At St. James we understand that we are never done learning; God continues to reveal Himself to us and to the world, and we are committed to understanding and developing our faith and our spiritual connection. At St. James we offer various types of educational programs for both youth and adults year round.
All programs and groups listed below are open to everyone; please join us!
St. James Lutheran Church Scholarship Program
On Sunday, August 4th, 2024 our St. James Scholarship team awarded financial scholarships to two members from our church who are pursuing higher education. Congratulations! Look for the 2025 application form here next June.
Sunday School (Children & Youth)
Sundays Sept.-May, 11:00am-12:00pm
Sunday School is for children under the age of 16. Sunday School meets every Sunday during the school year (we take a break for summer vacation.) The Sunday School program is developed by volunteers and contains music, a Bible lesson that relates to the Sunday’s Gospel text, and an activity each week. Children in the Sunday School program actively participate in worship 4-5 times a year and donate all of their offerings to global development efforts with the ELCA. Vacation Bible School is typically offered in the summer, in conjunction with other neighborhood churches.
Our childcare assistant, Adina Walls, will meet our younger children on the lower level during worship providing Biblical stories and activity time.
Confirmation Instruction (Youth)
Second Sundays Jan.-Oct., 11:30am-1:30pm
This year begins with our middle school students exploring their faith and asking tough questions. Each 2nd Sunday of the month for ten months, beginning on January 12th, 2025, they will gather either at church or attend a field trip setting to discover the riches of the Bible message and the guidance provided by Luther’s Small Catechism. The classes will be led by a rotating group: Pastor Barry Rogge, Bishop Emeritus Dave Brauer-Rieke, and Pastor David. If at the end of the process, the students wish to formally “confirm” their faith, it will occur on Reformation Sunday, October 26th, 2025.
NOTE: In addition to your daily prayers, you can support these young people by volunteering to provide a lunch for them (8 total) at 11:30 am on the second Sunday of each month. Will you sign up?
Classes will continue each month through October.
Open Space (Adult)
Sundays Year-Round, 11:00am-12:00pm
Open Space takes place most Sunday mornings in the Main Sanctuary of St. James Lutheran Church. All are invited to attend and listen, participate, learn, grow, and share as we develop a stronger sense of our individual faith and also who we are as a community of believers in our world today. Topics range from biblical study to current events, social issues, and information session about local organizations. Open Space is a safe environment where all questions and viewpoints have the right to be heard respectfully.
Open Space Returns …
St. James’ Adult Education Program, Open Space, will begin the 2024-25 year on September 15th at 11:00am. Our thanks to Mandy Ellertson and the members of the St. James Education Committee for helping to plan our fall speaker schedule.
Below are the topics for Adult Classes:
September 15th: Kick-Off Sunday at St. James
During worship on this Sunday, we welcome Albert Alter, who, using his mime skills, will assist Pastor David in the presentation of the sermon. Then toward the end of our coffee time, Albert and Pastor will present the fall Open Space schedule through actions (and a few words). Bring the kids and grandkids.
September 22nd: Native Arts and Culture
Join presenters from the Native Arts and Culture Foundation to hear about what their organization is creating and developing. The foundation is based in Portland, but they support over 400 artists and programs nationwide. St. James is a supporter of this organization through our Endowment Committee.
September 29th and October 6th: The Political Responsibility of the Church
Our guest pastor, Mark Brocker, will present these sessions as the November election draws near. He states that the classes will “utilize insights from the life and writings of German Lutheran pastor and professor Dietrich Bonhoeffer and consider how they apply to our political context today. We will also draw on observations from contemporary theologians and political commentators.”
October 13th: Endowment Committee Spotlight
Come and hear about the work and mission of your Endowment Committee. This event will take place in the Pioneer Chapel with a light luncheon.
October 20th: Capturing Art and Nature with a Cell Phone
St. James Art Committee members Ron Zellar and Albert Alter will share some tips on how to take great pictures with your cell phone.
October 27th: Congrats to Carol & Jules Auger for 65 Years of Marriage!
The congregation will celebrate Carol and Jules Auger’s 65th wedding anniversary with a reception.
November 3rd: Walking the Labyrinth with Sue McBerry
Engage in a discussion about the spiritual and practical application of the newly repainted labyrinth.
November 10th: Global Refuge
Jonathan Buck of Global Refuge will speak about a program that works with Guatemalans who have been denied entry to the U.S.
November 17th: Lutheran World Relief
Hear Lisa Kipp from Lutheran World Relief describe how your contributions to the organization have impacted people around the globe.
November 24th: PDX Housing Solidarity
Join Mandy Ellertson to hear stories about people who have been able to purchase homes working with PDX Housing Solidarity.
NOTE: No official Open Space classes will be held this December. However, feel free to engage in the following celebrations this month during Coffee Hour …
December 1st: New Members Reception.
December 8th: The Fireside Singers, led by Chrisse Roccaro, will offer songs.
December 15th: Scandinavian Coffee Hour and Lucia Bride.
December 22nd: Violinist Megan Scott will play carols and requests. Please email requests ahead of time.
December 29th: Cookies and Carols with singing around the tables.
January 5th: Shine A Light During The Epiphany by participating in discussions related to the book Skin and Bones by Renee Watson. We will have two discussions during the Open Space on January 5th and 12th.
January 12th: Continued discussion on Skin and Bones by Renee Watson for the Shine a Light During The Epiphany class.
January 19th: Mark Landa will present his new book, Contested Land. It is both a family history and deals with the topic of reparations.
January 26th: The Annual Congregational Meeting at 10:45am. Help make decisions that will shape our 2025 ministry.
February 2nd: Personal Insight into Painting – St. James Guest Artist Joel Nickel.
February 9th: God Loves a Cheerful Giver – Guests from PDX Housing Solidarity Charlie Collier and Allison Brinkhurst will present potential BIPOC candidates to receive our gift.
February 16th: Thou Shalt Not Covet Thy Neighbor’s Car: A Light Hearted Look at Automobile Obsession – Scott Ellertson Presenting.
February 23rd: Volunteering for the Food Ministry – Sarah Cutler and Corinne Gross share stories, talk behind-the-scenes, and call for volunteers for our St. James food ministry.
March 2nd: Preparing for Death and New Life – Attorney David Scott, Pastor David Knapp, and Music Director Colin Stave talk planning end-of-life wishes and funeral requests.
March 9th: Chan Chan – Capital of the Chimu: The largest city in South America 1400 – Friedrich Scuhler presenting.
March 16th: New Member Reception – Welcome!
March 23rd: Spring Break – No Class.
March 30th: Spring Break – No Class.
Join us for our upcoming Adult Classes on Sundays at 11:00am!
April 6th: Sustainability & Basic Needs — Director of PCC’s Basic Needs Programs, Chelsea Kimmett, will present how she infuses sustainability into basic needs like food.
April 13th: CROP Hunger Walk Information — Esther Portnoy presenting.
April 20th: Easter Sunday — No Open Space.
April 27th: Earth Day Video & Discussion — The Eco-Social Justice Committee will host a film and discussion on the global water crisis.
