From the Pastor’s Desk …
When I open my Bible, I read that
• Israel was fed with manna from heaven
• Elijah was sustained by bread and meat brought by ravens
• The disciples traveled with a common purse, and Jesus fed 5,000 with a young boy’s lunch.
God has a knack for blessing us in mysterious ways. Perhaps part of that mystery is viewing ourselves with new eyes. While some never get beyond the attitude of always wanting more, we find life in what we give, as Churchill reminded us. We give ourselves away in relationships. We serve those in need because it leads to life. We see our income as a gift of God to be shared. Those ideas are foreign to the world while we see them as avenues to a life of faith.
On November 9th, we will gather all the white “Estimate of Giving for 2026” cards and bless them at the altar. We hope your card will be among them as we offer this prayer:
“God of abundance, as we gift these cards back to you, we know that they are outward signs of your inward work in us. May they become seeds that bring forth newness in the upcoming year. Bless our intentions; bless our hopes and dreams, and bless the world through these offerings to you.”
–Pastor David
Installation of Presiding Bishop …
Rev. Yehiel Curry was elected as the next Presiding Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) at the ELCA Churchwide Assembly in Phoenix, Ariz., on July 30th, 2025. He began this role on Oct. 1st, 2025, and was installed on Oct. 4th in Minneapolis. Welcome Bishop Curry!
Congratulations to Our Confirmation Students …
We joyfully celebrate our newest congregants — Emmett, Blake, Mira, and Meg — as they root themselves in the past and grow toward the future of their faith journey. May God continue to guide and bless them in the years ahead!
Food Box Ministry …
Starting in November, food distribution will shift to Monday–Thursday only. Thursday deliveries will include extra food to support neighbors through the weekend. Final Friday delivery: October 31st. Thank you for your continued support and heart for this ministry!
–Mali Jensen
All Saints Day …
Dr. Robin Steinke steps into our St. James pulpit as we commemorate All Saints Sunday, November 2nd, 2025. Dr. Steinke has served as the President of Luther Seminary in St. Paul, MN since 2014. St. James member David Rutlen presently serves on the Luther Seminary Board. After worship at 11:00am she takes your questions at an Open Space titled “Where Have All The Churches Gone.”
“Estimate of Giving” …
On Sunday, November 9th, 2025, we bless our “Estimate of Giving” cards at the altar. That afternoon our musicians share their gifts with a Bach Cantata Vespers Service. A cut-out card can be found on pg. 6 of the November Newsletter, or by the offering plates.
New Members …
St. James will again welcome new members into our church family. On Sunday, November 23rd, 2025, we will introduce them during worship and get to know them better at the reception that follows. If you also would like to make St. James your church home, please speak with Pastor David.
Christmas Gift Program …
Once again we will be sponsoring a Christmas gift program, providing a family with clothing and gifts. Please remember, you do not need to wrap the gift because we will be having a wrapping party on Sunday, November 30th, 2025, in Open Space. We invite you to click on this link: bit.ly/47avgoT to view the Shopping List. All items must be purchased no later than Saturday, November 29th.
–Cathie Coffman
The Great Thanksgiving …
Coffee Hour on November 30th, 2025 will be sponsored by the Eco Social Justice Committee in the spirit of considering the importance of limiting food waste. Please consider bringing — to share with the rest of the congregation — appropriate leftovers. We did this last year and the event was a hit. According to the United Nations Climate Change Committee “Food loss and waste account for 8-10% of annual global greenhouse gas emissions; cost USD 1 trillion annually.”
–Mandy Ellertson
Lutheran Ligaments Walking Team …
We have been selected to participate in the 35th annual Providence Portland To Coast Walk Relay, on August 28-29, 2026! Invitations to our individual members will be sent in January.
–Larry Larsen
Don’t Get Caught …
There has been an increase in phishing attempts recently. Whenever you get a text or email from an unknown source, take caution. Here are some steps to take if you are contacted by anyone with a request:
• Compare the sender’s info with what you know.
• Contact the supposed sender using info you have used before or know to be accurate.
• Be Cautious in giving out any personal information or fulfilling any requests.
• Confirm it’s spam, then report and delete/block the sender.
No one from St. James will ever reach out directly via text or email with a “special request” or “favor” — or ask you to purchase gift cards — or anything of that sort.
