Friends and Neighbors, 

The Justice Ministry at St. James has made a significant impact. You showed that as we brought more than our average worship attendance to the Nehemiah Action in April. Our Sunday morning Adult Formation time (9:15 AM-10:05 AM) will focus on justice during September. We will begin with scripture, continue with tradition, and consider our own lived experience of being part of Justice Knox. Bring your thoughts and questions as we explore how to live out the call of doing justice. 

The lectionary readings for this Sunday hold themes of being called. In Luke 14, we hear some challenging words about the cost of discipleship. The prophet Jeremiah presents the image of God as a potter who can break a pot if necessary. I am thankful that we read those within the context of a community and larger tradition. These texts are good reminders as we seek to do justice in our community. Showing justice and mercy to our neighbors is how we enact our faith. As we do that, there is a cost.

Again, when I count the cost, I am grateful to be part of a community and tradition seeking to follow Christ together. The life of faith is one that "no one can do for you and you can't do alone." We have opportunities to walk together at St. James. I encourage you to avail yourself of some of the groups and activities listed in this email. We have many opportunities this month and beyond. 

There is also the cost of spending some time leading the work we do. It is that time when we will select new vestry members. A vestry member must be a member of the congregation for at least a year, confirmed, age 16 and older, and have a record of giving financially to St. James. The vestry is the board that attends to the temporal matters of the church. If you would like to serve or would like to nominate someone, please let me know. We will select new vestry members at our annual meeting in October. 

Thank you for being a community that counts the cost of being a disciple of Christ. Sharing this journey helps all of us find our way.

Peace, 

Fr. John Mark