From the Pastor’s Desk …
This month we begin a new phase in being good stewards of what is placed in our care. Since 1890, each generation has lovingly updated our historic church building, and now it is our turn. Here’s a look at what you will see later in February:
• Removal of our 1984 gas boiler to install an electrical heating system and air-conditioning.
• The office/classroom space will be sealed off for more than two months for this work.
• The Church Office will temporarily move to the former “Honey’s Cafe” at the base of the St. James Apartments.
• Our school (CDC) will move off site to SW 2nd and Alder for several months.
• Portions of the outside courtyard area will be dug up to install electrical cables.
• We will continue to worship in the sanctuary but there will be no wheelchair accessible entrance.
• Later, the roof will be replaced.
These are exciting changes and will require some adjustments from all of us. All church contact information will remain the same. Stop by our temporary offices directly across from Safeway to say hi. As always, we thank our St. James team for their hard work in preparing us to be good stewards of God’s gifts.
-Pastor David
Highlights from the Annual Meeting …
We gathered on January 23rd to set ministry plans for the year. Here are some highlights from the gathering and our ministry in 2021:
• We thanked past leaders and elected four members to Church Council, two to the Endowment Committee, and three to the Nominating Committee.
• In 2021 we welcomed 29 new members, said goodbye to 6 members (5 by death, 1 by transfer), and celebrated 4 baptisms and 4 weddings.
• Last year we gave $15,905 to Lutheran World Relief to bring the COVID Vaccine to developing nations. We gave an additional $23,000 to help Lutheran Community Services NW settle Afghan Evacuees.
• We were strengthened spiritually through Open Space and Sunday School, Contemplative Prayer, and two multi-week online Bible Studies.
• We welcomed Director of Music Ministry Colin Stave, Administrative Assistant Elsa Dougherty, and Sunday Childcare Attendant Samantha Tonasket.
• We stayed safe during the second year of the pandemic and worshipped both in person and online.
• Due to your generosity we experienced our highest giving since 2008 and passed a ministry spending plan of $492,637.
• We prepared to sponsor an Afghan Evacuee Family and begin a $3 million update to our historic building.
• Our Card Ministry expressed our love to those in transition, our Jazz Vespers group released a CD, and our Lutheran Ligaments team walked from Portland to Seaside.
• Our choir returned to the Nave and our Visual Arts Group pointed our eyes and thoughts to Immigration/Migration.
