Friends and Neighbors, 

School has kicked off for many of our youngsters and those who work with them. I am delighted that Lesley Starck will be leading our youth (Middle school and up) as we team up with Church of the Good Shepherd to form a North Knoxville Episcopal Youth Group! See the announcements below about a cookout on August 11. Theresa Russell continues to lead our nursery team and shape formation opportunities for younger children. We will bless backpacks and the folks who use them during our 10:30 service on August 18. I am reminded of this prayer from page 829 of The Book of Common Prayer: 

------------------------------------------

God our Father, you see your children growing up in an unsteady and confusing world: Show them that your ways give more life than the ways of the world, and that following you is better than chasing after selfish goals. Help them to take failure, not as a measure of their worth, but as a chance for a new start. Give them strength to hold their faith in you, and to keep alive their joy in your creation; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

-------------------------------------------

The world is unsteady and our faith gives us a centeredness amid so many voices. No, we don't always get easy answers. We bear witness to the story of God being with this world even in the hard and broken places. Of course, we do that through formal ministries. You also demonstrate the love of Christ when you welcome folks at St. James and in your daily life. So many people have been broken and hurt by the church and the world. We are a community that can offer healing and refuge. Thank you for making this a healing community. 

I look forward to the upcoming season at St. James. We have many opportunities to gather. Take note of the announcements below about upcoming events. Know that the gifts of your presence (and skills, and time, and money) help us continue to be a place where we can all know the reconciling love of Christ.

Peace,

Fr. John Mark