From Pastor David’s Desk …
The Augsburg Confession became real in July 1530; that is, 494 years ago this month. In late June of that year, Martin Luther’s colleague Philipp Melanchthon traveled to the town of Augsburg, Germany to present twenty-eight statements of faith to Emperor Charles V. Melanchthon and Luther agreed with twenty-one of the statements, and suggested reforms for the remaining seven. This was known as the “Presentation of the Augsburg Confession” and by July, Lutherans began to be labeled as agitators in a reformation. To this day, The Augsburg Confession stands as a summary of the main teachings of the Bible and a call to unity in the Church worldwide. Every Lutheran pastor cannot be ordained without saying “yes” to it, yet you may have never heard of it. This is often because Lutherans point to the Bible, rather than to a presentation of a summary of beliefs from 1530.
At St. James, we center our spiritual lives around these articles of faith to guide us when we ask questions like:
–Who is God (the Trinity)?
–How can our relationship with God be renewed when broken (Justification)?
–Why are baptism and Eucharist important (The Sacraments)?
On Sunday, July 28th we will celebrate the “Festival of St. James, Apostle” and mark our 134th anniversary as a downtown Portland congregation. On that day, I will also thank God for the gift of forty years of ministry as a Lutheran pastor. Together, we continue to honor our past and bring needed reforms to our future path of faith.
–Pastor David
Parkside Piano Series …
Robert Schumann’s Piano Quartet in E-Flat Major Op. 47 was brought to life on Sunday, June 23rd as St. James welcomed The Trillium Piano Quartet. This was the first of three summer concerts highlighting the gift of our new sanctuary Mason & Hamlin piano. Five additional pieces by Danny Elfman (b. 1953) also brought joy to the afternoon event. THE SECOND PARKSIDE PIANO SERIES CONCERT this season features Hammer & Peg with pianist Reece Marshburn and cellist Dylan Rieck. This wonderful duo will be presenting a program that pairs familiar classical repertoire with original compositions and will also feature new arrangements of non-traditional repertoire including a Bossa Nova, Ragtime, and even a beautiful ballad by Billy Joel. Hammer & Peg will be performing on Sunday, July 28th. A $15 donation is suggested and a champagne reception will follow. Please join us again on Sunday, August 11th for Tim and Nancy Nickel (piano 4-hands.) All concerts begin at 4:00pm.
Welcome Sarah …
St. James has welcomed a new Administrative Assistant, Sarah Cutler. You may have seen her already at the desk or operating the camera for the weekly service broadcast. She’s currently a student at PCC and would love for you to say hi!
Pastoral Care for the Unsheltered …
On Tuesday mornings this Summer, our efforts are being accompanied by pastoral students from Legacy Emanuel Hospital. As part of our five-days-a-week food distribution, Tuesday is the day students spend time in the South Park Blocks offering pastoral care and a listening ear. Our thanks to Becky Polley and Ethan Allen for joining us in this neighborhood ministry as they use St. James as a clinical site for Clinical Pastoral Education.
Used Book Drive …
Your gently used novels and biographies can benefit those at William Temple House and Counseling Center in NW Portland. From July 1st through August 15th, bring your books (no school text books) to the Pioneer Chapel. We will then deliver them to the Counseling Center for use in their lobby or for clients to take home. In 2019, we held a similar used book drive that brought smiles to those at William Temple House.
In Remembrance …
We gather on Sunday, July 14th to thank God for three St. James members who died this spring: Bonnie Wilson, Richard Bishop and Rose Clementi. During our 9:30 Eucharist service, we will offer our prayers and hear about them in the sermon. At 10:30 we will gather in the Pioneer Chapel to share memories of these three beloved members of our faith. We hope you will share a memory and invite others to join us for this reception. As always, if you wish to make a memorial gift honoring their ministry, please direct it to the St. James Memorial Fund.
St. James Day …
July marks the feast day of St. James, Apostle. Each year, we celebrate this event with a Eucharistic service of thanks and a reception immediately after. This year, we will highlight our 134th anniversary as a St. James congregation and also honor Pastor David for 40 years of ordained ministry. We will also take a photo of the gathered worshipers for the history books. Invite a friend to join you on Sunday, July 28th.
Scholarship Ministry …
For many years, St. James has helped members excel in their educational goals by offering financial scholarships. Recipients range from those who attend a Vocational School to learn a skill after high school to those who attend a four-year college. Again this summer, our Scholarship Committee will review request from undergrads when the committee gathers on Sunday, August 4th. Scholarship applications (found on this website under “Life at St. James” > “Education” on the navigation menu) are due July 30th. Let us help you grow!
Welcome New Members …
On August 11th we will welcome new members during our worship service. If you also would like to make St. James your spiritual home, please speak with Pastor David.
Lutheran Ligaments …
St. James walks from Portland to Seaside. The roster for our St. James team Lutheran Ligaments is complete, but we are looking for potential substitutes. If you can be available August 23-24, contact Larry Larsen.
