Friends and Neighbors,

We had a busy weekend at St. James. The weather finally allowed us to have our Ministry Marathon. It was a delight to see new and longtime parishioners meeting and sharing to learn about the many opportunities for ministry at St. James. Thank you to everyone who helped make this event happen. A special hat tip goes to Sharon Teets who gathered folks to plan and implement this event. I know that I learned more about our ministries and the people who make them a reality. 

A few of us were delegates to the annual convention of the Diocese of East Tennessee last Saturday. Delegates from St. James were Mark Abell, Carla Livesey, Patricia Hammer, and me. I heard Bishop Cole call the diocese to prayer and conversation as we look to the future. We will see and hear more about this as we engage in a visioning process as a diocese. Many have said that the Church at large is in a state of shift that resembles a kind of reformation. Such a time calls us to reflect on how we share the love of Christ in a changing world. 

We share that love right here in our community. Ministry was in action as we had two large funerals last weekend. You helped welcome people to our church as they grieved the loss of loved ones. You also fed some hungry neighbors, kept some friends warm and dry, and provided space for people to support one another in recovery. 

Sometimes it feels rather chaotic when I think about all the things that we do, and about all the many things we could do. Perhaps a little chaos is OK. I pray that it is the creative chaos over which the Spirit hovers to bring forth light and life. May our life together be guided by the Spirit as we share the love of Christ in word and deed. 

Peace,

Fr. John Mark