August is a wedding month at St. James. Committing to healthy relationships is worth celebrating! Even Jesus’ mother thought so (always listen to your mother!).
Chelsea and Ethan Kimmett are St. James members who will honor their 10th wedding anniversary with an outdoor Reaffirmation of Vows service. It will occur at their home in early August, exactly ten years after their first “I do’s”.
Emily and John are friends of St. James and they will tie the knot at Nordia House in a week. They met working for Alaska Airlines and have worshiped with us on both Christmas and Easter. They are excited about all their journeys ahead.
Claire and Ryan met while attending Lewis and Clark College nine years ago. Claire brings to the marriage her (almost) PHD in English while Ryan works as a Physician’s Assistant. Ryan also has deep roots as one of Oregon’s native tribal peoples. They will exchange vows at the end of the month.
Like the wedding in Cana recorded from John 2, no one expects the wine to run out. But we will smile as we hear “YES” three more times to God’s gift of relationship.
–Pastor David
Weekly Email Devotions …
We have been pleased to provide St. James Email Devotions several times a week during the pandemic period. It was a good way of keeping us connected. Then for over a year we have supplied devotions for Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Beginning in August we will scale back to Thursday and Saturday. Some will contain inspirational notes from Pastor David, all will include announcements and events important to our St. James community. Karin Hatch, from our St. James office, will continue to alert you to downtown parades, bridge closures and other events that may affect your parking or public transportation plans.
Kathy Hoffman Book Signing …
Kathy Hoffman, a local author from Messiah Lutheran, has written two books filled with funny anecdotes from life in Hazel Dell. She will sign copies in the Pioneer Chapel after the service on Sunday, August 13th. Each book sells for $20 and proceeds go to ELCA World Hunger. Kathy’s first book resulted in over $12,000 dollars for World Hunger, and she’s hoping to surpass that with her second book! Come support ELCA World Hunger and local Lutheran authors!
Parkside Piano Concert Series …
The Parkside Piano series is honored to welcome acclaimed jazz pianist Darrell Grant on Sunday, August 13th at 4:00pm for the third concert of our 2023 season. In this solo concert, Grant evokes piano giants Ahmad Jamal, Ramsey Lewis, Joe Sample, and Herbie Hancock. Join us in exploring Darrell’s 30-year catalog of original compositions and arrangements and in celebrating the release of his forthcoming album Our Mr. Jackson. Your suggested $10 donation will help us bring more music to St. James.
The Walkers of St. James — Join the Lutheran Ligaments!
On August 25th the Lutheran Ligaments will set off for a two day walking relay that begins here in Portland and ends in Seaside. The walkers are: Sandy Castles, Gerald Cohen, Carl Cottingham, Jeannette Griese, Corinne Gross, Steve Gross, Sue Hammond, Larry Larsen, and Kathleen Larsen. All walkers are friends or members of St. James! The team is still looking for one additional walker to join the race, contact Larry Larsen if you would like to participate.
Special Summer Open Space …
Join us Sunday, August 27th as Pastor Robyn Hartwig shares the story of the good work of Eco-Faith Recovery. This important ministry brings together people from inside and outside the church to engage in the work of caring for the earth as we struggle with the devastating effects of human made climate change. For four years our St. James Endowment ministry has helped to fund their work. Now, let’s learn more about the work YOU are doing.
