp
May 22nd Synod Report (News from our Synod Assembly: What are 112 churches doing in Oregon?) — Mandy Ellertson, Scott Ellertson, and Pastor David
May 29th Memorial Day (No Open Space or Sunday School)
June 5th Discussion on merging the Justice Committee with Caring for Creation Committee — Mandy Ellertson and Doris Nielsen
June 12th Summer Book Reading in the Library — with George McCargar
June 19th Cheering on the Portland Pride Parade — All are welcome!
June 26th Keeping our downtown neighborhood safe. — Sergeant Matt Jacobsen from the Portland Police Bureau
A New Piano for Our Sanctuary
St. James Lutheran Church has recently purchased a piano after several individual gifts were given in memory of loved ones. Our “team” of researchers spent two months researching and testing different pianos for the space and decided as a group on a one-owner, used Mason & Hamlin. The piano has been called a “muscle car” of pianos and allows St. James’ sanctuary to serve as an outreach venue to the entire Portland community. It will serve individuals, choirs, and instrumental groups as a true performance instrument in a phenomenal downtown music space. The piano will remain in storage until construction is complete.
–Shirley Roggen
Fall Vespers at St. James
This fall we look forward to reinvigorating the St. James Vespers tradition with a service on Sunday, October 23rd at 5:00pm. This Vespers service will highlight and celebrate the Reformation with instrumental, vocal, and organ music. Mark your calendars and join us!
